Researchers at IRB Barcelona have made significant advances in developing shuttle peptides that can transport drugs across the blood-brain barrier. These peptide vectors show promise for treating neurological diseases with improved efficiency and lower side effects.
A novel small-molecule Wnt inhibitor named NCB-0846 has been discovered with potential to eradicate colorectal cancer stem cells. The inhibitor targets the Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) regulatory component of the Wnt signaling pathway, blocking its signal even in colorectal cancer cells with APC gene mutations.
A novel inhibitory brain receptor emerges at puberty, reducing seizure-like activity and suggesting a mechanism for epilepsy remission in adolescents. This finding could lead to new treatments for childhood epilepsy.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have investigated how electrons respond to extremely fast electric fields, reaching speeds of up to petahertz. They observed that the absorption of diamond varied characteristically following the rhythm of the oscillating electric field, confirming the dynamical Franz-Keldysh effect.
Nanoscope Technologies has been awarded a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Audacious Goal Initiative grant to develop ultrafast laser-based gene delivery technology for vision restoration. The company aims to re-sensitize photo-degenerated retinal areas with a highly photosensitive Multi-Characteristics Opsin (MCO) using an infrared...
Researchers found that an extract from house dust mites triggers different responses depending on the age of the person, with leukotrienes playing a key role in adults. The study suggests that cortisone therapy may not be effective against this type of allergy and that targeted therapies could be more effective.
Research on smokeless tobacco products has identified several bacteria species associated with opportunistic infections, such as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus. These bacteria can produce toxins that cause illness in large quantities and may also contribute to the formation of carcinogenic compounds.
Researchers at NIST and Shandong University have found a way to grow large crystals that could revolutionize laser technology. The microcrystals outperform conventional crystals in some ways, but their performance challenges scientific theory.
Researchers found highly variable contamination events in the Eagle Ford shale region due to mechanical inefficiencies. The study suggests that air contamination from fracking can be monitored and controlled with improved efficiency.
Research from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that consumers conserve resources when they perceive a hotel to be environmentally friendly. The study revealed that visible efforts by firms can influence consumer behavior, with eco-friendly initiatives leading to greater resource conservation and cost savings.
Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered how CRISPR-Cas9 targets DNA in live cells, finding that guide RNA stability affects cleavage. The study's findings help predict off-target cuts and may improve gene editing tools.
Researchers demonstrate optomechanically induced non-reciprocal transparency and amplification in a microresonator, enabling the creation of controllable isolators and circulators. A non-reciprocal phase shift of up to 40 degrees is achieved using two oppositely propagating driving fields.
Typhoon Lionrock is a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 knots, forecast to make landfall near Tokyo on August 30th. Its intensity track remains uncertain, with some predicting it will weaken and others that it will remain strong.
Tropical Storm Lester, the 12th named storm of the 2016 eastern Pacific Ocean, was analyzed by NASA's GPM core satellite. The storm showed moderate intensity bands of rain curving around its eastern side, with rainfall rates reaching over 54 mm per hour.
Researchers at MIT and SUTD used light to print 3D structures that can remember their original shapes after being stretched, twisted, and bent. The structures can be printed with micron-scale features and have potential applications in biomedical devices, soft robotics, and solar panel tracking.
A novel schistosomiasis vaccine called Sm14 Vaccine has reached phase II clinical studies, prioritized by the World Health Organization. The vaccine aims to prevent the parasite that causes the disease from installing in the patient's organism and causing damage.
Researchers found that banning tobacco sales within 1,000 feet of schools significantly reduces the number of tobacco retailers while minimizing disparities by income level and proportion of African American residents. Implementing such a ban could lead to potential health benefits for low-income communities.
A Vanderbilt University team is using mineral deposits in caves to shed new light on prehistoric megadroughts in the western US. The researchers hope to identify atmospheric drivers that caused extended droughts, informing projections of future drought severity.
Researchers found that mismatch repair machinery preferentially protects genetic integrity in open chromatin regions, increasing mutation rates in heterochromatic areas. This study provides direct evidence for the role of epigenetic systems in maintaining genetic fidelity.
Researchers found that a dramatic shift in the microbial community of planaria robs it of regenerative abilities, similar to observed shifts in human inflammatory disorders. The study provides a valuable model for understanding the interplay between immunity and regeneration.
