A new study led by University of Kansas economist Donna Ginther found that race is the key factor influencing NIH awards, with black and white applicants facing significant gaps in funding. White women have a slight advantage over men in receiving NIH Type 1 awards, while women of color face disadvantage due to racial bias.
Researchers have discovered that protein pairs are essential for cellular memory, allowing cells to store and recall information. The formation of these pairs enables cells to respond more quickly to environmental stimuli and differentiate into specialized cells.
An international team of researchers is using big-data approach to plan effective conservation by modeling climate-change response of over 100,000 species. The project aims to identify regions and ecosystems that preserve biodiversity and critical ecosystems, reducing extinctions due to climate change.
Researchers at Caltech investigate the genetic switch that directs cells to become T cells, discovering a multi-tiered process involving four proteins that work together in three distinct steps. This finding has potential applications in boosting T-cell populations and fighting diseases such as AIDS.
Researchers at FAU found garlic aroma in breast milk due to AMS metabolite formation. Further research is needed to clarify potential impact on infants' eating habits and food preferences.
A new mouse model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia has been developed to study pulmonary hypertension, enabling the detection of the disease at an earlier time point through echocardiography tests. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnoses and more effective treatments for premature infants.
Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers found that bone marrow transplantation extended the lifespan of mice with a common ALS-causing gene mutation by 43 days. The study suggests that the gene operates at a crossroads between disease and autoimmunity, and may hold key to developing therapies for specific subpopulations of ALS patients.
A six-fold increase in diagnosed sleep disorders among US veterans has been reported, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiencing the largest rate increases. The study found that veterans with cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions also experienced higher rates of sleep disorder diagnoses.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that comparing performance to peers and offering financial incentives increased physical activity among teams. The results showed that combining social comparison feedback with financial incentives led to the highest rate of achieving exercise goals.
Researchers found that a specific enzyme is necessary to turn off genes after physical activity ceases, leading to faulty brain wiring and impaired learning. The inability to shut off these genes can affect motor skills and learning abilities, even in adults.
A new technology called BiCAP maps protein complexes in breast cancer cells, providing detailed understanding of the disease at a molecular level. This allows for better understanding of how cancer cells respond to drugs and may eventually lead to new targets for therapy.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed a simple and versatile method using inkjet printing technology to test bacteria for susceptibility to antibiotics. The method has been shown to be accurate and reproducible, significantly decreasing the antimicrobial testing gap.
Researchers discover a derivative of [3]-radialene, a small planar molecule, which can be used to create organic semiconductors. The molecule increases the electrical conductivity of polymers by several tens and hundreds of times, paving the way for new organic solar cells and field-effect transistors.
Scientists mapped 1.2 million galaxies in a 3D map to study the properties of dark energy and its impact on the universe's expansion rate. The map reveals the effects of dark energy, allowing astronomers to measure the amount of matter and dark energy in the present-day universe.
A new study reveals that plant-eating ornithopod dinosaurs experienced four evolutionary bursts, with improved jaws and efficiency playing a key role. Despite rapid plant evolution during the Mesozoic, these herbivores remained successful, with some species even specializing in conifer digestion.
Scientists have created a four-step process to determine accurate signatures of human embryonic stem cells, relating them to precise developmental stages. The key steps involve analyzing transposable elements and DNA methylation state to assess pluripotency.
The Lancet report highlights how mass imprisonment of drug users is driving global epidemics of HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Scaling up opioid substitution therapy in prisons and after release could prevent over a quarter of new HIV infections among injecting drug users.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that single individuals rate dissimilar faces as more attractive and sexy than self-resembling faces. In contrast, people in relationships tend to find faces resembling their own more attractive.
Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf has received a $30,000 grant to fund its Tech Girlz and Tech Boyz outreach programs. The program provides opportunities for deaf middle-school students to explore technology and build robots.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified a quality-control checkpoint in pre-B cells that restricts the range of antibodies produced by mature B cells. The discovery has potential implications for making vaccines more potent.
A recent study found that biodiversity loss is no longer within the safe limit in most parts of the world. The greatest changes have happened in areas where most people live, affecting physical and psychological wellbeing. Conservation efforts are needed to preserve remaining natural vegetation and restore human-used lands.
