Researchers have developed a catalyst that flexibly molds reaction product handedness, ensuring correct enantiomeric form. The system's self-amplifying action enhances stereoselectivity with each cycle, holding promise for biologically active compounds and new insights into biological systems.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new method to scale down the size of silicon insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), achieving significant energy savings through reduced ON resistance. By reducing mesa width, gate length, and oxide thickness, they increased the injection enhancement effect and decrease...
A team of researchers has identified the genetic mechanisms driving the metamorphosis that transforms flounders from symmetrical larvae to asymmetrical adults. The discovery sheds new light on an evolutionary puzzle, but also has practical implications for the fishing industry, which faces significant losses in flounder aquaculture.
A Northwestern University study found that applying petroleum jelly to high-risk newborns can prevent eczema, a costly skin disorder. The cost benefit of prophylactic moisturization was $353 per quality-adjusted life year, making it an affordable option.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a microprotein involved in clearing out genetic material that's no longer needed, shedding light on gene regulation and mRNA recycling. The discovery highlights the importance of overlooked microproteins and their potential role in disease.
A new study by Lauren Sallan reveals that the tails of fish and tetrapods are distinct structures with different evolutionary histories. Fossilized fish hatchlings show a dual tail structure consisting of a scaly, fleshy tail and a flexible fin.
Researchers have identified a novel microprotein called NoBody, which is involved in sweeping out unneeded genetic material inside cells. This discovery may signal the existence of additional microproteins involved in key biological mechanisms and diseases.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München discovered a mechanism to recycle bacterial ribosomes stalled on messenger RNAs lacking termination codons. This process, involving the protein ArfA, has emerged as a promising target for developing new antibiotics.
Physicists have observed strong signs of a rare quantum spin liquid in the YbMgGaO4 crystal, which could lead to the discovery of hundreds of new materials for quantum computing. The crystal's unique properties allow for 'spooky' entanglement between multiple particles, potentially enabling the creation of exotic states of matter.
Human cells produce RNAi molecules in response to influenza A virus infection, but a viral protein blocks this process. The study suggests that RNAi may also be active against Ebola, Marburg, and other RNA viruses.
Researchers have found overwhelming evidence of malaria's existence in ancient Rome dating back to the Roman Empire. The study analyzed human remains from three Italian cemeteries and confirmed the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite responsible for nearly 450,000 deaths worldwide each year.
A team of researchers has found a long-sought-after mechanism in human cells that creates immunity to influenza A virus, which could help treat diseases caused by viruses. The discovery builds on over 20 years of research and demonstrates the antiviral function of RNAi in humans against distinct RNA viruses.
Scientists at UCSB developed a powerful new technique to measure the mechanical properties of cells in living tissues, shedding light on how cells respond to biochemical and mechanical cues. The method reveals that cells perceive their natural habitat as a fluid-like environment, with varying stiffness and viscosity along the body axis.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new compound that can render Mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptible to the immune system. The compound inhibits the bacterial proteasome, making proteins damaged by nitric oxide accumulate and cause bacteria death.
A recent study found that sedentary men who exercise regularly for six months experience significant improvements in sperm count and quality. The researchers discovered that moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) yielded the most pronounced benefits, with men experiencing increases in semen volume, sperm motility, morphology, an...
The Bay of Bengal has been identified as a new 'dead zone' with low oxygen levels, impacting its role in the global ocean's nutrient balance. Microbial communities can remove nitrogen, but the low oxygen concentrations limit their activity.
Researchers discovered that early dinosaurs had a far higher level of variation in growth patterns than birds and crocodiles. This variation may have allowed them to survive harsh environmental challenges, but its evolutionary origin remains unclear.
Researchers analyzed feeding behaviors of 15 common species of algae-eating fish to understand their role in maintaining coral reef health. The study found that individual species selectively graze on different types of algae and in varying ways.
Researchers use advanced techniques to confirm the ancient queen's identity, shedding new light on Egyptian mummification practices. The team's findings support the idea that the mummified legs belong to Queen Nefertari, a favorite wife of Pharaoh Ramses II.
A national cohort study found that patients using more than one health system had significantly higher rates of potentially unsafe medication prescribing compared to those using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) only. The prevalence of such prescribing was particularly high among dual users, suggesting a need for improved coordin...