A new epigenetic test can diagnose the primary tumor responsible for metastasis in patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), allowing for more specific treatments. This test, EPICUP, analyzes a patient's DNA to identify the type of cancer, resulting in improved survival rates.
In Botswana, scientists have successfully controlled invasive aquatic weeds like salvinia, water lettuce, and water hyacinth through biocontrol and legislation. The country's efforts have improved water resource use, wildlife conservation, and tourism, contributing 25% to GDP.
Researchers have found a mechanism that explains how cells transport cargo efficiently and selectively within their boundaries. The discovery reveals that flexibility in large tether proteins plays a crucial role in initiating the fusion process.
A recent Phase 3 clinical trial led by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that a new nasal spray anesthetic called Kovanaze is effective in preventing pain during dental procedures. The study showed that the compound was comparable to commonly used injectable numbing agents and had minimal side effects.
Researchers have reported a new neurological complication of Zika virus infection, specifically sensory polyneuropathy, in a Honduran patient. The study highlights the potential for Zika virus to cause acute infectious sensory polyneuropathy, which began during the acute infectious phase.
A new study suggests that sound plays a limited role in attracting coral larvae to reef systems. By recording particle motion using accelerometers, researchers found that the signal drops rapidly below levels detectable by most marine species just a few meters away from the reef. This finding challenges previous studies and highlights ...
Researchers have identified a potential molecular mechanism through which lead exposure can harm neural stem cells and neurodevelopment in children. Lead exposure was found to induce oxidative stress response in these cells, with two proteins involved in the process: SPP1 and NRF2.
A study found that naturally-occurring sugars in breast milk, particularly lacto-n-difucohexaose I, may protect babies against Group B streptococcus infection. Women who produced this sugar were less likely to have the bacteria in their gut and their babies were also less likely to get it from birth.
The moth species Heliothis subflexa has a specialized diet of Physalis fruits, which provides it with direct and indirect protection through the presence of withanolides. These compounds increase larval growth and immune system activity while also protecting against bacterial infections caused by Bacillus thuringiensis.
A global study involving 10.6 million people contradicts a previous finding that being overweight increases longevity, stating that it is instead linked to a higher risk of premature death from coronary heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease. The study's findings have important clinical and public health implications.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a long-lasting zinc-ion battery that costs half the price of current lithium-ion batteries and provides high reversibility, rate, and capacity. The battery uses safe materials and a pH-neutral electrolyte, making it ideal for grid energy storage and renewable energy production.
Researchers propose spherical tokamaks as a design for future fusion devices, offering a compact and low-cost solution for harnessing fusion energy. The upgraded NSTX-U and MAST facilities will provide crucial data for developing commercial fusion plants.
NASA's AIRS and Suomi NPP satellites are monitoring Tropical Storm Gaston's weakening position in the Atlantic. The storms expected to strengthen over the next 48 hours, with forecasters warning of increased winds and potentially tighter storm structure.
Researchers have successfully grown norovirus in laboratory cultures of human intestinal epithelial cells, paving the way for further studies on prevention, treatment, and control of norovirus infections. This achievement represents a significant step forward in understanding human gastroenteritis viruses.
Researchers at University of Illinois discovered that mechanical force can directly trigger gene expression by stretching chromatin, a condensed DNA and protein mixture. The study found that the degree of stretching affects gene expression, with varying effects based on the direction of the force in relation to the cell's cytoskeleton.
Max Frenzel estimates that the annual global production of gallium and germanium could be at least 7 times higher than it is currently. Gallium production could reach 2,900 tonnes per year, while current production is 440 tonnes, and germanium production could reach 1,200 tonnes.
A new analysis by civil engineering faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign outlines the factors that led to the 2013 Interstate 5 bridge collapse in Washington. The study highlights the importance of updating databases to reflect minimum heights and implementing automated reporting systems to prevent similar accidents.
CAS researchers have developed a new monomer fluorescent protein, Skylan-NS, enabling substantial improvements in the speed, duration, and noninvasiveness of live-cell superresolution microscopy. The protein shows high photostability, cycle numbers and signal-to-noise ratio, making it suitable for live-cell SR imaging.
The University of Oklahoma and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have been selected to lead the FAA's new Air Transportation Center of Excellence. The center will focus on researching innovative training methods, including part-task training, modeling, and adaptive learning technologies.
