Scientists have sequenced the ash tree genome, which aids the breeding of resistant trees against ash dieback fungus. The UK is home to over 1,000 species that rely on ash trees, making their conservation crucial.
Researchers have developed a novel GAL4-UAS system for C. elegans, allowing for systematic perturbation of the nervous system and creation of a database linking neural activity to behaviors. This 'breadboard' system enables precise control of neural activity, simplifying the study of nervous system function.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a method to embed functional elements in silk-based materials, creating mechanical components that can change color with strain or respond to light. These materials have potential applications in orthopedics, surgery, and household goods.
A recent study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center researchers found that a specific long non-coding RNA, LINC00961, plays a key role in regulating the activity of the mTORC1 protein complex. This complex is involved in various cellular processes including translation, metabolism, cell growth and proliferation.
Researchers have found that activating the protein Nrf2 can restore normal levels of disease-causing proteins in cells, preventing cell death. In models of Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, Nrf2 was shown to protect cells against the disease better than any other treatment.
Researchers found that inhibitory brain cells form maps that broaden with maturation, unlike excitatory neurons which refine and define areas. This discovery sheds light on how the brain organizes and processes information.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered a molecular mechanism underlying some autoimmune diseases. Satb1 regulates the development of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), which are essential for controlling hyperactive immune systems.
Scientists found that resistant ash trees have low levels of chemicals defending against insects, highlighting a potential trade-off in tree resilience. Researchers warn against selecting trees for fungal resistance at the expense of insect protection.
A novel murine model reveals MTU1's importance in regulating mitochondrial protein translation and embryonic development. The study found a conditional knockout mouse line with liver-specific MTU1 deficiency exhibited signs of liver damage, altered metabolism, and increased FGF21 levels.
The analysis found that hospitals with lowest performance before implementing the law showed highest improvement in reducing readmission rates. Financial penalties under the Affordable Care Act led to significant reductions in hospital readmission rates for common conditions.
A study published in PNAS used MEG and computational methods to measure real-time brain processes converting face appearance into recognition. The research team mapped brain activity for each point in time, identifying which parts of the brain encode appearance-based information versus identity-based information.
A new open-access database compiled by Korean scientists provides comprehensive PCR primers for detecting and identifying RNA viruses. The MTPrimerV database contains 152,380 primer pairs covering 1,818 viruses, with an accuracy rate of 100% against the latest NCBI RefSeq database.
Researchers discovered nine new species of Perdita bees in the American Southwest, filling an important role in natural ecosystems. The 'ant-like' males have a unique form and may spend time in nests, while females collect pollen to nourish their young.
Tropical Storm Nock-ten, also known as Nina, is intensifying before making landfall in the Philippines. NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall predictions.
Cognitive scientists at Bielefeld University have been investigating the secret of successful chess players by recording players' eye movements and facial expressions. The research group found that chess experts concentrate on main chess pieces and control their attention more efficiently than novices.
Researchers found a genetic defect in CD70 protein, leading to poor immune control of EBV and increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study provides insight into the normal role of CD70 and offers potential strategies for combatting autoimmune disease.
Researchers from Imperial College London and Johannes Kepler University have determined the speed of crucial processes in photosynthesis for the first time using ultrafast imaging. The study reveals that the slowest step is not the water-splitting reaction, but rather the light harvesting and transfer process.
A new study has found that iodide-based perovskites produce a gaseous form of iodine during operation, causing further degradation of the material. The researchers suggest that developing new materials with reduced iodine concentrations or reinforced structures could help address this issue.
The taste of champagne is influenced by the complex interplay between CO2 levels and volatile organic compounds within bubbles. The collapse of these bubbles releases wine aromas into the air.
The Biophysical Society's 2018 Future of Biophysics symposium features young investigators exploring the intersection of physics and life sciences. Researchers will present their work on topics such as enzyme structures, protein sorting, and RNA polymerase II mechanisms.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Education Committee Travel Awards, recognizing students and postdoctoral fellows for their scientific merit. The recipients will present their research during the meeting, receive a travel grant, and be recognized at a reception.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Committee for Inclusion and Diversity Travel Awards, which aim to encourage participation at the annual meeting among underrepresented students. The award recipients will be honored at a reception on February 11, 2017.
