The DFG is establishing seven new Research Units to tackle pressing issues in various fields, including predicting human behavioral patterns and studying the matter inside planets. The first funding period will receive approximately €17 million.
Researchers developed RNA nanoparticles that selectively bind to HER2-overexpressing breast tumors, eliminating MED1 expression and sensitizing them to tamoxifen treatment. The nanoparticles also reduced cancer stem cell content, a promising strategy for treating advanced metastatic breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that antibody levels in saliva are linked to those in blood serum, suggesting a non-invasive method for assessing immunity. Higher antibody concentrations in serum were associated with higher concentrations in saliva, particularly for IgA antibodies.
Researchers found that long-fingered bats, known for eating insects, can also catch fish. The study suggests that their fishing technique developed from a primary reaction to disappearing target stimuli, and they may improve their skills through experience and social learning.
Scientists have identified over a dozen genes linked to bone density and strength, using a novel approach that could speed up the development of new osteoporosis treatments. By mapping these genes onto existing genome-wide association study locations, researchers predicted 33 genes controlling bone mineral density.
Glowworms' adhesive threads feature water-absorbent droplets containing minerals possibly from primary urine, extracting atmospheric water to avoid desiccation. The lines' composition is unique, containing mainly water, hygroscopic salts, and biomolecules.
A study of over 5,500 women found that younger patients and those who had taken hormone replacement therapy were less likely to adhere to their medicine. The researchers identified several factors that contributed to non-adherence, including socioeconomic status and marital status, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to impro...
A recent study found that less than half of Mount Everest climbers report using medications on climbs, with acetazolamide being the most commonly used to prevent altitude sickness. The research suggests that rumors of widespread drug abuse among climbers are unfounded and that medication use is primarily for legitimate health purposes.
A Spanish-Italian team has discovered that carbonaceous chondrites can synthesise complex organic compounds in the presence of water and formamide. This suggests that these meteorites played a vital role in the origins of life in the universe.
Researchers developed algorithms to analyze social media data from 188,000 subscribers and created unique marketing personas. These computer-drawn personas can be updated quickly and are scalable for use with various types of consumer transactions.
Research from the Turnaway Study reveals that women who were denied an abortion reported anxiety symptoms and lower self-esteem after being turned away. However, these effects improved over time, suggesting that access to abortion is essential for women's psychological well-being.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus found that traditional lectures have little impact on students' problem-solving skills after the first semester. Post-secondary institutions may need to adapt their teaching styles to incorporate active discovery and skill-based learning.
A recent study published by the American Chemical Society found that red cabbage microgreens can help lower LDL, or 'bad', cholesterol and liver triglyceride levels in mice on high-fat diets. The microgreens contained more polyphenols and glucosinolates than mature red cabbage, making them a promising source of health benefits.
A Northwestern Medicine study shows that trained partners can catch far more mole irregularities than control group participants, growing their confidence and trust along the way. Common areas prone to developing fatal melanoma include hard-to-see spots on the body.
A Joslin researcher will study how exercise affects the body at a molecular level to develop individually targeted exercise recommendations and help people with mobility issues. The project aims to provide valuable insights into harnessing these molecular changes to benefit patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
A mesocosm experiment revealed that ocean acidification impairs the calcifying phytoplankton species Emiliania huxleyi's ability to form blooms, leading to reduced population size and flux of organic matter. This has strong impacts on the ecosystem, including reduced sinking of organic matter and altered climate feedbacks.
Researchers at the McEwen Centre developed functional pacemaker cells from human stem cells, which regulate heart beats with electrical impulses. The cells were tested in rat hearts and shown to function as a biological pacemaker.
A survey of nearly 1,850 airline pilots found that many are managing depressive symptoms due to fear of stigma and job impact. The study highlights the importance of assessing pilots' mental health and increasing support for preventative treatment.
A international research collaboration sequenced the entire seahorse genome, revealing gene losses and duplications that enabled specialized traits such as male pregnancy and armored body. The study provides insights into evolutionary mechanisms driving biodiversity.
A study by Professors Bhattacharyya and Chakrabarty suggests that a population of neutron stars may emit gravitational waves continuously, which could slow down their spin rates. This finding has strong implications for the study of these dense objects in the universe.