Researchers tag NYC rats with RFID microchips to study their daily activity and potential for transmitting disease. Initial results show distinct personalities and sex differences in rat behavior, offering a new insight into these elusive city dwellers.
A team of UBC researchers has determined that vineyards in the Okanagan region have a negative impact on soil quality, with differences in bacterial and fungal communities found between vineyard and natural habitats. This study highlights the importance of preserving soil biodiversity for sustainable wine production.
Researchers identify unique immune cells that enhance anti-tumor T cell responses in early-stage lung cancer. These hybrid neutrophils may help stimulate natural protection against tumor development.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have discovered a new genetic mutation linked to osteonecrosis of the hip, which could allow for early diagnosis and treatment. The TRPV4 gene mutation was found to be common among affected family members and absent in unaffected ones.
A team of scientists at UMass Medical School identified a long non-coding RNA called lincRNA-EPS, which regulates innate immunity and prevents inflammation. In mice lacking this RNA, inflammatory responses were increased, leading to toxic shock.
A new study found a strong association between red meat intake and increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with soy and legumes appearing slightly protective. Substituting one serving of red meat with other protein sources can significantly reduce the risk of ESRD by up to 62%.
Researchers found that mice lacking orexin neurons are more sensitive to pain, while activating these neurons decreases pain-related behaviors. This suggests a link between wakefulness and the inability to feel pain.
A new method called MICSSS helps characterize human cells involved in immune responses at the tissue site, before and after treatment with immunotherapy. This technique enables views of co-expression of markers on the same cells while sparing material from tissues.
A team of researchers from TUM has identified a molecular signaling pathway for programmed cell death that is suppressed in leukemia cells. This discovery offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer progression and may lead to targeted treatment options.
Researchers have discovered a 'smart' organic nanoparticle called PEARLs that uses heat and light to target and ablate tumours with greater precision. This innovation addresses two bottlenecks in photo-thermal therapy, enabling more effective treatment of cancer with minimal damage.
A new theropod dinosaur discovered in Patagonia has forelimbs most similar to those of T. rex, indicating independent evolution of this unusual trait. The study suggests that small T. rex-like arms may have evolved multiple times, adding evidence to the evolutionary history of these dinosaurs.
Researchers from OVC at the University of Guelph discovered a new way to boost immune responses against cancer by injecting oncolytic viruses into the spleen, bypassing traditional vaccine limitations. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more targeted cancer treatments for various types of cancer.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a proto-Jê pit house in southern Brazil was continually occupied and extended over two centuries. The researchers used radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modeling to analyze the site, which revealed twelve well-preserved floors with different types of ceramics and renovation techniques.
Researchers found that new opioid use among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a significantly increased risk of respiratory-related complications and death. The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that even lower-dose opioids may pose risks for this population.
The Bardarbunga caldera is the largest caldera formation ever observed, with an area of 110 square kilometers. The team used satellite images, seismological and geochemical data, GPS data, and modeling to study the event.
Researchers have discovered a genetic switch, microRNA mirR-125a, that can be used to increase the supply of stem cells from cord blood. This discovery could potentially increase the availability of stem cell transplants for cancer patients with no matching donors.
A novel compound has been identified as a potential treatment for Huntington's disease, exhibiting two separate neuroprotective activities by inhibiting SIRT2 and activating the NRF2 transcription factor. The study demonstrates promising results in cellular and animal models of HD.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a system to predict excess monsoon rainfall or drought in central India, which can impact the national and global economy. This prediction tool has the potential to improve decision-making for policymakers and communities, ultimately mitigating the effects of extreme weather events.
Tropical Storm Celia weakened in the Eastern Pacific Ocean with NASA data showing strongest winds and storms shifted north of the center. The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite found rain falling at over 164 mm per hour within a feeder band, indicating significant convective activity.
Researchers discovered that protein pairs form feedback loops to store information in a cell's memory. The formation of these pairs is crucial for the cell's sensitivity to environmental stimuli and its ability to differentiate into specialized cells.