Researchers are uniting to tackle the complex challenge of understanding brain function through large-scale computational modeling. This approach aims to improve our knowledge of brain function by creating realistic models based on biological data.
The European refugee crisis poses significant challenges, including fierce border disputes and criticism from 90% of national residents. To address these issues, experts suggest reducing income support for refugees, accommodating unskilled immigration, and welcoming young foreigners to relieve labor market shortages.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy to cultivate beneficial beige fat, which can help ward off obesity and diabetes. By preventing beige fat cells from digesting their own mitochondria, the intervention successfully protected against obesity and pre-diabetic symptoms in mice, raising hopes for future applications in human patients.
Researchers found that individuals living near active natural gas wells were nearly twice as likely to suffer from migraines, chronic rhinosinusitis, and severe fatigue. The study suggests a plausible link between fracking and these health conditions, highlighting the need for further research and protection.
Salk Institute scientists have discovered a method to create unlimited numbers of precursor kidney cells using a three-dimensional culture and new supporting molecules. These early-stage kidney cells could be used to grow replacement kidney tissue for studying and treating diseases.
The President's Educate to Innovate campaign has resulted in over $1 billion invested in improving K-12 STEM education. The award recognizes exceptional teachers who prepare students for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills crucial to the nation's innovation.
A large international study found that people with psychosis have lower levels of physical activity, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Barriers include mobility difficulties, pain, depression, and cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that oxygen inhibits the anticancer activity of T cells in mice, allowing cancer cells to escape immune attack and establish metastatic colonies. Inhibiting oxygen-sensing proteins in T cells improved the efficacy of immunotherapy, suggesting a new approach for treating cancer.
Researchers combined high-performance computing with public policy analysis to stress-test several water management strategies in near real time. The 'deliberation-with-analysis' method was used, which provides detailed options but can be slow, and was customized using supercomputer simulations to speed up decision-making.
Researchers at UNIST have developed a novel separator membrane for batteries, featuring higher ion conductivity and enhanced performance. The new material is expected to enable significant advances in lithium-ion battery technology.
Researchers at NYU Tandon found that virtual peer pressure can influence behavior among citizen scientists, with groups performing better when competing against a virtual peer. The study used an experiment with Brooklyn Atlantis, a citizen science project where participants view and tag images of the Gowanus Canal.
A Kaiser Permanente study found an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese among normal-weight 18-year-olds living in neighborhoods with lower education or income levels. Over four years, 25% of these young adults became overweight or obese.
A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery suggests that patients with isolated moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation may benefit from surgical repair at an earlier stage than previously thought. The research, led by UAB/VA investigators, found severe underlying cardiac muscle damage in asymptom...
Researchers have discovered how the Doa10 ligase complex forms a ubiquitin chain to mark faulty proteins for degradation. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study sheds light on the importance of protein quality control in cells.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new technique to choose the best embryo for implantation, boosting IVF pregnancy success rates. The method uses digital imaging and mathematical modeling to analyze differences in embryos not visible under a microscope, helping embryologists make more informed decisions.
A new study suggests that the number of tuberculosis cases in India could be up to two to three times higher than current estimates. The research found that many people opt for treatment from private healthcare providers, which usually fail to report TB cases to public health officials.
Researchers at EPFL and CSEM have developed a robust and effective system to store solar energy by converting it into hydrogen through water electrolysis. The new system, which combines existing components, achieves a high level of stability and cost efficiency, enabling the generation and storage of enough hydrogen to power a fuel cel...
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found the roots of modern humane medical practices in a pioneering French physician, Andre Feil's 1919 medical school thesis. The thesis challenged long-held opinions about people with deformities and emphasized treating patients with dignity and honor.
New research on slobber shows that adaptation isn't just about creating new tools for survival. The study found repeated instructions in the MUC7 gene helped primates enhance important traits like saliva's lubricity and ability to bind microbes, suggesting evolution favors expansion of tried-and-true genetic tools.
A new research project from Plymouth University aims to enhance social acceptance for prisoners through wider community engagement. The Photographic electronic Narrative (PeN) project will enable trainees to create a visual, self-reflexive narrative of their resettlement journey and engage the wider community in this process.
A new paper by UC Santa Barbara researchers recommends several ways to make ecological de-extinction more successful. They suggest resurrecting recently extinct species that fit seamlessly into their ecosystems, choosing animals with irreplaceable ecological jobs, and restoring species to functional abundance levels.