Research highlights the complex etiology of psychiatric polypharmacy, which can increase the risk of adverse effects and mortality. However, certain populations may benefit from combination therapy, emphasizing the need for tailored prescribing strategies to improve treatment efficacy.
Researchers at the University of York discovered a 'chemical factory' in plant glandular trichomes that can produce toxic chemicals without protein intervention. This process could enable commercial production of various products, including anti-malarial drugs, natural sweeteners, and compounds for food crop production.
Researchers developed a technology that could produce influenza B vaccines with higher efficacy, using mammalian cell culture instead of eggs. This could lead to better protection against both lineages of influenza B and improved ability to respond during an influenza pandemic.
Research suggests that public acceptance of self-driving cars is lower than expected, with many people preferring a more realistic portrayal of the technology. The study found that participants who read an idealized description of self-driving car ownership were more accepting than those who read a more realistic scenario.
A new method of plant analysis has identified more than twenty metabolites in tomatoes that had never been reported before, including certain antioxidants in the skin. The Weizmann team's tools, WeizMass and MatchWeiz, can help study plant metabolism and identify useful biological activity
Researchers investigated whether genetic variation in an immune system component called the complement system may contribute to vision loss during anti-VEGF therapy in wet AMD patients. Genetic variations were found to lead to complement system dysregulation, which was enhanced by blocking VEGF signaling.
A national study found that approximately 30 million Americans with mobility challenges lack appropriate clothing, leading to declining participation in social events and work. Researchers suggest that apparel manufacturers can play a vital role in providing accessible clothing options to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities.
The Seed Box programme at Linköping University is allocating grants to researchers worldwide to investigate environmental issues through interdisciplinary and artistic methods. Projects such as Herbarium 3.0 aim to increase awareness of plant-human interactions and create new pathways forward for sustainable practices.
Artificial brains, called organoids, are created using traditional Japanese flower arranging techniques, providing a more authentic model for studying brain tumours and their growth. The technique enables researchers to test hundreds of different chemical combinations on patient cells to identify promising treatment options.
Flowers use physical tricks such as creating colour and manipulating gravity to attract pollinators. They may also alter their electrical fields to influence visitation rates.
Dr. Charles B. Nemeroff, a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher, has been recognized for his decades-long commitment to mentoring young scientists in the field of neuropsychopharmacology. His work has led to numerous mentees advancing in their careers, becoming leaders in research departments and even department chairs.
Researchers identified a potential target for restoring ejaculation in men with spinal cord injuries or ejaculatory disorders by targeting the L3-L5 spinal segments. The study suggests that this approach could be a promising therapy for patients unable to ejaculate due to spinal cord injury or other ejaculatory disorders.
A new study found that the mannitol challenge test may not be accurate in detecting asthma in non-clinical settings. The test's predictive value was low in the general population, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting results.
A new discovery by researchers at the University of Queensland reveals that beta glucans in oats actually reduce circulating bile, leading to lower and slower absorption of fat. This finding could lead to ways of boosting the cholesterol-fighting properties of other cereals like wheat.
Bacteria carrying a transmissible carbapenem resistance gene have been detected in US farm animals, posing a risk to public health. The finding highlights the need for monitoring farms and re-examining agricultural practices that may be contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered an experimental molecule that inhibits kidney function in mosquitoes, preventing resistance to conventional insecticides. The new compound, VU041, targets blood-feeding female mosquitoes and does not harm honeybees.
Scientists have uncovered the genetic and metabolic mechanisms that allow certain plants to conserve water and thrive in semi-arid climates. By studying the unique metabolic processes of CAM plants, researchers aim to transfer these traits into bioenergy and food crops.
Dr. Tracy L. Bale is recognized for her work deciphering genes, circuits, and epigenetic mechanisms contributing to stress dysregulation in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases. Her research investigates the impact of early life events on brain development and disease susceptibility.
The book outlines land management practices tested in twelve global projects to address soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. It offers evidence-based research with a focus on implementation, aiming to bridge the gap between science and practice.
A new study found that melting permafrost during a past warming spike led to the massive release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, with severe deepening of the active layer and enhanced microbial respiration. The research provides crucial insights into how permafrost will respond to future climate change.