Researchers at the Forsyth Institute have defined the immune-regulatory mechanisms of Sjögren's syndrome, revealing how PD-L1 and PD-1 proteins interact to suppress protective immunity. The study found that inhibiting this pathway accelerates autoimmune responses and disease development.
Scientists at Aalto University discovered half-quantum vortices in superfluid helium, a topological defect that overcomes limitations of circulating currents. This breakthrough may enable access to isolated Majorana modes and exotic solitary particles, crucial for quantum information processing.
A recent study by KIT researchers found that communication of risks related to mobile phones can have unintended consequences. Information on efficient precautions was found to lead to an increased risk perception by recipients, highlighting the need for a better understanding of how messages about precautions affect public perception.
When southern elephant seals find dense prey patches, they adjust their diving behavior to remain in those areas. The seals dive at steeper angles and exhibit more sinuous movement during ascents and descents.
Bielefeld University physicists develop new method to study biological cells using optical tractor beams, allowing for superresolution images of DNA in single bacteria. The technique enables researchers to rotate and move bacterial cells at will, enabling the study of three-dimensional cellular structures.
A review of 22 studies on general surgery residents found a pooled estimate of 18% attrition prevalence, with significant variation between studies. The most common causes of attrition were uncontrollable lifestyle and choosing another specialty.
Researchers found a common bacterial cause of gum disease may trigger rheumatoid arthritis by inducing hypercitrullination, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans as the primary pathogen responsible for this process.
Researchers developed antibacterial agents using usnic acid-loaded electrospun fibers, which showed controlled release and mass production of active surface. The fibers demonstrated effective bactericidal activity against different bacteria, making them a promising secondary therapy for diabetic wound healing treatment.
UC researchers have identified a new drug pathway to combat Pneumocystis pneumonia, which affects immune-compromised individuals and is often fatal. The study found that inhibiting the fungus's inositol transporter could be an effective treatment, offering hope for patients with HIV/AIDS and those on immunosuppressive drugs.
Father Christmas can deliver presents without being seen by using special relativity theory devised by Albert Einstein. At high speeds, he shrinks in the direction of travel, allowing him to fit down chimneys.
Marine scientists studied the response of giant kelp forests to a record-breaking marine heat wave, finding that their biomass remained within normal ranges despite high temperatures. The lack of dramatic response suggests that more research is needed to understand how these ecosystems will respond to future climate warming.
MR urography (MRU) offers an alternative to CT urography (CTU) for whole urinary tract imaging. However, proper technique is crucial, with steps needed to ensure adequate distention and visualization of the entire system.
A study published in The BMJ found that sustained enjoyment of life over several years is associated with lower mortality. Researchers analyzed data from 9,365 participants aged 50 and older, finding a dose-response association between sustained wellbeing and reduced risk of death.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a remote-control rescue robot with improved operability and mobility for disaster situations. The robot features advanced technologies, including force control, vibration feedback, and long-range imaging, to enhance the operator's experience.
A study by University of Illinois researchers links higher blood serum levels of lutein to better performance on crystallized intelligence tests in older adults. Participants with higher lutein levels also showed thicker gray matter in the parahippocampal cortex, a brain region associated with preserved cognitive function.
Researchers found Atlantic killifish adapting to toxic pollutants due to high genetic variation, making them more resilient than other species. This study suggests that genetic diversity is key to evolutionary adaptation and could inform strategies for human sensitivity to environmental chemicals.
New research highlights the importance of including physical, political, cultural and socio-economic factors in natural hazard risk assessments. Syrian refugees living in seismically active regions of Turkey could boost the death toll from a major earthquake by up to 20 percent.
A team of researchers at UT Dallas developed a new method for trapping gases within MOF structures, which can capture emissions from coal factories and vehicles. The discovery was made possible by introducing a molecule that sealed the outer surface of each MOF crystal, effectively trapping gases.
Research finds that high levels of free haemoglobin in the blood are associated with increased brain shrinkage in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that treatments targeting haemoglobin levels, rather than iron, may be a more effective approach to slowing disease progression.
Researchers have figured out a way to study supercooled water in a deeply supercooled range, finding that liquid water can exist all the way down to subzero temperatures. They used a new technique to rapidly heat and cool nanoscale supercooled water films with a laser.