A Clemson University team, led by Gregory Batt and John DesJardins, is working on improving facemask designs to help reduce the severity of head injuries in football. They are using a linear drop tower system to test various facemask materials and structures.
A study sequencing genomes of Shigella sonnei isolates found two clusters of outbreaks, one causing severe gastrointestinal problems due to a toxin gene acquired from other Shigella species and another resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The findings provide insights into the bacteria's virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to link magnetic resonance imaging signals to gene expression in cells, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of disease. The technique uses aquaporin reporter genes to visualize gene expression in living tissues, with potential clinical translation.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its 2017 CPOW Travel Awards to increase female participation in biophysics. The recipients are female postdoctoral fellows or mid-career scientists presenting posters or oral presentations at the conference, and will receive travel grants and recognition.
A new study reveals that inhibiting AXL signaling increases anti-tumor immune response, sensitizes tumors to radiation, and enhances efficacy of anticancer therapies. Aravive-S6 acts as a decoy receptor, binding Gas-6 to prevent AXL activation.
Tropical Storm Yvette was battered by vertical wind shear, with the majority of clouds and thunderstorms being pushed north and west of its center. The storm made landfall on Christmas Day south of Broome, Western Australia.
A newly discovered virus infecting the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats could help scientists track its spread. The variation in the viral genome provides clues about how the disease is moving, enabling researchers to better understand its epidemiology.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its international travel grants to attend its annual meeting in New Orleans, USA. The recipients are scientists from around the world who will present their research on biophysics and related fields.
Researchers developed a transparent, self-healing, highly stretchable conductive material that can be electrically activated to power artificial muscles. The material has potential applications in robots, biosensors, and electronic devices, offering improved durability and efficiency.
A USC-led study found that people are less flexible when considering counter-evidence on political issues, but more so on non-political statements. The brain's Default Mode Network and amygdalae regions were activated in response to belief challenges.
Researchers aim to identify effective treatments for cognitive deficits in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Dr. Chiaravalloti's project seeks to improve everyday functioning and quality of life for individuals with SCI.
Researchers developed a new setpoint-tracking strategy using fractional calculus to improve the response time and stability of automated systems. The approach outperformed classical integer-order filters in tracking complex paths, offering potential benefits for applications like robotics, self-driving cars, and medical devices.
Researchers have sequenced the dry jujube genome, identifying key factors in sugar and acid content, and genes involved in breeding compatibility. This knowledge will aid breeders in creating improved jujube varieties.
Researchers at UConn have developed experimental antibiotics that successfully target and kill MRSA bacteria by blocking the enzyme pathway critical to its survival. By understanding the molecular structure of the enzyme and designing tailored inhibitors, the team created compounds that evade previously resistant strains.
Bacteriorhodopsin, a key protein in cell membranes, uses light to transport protons and create a charge difference. Researchers used time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography to determine the proton pump mechanism, shedding light on a long-standing debate.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope observes the small stellar galaxy NGC 4707, a loose spiral with undefined shape and central bulge, located 22 million light-years from Earth.
Researchers identified mesenchymal-derived BMPs as a crucial mechanism in determining sweat gland versus hairy cell fates. The study found increased expression of BMP and FGF genes at week 17 in human scalp skin, coinciding with the shift from hair to sweat-bud formation.
Researchers developed iCAGES, a computational tool that integrates whole genome-based approach to identify individual cancer driver genes and select treatment options. The tool was found to be superior in predicting cancer drivers and identifying beneficial treatments compared to other computational tools.
A study analyzing 740 early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT found that Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SqCC) has a significantly higher rate of local failure compared to other histological subtypes. SqCCs are more resistant to SBRT, which may require treatment optimization based on histological subtype.