Scientists found that a balance of telomere elongation and trimming in stem cells is necessary for optimal telomere length. Over-elongated telomeres accumulate DNA damage and can lead to cancer. The study deepens understanding of stem cell biology and has implications for regenerative medicine and aging research.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that long-term, low-intensity smoking is associated with a higher risk of death from all causes and lung cancer. The research also showed that former smokers who quit at a younger age had progressively lower risks of death.
Researchers have precisely dated the evolution of a brittle fault in western Norway, providing insights into methane release from the ocean floor. The study reveals that active methane leakage from the sea floor occurs episodically and frequently, with some seeps activating annually.
A new study finds that extreme precipitation events could increase across the US due to climate change. The research suggests that summertime storms producing extreme downpours may increase by as much as 400 percent, leading to more frequent and intense flash floods.
Elyn Saks, a professor of law and psychology at USC, received the ACNP Media Award for her tireless efforts to educate the public about mental illness. Her work, including her memoir The Center Cannot Hold, has helped advance compassionate care and legal protections for people with mental illness.
A KAUST research team created integrated microsupercapacitors with three-dimensional porous electrodes, achieving high energy density of 200 microwatt-hours per square centimeter. The devices outperform state-of-the-art microsupercapacitors and thin film batteries, offering promising applications for self-powered sensors and IoT systems.
A small study found that cancer patients treated with chemotherapy combination ABVD had more non-growing eggs in their ovaries, increasing the possibility of future fertility. Researchers believe further research is needed to understand this phenomenon.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals a causal link between RNA splicing and aging in roundworms, shedding light on the biological role of splicing in lifespan. The finding suggests that manipulating specific splicing factors in humans might help promote healthy aging.
Friction on graphene increases with continued sliding and is higher than in multi-layered graphene or graphite. Scientists attribute this to evolving contact quality and real contact area.
Researchers developed electrospun fibers loaded with usnic acid, a strong lichen metabolite, to combat bacterial infections. The fibers show controlled release properties and mass production potential for antibacterial materials.
A Stanford study used laser light to track parrotlets flying through aerosol particles, revealing that bird-generated vortices break up suddenly and violently close to the bird. The results challenge commonly used models of lift in flight research, highlighting the need for new designs.
The 10-Year Anniversary Special Focus Issue of Regenerative Medicine explores the past decade's progress in regenerative medicine, including reviews, perspectives, and special reports. The journal has remained at the forefront of the field since its inception in 2006 and continues to showcase the latest research.
A new study from Harvard Medical School found that patients who receive care from primary care doctors with lower-than-average office visit prices can spend, on average, $690 less per year. The savings are not driven by fewer services or less care, but rather by lower prices for almost every other outpatient service.
A simple electrical doping technique could reduce the cost of polymer solar cells and organic electronic devices, enabling new applications for these technologies. The new process enables efficient single-layer solar cells, potentially transforming wearable devices and small-scale distributed power generation.
The DNAqua-Net project aims to develop best-practice strategies for using novel genetic tools in bioassessment and monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. Novel genomic tools offer solutions to biodiversity assessment, relying on DNA barcoding to identify species and assess biodiversity using standardized genetic markers.
Researchers found that guppies with superior mathematical abilities were better at distinguishing between bigger and smaller shoals, as well as choosing larger food items. This enhanced cognitive ability led to increased survival rates and foraging success in the wild.
A Disney Research team has developed a model-based method to realistically reconstruct teeth for digital actors and medical applications, even with obscured teeth in photos or videos. The new method uses statistical modeling to create natural variations in tooth shape and spacing.
Researchers at UT Austin found that incorporating snow data from space into climate models can improve seasonal temperature predictions. The study improved regional temperature predictions by 5 to 25 percent, with the biggest improvements happening in regions where ground-based measurements are sparse.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that the hippocampus is crucial for constructing scenes in one's mind when imagining the future. This finding sheds light on how the brain supports the capacity to imagine the future and identifies key brain regions involved.
Colorado State University's Jean Peccoud leads a multi-institutional team analyzing the nation's biomanufacturing infrastructure security. The project aims to provide specific recommendations to strengthen biomanufacturing processes and ensure data integrity.