A recent study suggests that carbon stored in deep northern peatlands is less susceptible to warming, which could be beneficial for the environment. The researchers found that surface peat did emit more methane gas when warmed, but deep peat remained stable and did not release additional greenhouse gases.
A new study analysing toxic components of various wheat varieties reveals that even ancient types can be toxic through specific epitopes. The research identifies potential breeding techniques to develop non-toxic wheat-based products suitable for coeliac patients, aiming to improve their quality of life.
The study predicts a decline in annual per capita GDP growth rate of 0.21 percentage points due to population ageing, equivalent to a 7.6% drop in average income level over the 2015-2050 period. Population ageing also leads to increased government consumption and a slowdown in productivity growth, further reducing economic growth.
The 'new Arctic' is more prone to melting and storms, threatening its role as a climate moderator. Thinner sea ice functions differently, moving faster, breaking up easily, and being vulnerable to winds and storms.
A team of students has demonstrated that water-filled balloons can be made to bounce on a bed of nails, exhibiting similar behavior to tiny water droplets. The study, published in the European Journal of Physics, used large store-bought party balloons and recorded impacts at different velocities.
A new study by a University of Kansas professor suggests that parental financial support for education is associated with higher socioeconomic outcomes, including income and wealth. Young adults from families in the top quarter of the wealth distribution received over eleven times more money for school than those in the bottom half.
A new magnetic mirror-based device has been developed to map radiation from shortly after the Big Bang, shedding light on gravitational waves and the early universe. The device can modulate polarization across a wide range of microwave frequencies, overcoming a major challenge in detecting B-mode polarization.
The UCLA team implanted a spinal stimulator in a California man who broke his neck in a dirt-biking accident, showing early promise in returning hand strength and movement. The device bypasses the injury by training the spinal cord to find alternate pathways, allowing patients to regain mobility in their hands.
The Space Network will transmit double the data in a single second than it ever has before, supporting new instruments with greater data flow requirements. The upgrade enables an increase in scientific output from the International Space Station, allowing for more sophisticated experiments to be conducted.
A University of Michigan-led team is mapping surface ruptures and earthquake-triggered landslides in New Zealand using a combination of satellite imagery, drone footage, helicopter observations, and on-foot data collection. The high-resolution maps will help response teams assess landslide threats and prepare for future large earthquakes.
The University of California, Davis, is part of a six-year, $170 million NIH project exploring the molecular changes caused by physical activity and their impact on health. Researchers will use rat models to study exercise physiology and analyze tissue samples from humans and animals.
A new treatment strategy that creates new nerve synapses in the brain may improve recovery after stroke, allowing for faster learning and motor function recovery. The study found sustained improvement in mice treated with C3a peptide, which was administered through nasal drops.
A new study published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology reports initial success with imiquimod, a topical skin cream for low-risk basal cell carcinoma lesions. The 5-year follow-up results show sustained efficacy and low recurrence rates for patients treated with imiquimod.
Researchers have developed a new technique to switch key biomolecules on and off, allowing them to study the effects of kinases as they work in living cells. This breakthrough could lead to the discovery of novel drug targets for cancer treatment.
Research suggests that low-carb diets, including Atkins and Paleo, may be safe for up to six months and lead to greater weight loss compared to low-fat diets. However, the study's findings come with limitations, as there is limited data on long-term safety and efficacy.
A study found that 40% of participants could smell the distinct odor in their urine after eating asparagus, while 60% were unable to detect it. The researchers identified 871 genetic variants linked to asparagus anosmia and suggest future research on sense of smell receptors.
A statistical approach called tree bootstrapping can accurately assess uncertainty in RDS studies, enabling researchers to draw firm conclusions about vulnerable groups. This method has been applied to existing and future RDS studies, providing a basis for policy responses.
To address the world's increasingly complex problems, a broad, trans-disciplinary scientific approach is needed. UNESCO recommends fostering collaborative research and education worldwide to develop sustainable solutions for interconnected issues like energy, water, food security, and urban planning.
A team of researchers at the National Institutes of Health has uncovered a possible biochemical mechanism behind ACDC disease, which causes calcium buildup in the arteries. The study suggests that treating this condition with drugs like etidronate could help reduce calcification and potentially lead to an effective treatment.
Researchers simulate 2D glass using supercomputers, revealing it can exhibit enhanced thermal vibration motion leading to infinite softening. This finding has potential applications in energy-saving societies.