Researchers have discovered a breakthrough in scaling up life-changing stem cell production by using a protein derived from human blood, Inter-alpha inhibitor. This method enables faster and cheaper large-scale industrial production of human pluripotent stem cells without the need for costly biological substrates.
Global experts are calling on the UN to create and implement a four-part global action plan to reduce deaths due to limited access to antibiotics. The plan aims to improve access, monitor progress, mobilize resources, and coordinate multisectoral action to tackle antibiotic resistance.
Research from Michigan State University found that fathers' parenting-related stress has a direct impact on children's cognitive and language development, even after controlling for mothers' influences. Fathers' mental health also affects their children's behavior problems and social skills, particularly in later childhood.
A new study finds that most patients with advanced cancer report optimistic survival expectations despite clinicians' more conservative estimates. Patients from diverse backgrounds also show disparities in understanding their oncologists' opinions.
Researchers at Rice University have developed 'rivet graphene', a two-dimensional carbon material with enhanced strength and conductivity. The new material uses nanotubes to reinforce its structure, making it suitable for flexible and transparent electronics.
A new study reveals that a simple GAGA DNA sequence is essential for dosage compensation in insects, allowing males to achieve double gene expression on their X chromosome. This process likely evolved independently among different species and may be applicable to other animals, including mammals.
Researchers have identified a new class of molecules called selenocompounds that can kill multidrug-resistant cancer cells by blocking their defenses against chemotherapy drugs. The most active molecule worked almost four times better than the reference compound and induced cell suicide in cancer cells with similar potency.
A recent model-based study suggests that the current Zika epidemic in Latin America will likely peak within three years, with subsequent herd immunity preventing future outbreaks. The authors also emphasize the importance of targeted mosquito control measures, which may actually hinder herd immunity.
A new hypothesis proposes that soot ejected by the Chicxulub asteroid impact caused global cooling, drought, and limited photosynthesis in oceans. This rapid climate change is believed to have led to the mass extinction of dinosaurs and ammonites.
A new study from Imperial College London predicts that the current Zika epidemic in Latin America will burn itself out within two to three years due to herd immunity. The team's analysis also concludes that large-scale transmission is unlikely to restart for at least another ten years.
A new study reports that species integrity has dropped below the safe limit on 58% of Earth's land surface, threatening ecosystem services like crop pollination and waste decomposition. The Biodiversity Intactness Index reveals a global biodiversity loss of 84.6%, with nine terrestrial biomes surpassing the suggested threshold.
A 15-year study reveals that Luzon Island, in the Philippines, is home to 56 non-flying mammal species, 52 of which are unique to the island. The research team discovered 28 new species, including four tree-mice with extremely long whiskers and five shrew-like mice that feed on earthworms.
A £1.3m grant will enable Cardiff University and partners to further develop the LIPID MAPS resource, advancing global lipidomics research. The project aims to discover new lipids involved in disease processes and preserve a widely-used classification system.
Researchers directly measure real-time rock cracking and model sun-driven thermal stresses. They conclude that slow cracking by daily solar forces represents the majority of rock breakdown over deep geologic time. Rare events like freezing contribute to rapid crack growth, but only briefly surpassing the 'tortoise' effect.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discover that genetic mutations in pericyte cells lead to osteosarcoma and soft-tissue sarcoma. Activating beta catenin with lithium appears to limit cancer growth, offering new potential treatment options.
Researchers found a significant association between delirium and long-term cognitive decline in older surgical patients. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that delirium may serve as a marker for seniors with poor cognitive reserve.
A new study from The Ohio State University College of Public Health found that preschoolers who are regularly tucked into bed by 8 p.m. are far less likely to become obese teenagers than young children who go to sleep later in the evening. Bedtimes after 9 p.m. appeared to double the likelihood of obesity later in life.
A new study from Rice University found that patients' self-rated health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, even stronger than blood tests and measurements. The researchers linked low self-rated health to high levels of herpesvirus activity and inflammation, which are associated with poor cellular immunity and disease.
A daily PrEP pill can reduce new HIV cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) by a third in the US over 10 years if guidelines are followed, according to a modeling study. The medication is highly effective in preventing HIV infection when used consistently.