A new study analyzed the human microbiome to estimate the postmortem interval of cadavers. The researchers used machine learning to predict the time since death with accuracy up to two days. This method could lead to a definitive way to establish time since death, shedding light on homicide cases and corroborating or disproving alibis.
Researchers will create a detailed map of the heart's nerves to develop new therapies targeting neural structures and improve electrical stimulation therapies. More than 800,000 US deaths annually from cardiovascular diseases link to the autonomic nervous system.
A decade-long study in southern UK reveals an annual mean of 3.37 trillion insects migrating above the region, comprising 3200 tons of biomass. The majority of migration occurs during daytime, with intensity greatest on warm days.
Researchers found that localized chemotherapy delivered directly to the brain improved survival rates in mice with glioblastoma when combined with immunotherapy. The study suggests that systemic chemotherapy weakens the immune system and may hinder its ability to fight tumors.
Researchers have developed a method to measure temperature and voltage in systems far from equilibrium, which could lead to the creation of more efficient microelectronic devices. This breakthrough has significant implications for advancing technology, particularly in the development of smaller, faster electronic components.
Physicists have predicted the existence of a short-lived tetraneutron, a particle consisting of four neutrons, with a lifetime of 5×10<sup>−22</sup> sec. Theoretical computations based on new interactions and supercomputer simulations correlate with experimental findings and suggest unprecedented properties.
A new study published in Science suggests that meeting the Paris Agreement's global warming target of 1.5 degrees Celsius could lead to a significant increase in global fish catches, with potential gains ranging from three to six million metric tons per year. The researchers found that some oceans are more sensitive to changes in tempe...
Researchers discovered that a dinosaur species, Limusaurus inextricabilis, lost its teeth in adolescence and did not grow another set as adults. The finding suggests a significant shift in diet from babies to adulthood, potentially explaining why birds have beaks but no teeth.
Researchers are sequencing the genome of an ancient apple tree that inspired Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity. The study aims to understand how technological advancements have affected the evolution of apples over the past 350 years.
A large-scale international study has identified epigenetic changes in DNA methylation at nearly 200 genomic loci associated with being overweight. The study found significant changes in the expression of inflammatory genes and potential epigenetic markers for type 2 diabetes risk.
Two new studies identify medically relevant genetic variants in over 50,000 human participants, revealing rare gene variants that have lost their function and potentially disabling genes. The research also found associations between specific genes and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including familial hypercholesterolemia.
An international research team found that grandparents who provide occasional childcare outlive those who do not. Additionally, childless older adults who offer emotional support also benefit from lower mortality rates.
A Mayo Clinic study found significant discrepancies in reporting postoperative infection complications between hospital-based administrative data and clinical registry data. The analysis of four common complications revealed that the two approaches yielded vastly different assessments, with rates varying up to fivefold.
Researchers at UConn School of Medicine developed a new hearing test to identify binaural processing deficits in individuals with normal or near-normal audiograms. The study found that listeners with essentially normal clinical hearing test results may exhibit substantial deficits in binaural processing.
A groundbreaking study in Nature Magazine explores the use of zinc oxide to improve semiconductors and energy output in electronic devices, promising increased efficiency and performance. The research has significant benefits for Marines on the ground and Sailors at sea, as well as global consumers.
An international team of scientists has identified variants of the EBF3 gene causing a developmental disorder with features in common with autism. The discovery opens the possibility of diagnosing other patients with similar clinical disorders, providing relief to their parents and improving genetic diagnosis.
Researchers found that a small group of brain cells controls sleep and regulates core body temperature, which explains why people don't feel jet-lagged when they have a fever. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind circadian rhythms and their role in regulating bodily processes.
The study reveals strong correlations between laser-induced light fluctuations and mechanical motion, showcasing the strange laws of quantum mechanics. By using a phononic crystal to confine vibrations, the researchers achieved ultra-precision measurements, overcoming fundamental quantum limits.
Researchers at University of Melbourne found a 4.2% increase in out-of-hospital cardiac deaths during Christmas period in New Zealand, with victims typically younger than usual. Stress, dietary changes, and limited hospital access may contribute to the spike in cardiac deaths.