A Penn State-led research group has been selected by NASA to build a new instrument to detect planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. The NEID instrument will use the tiny gravitational tug of planets on their stars to discover and measure the orbits of rocky planets with liquid water.
A new study published in Radiology suggests that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can predict long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in veterans. The study found associations between initial post-deployment DTI measurements and neurobehavioral symptoms, timing of injury, and subsequent functional outcomes.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology found that increasing radiation doses for patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer does not improve long-term outcomes. The study analyzed data from 12 randomized controlled trials and found no association between higher doses and improved survival rates.
Researchers from UC Santa Barbara and the Environmental Defense Fund propose rights-based approaches that could increase fish populations, food production, and profits. By 2050, this approach could increase profits by 204% and provide a significant source of protein for an additional 500 million people.
Cell therapy is an emerging medical science focusing on innovative therapeutic approaches to treat blood diseases and infections. The EBMT Cellular Therapy and Immunobiology Working Party aims to foster cellular therapy in Europe by promoting exchanges, cooperation, and the development of new technologies.
A recent study identifies multiple sexual behaviors associated with prevalent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Men who engaged in anal stimulation or enema use were nearly five times as likely to test positive for HIV as those who did not.
Researchers at Lehigh University developed a technique to observe cell-to-cell interaction in an environment that closely mimics the human body. This innovation enables real-time microscopic analysis, ideal for developing targeted drugs and testing precision treatments.
Researchers used electron cryotomography to visualize bacterial 'motors' in three dimensions, revealing the complexity of type IVa pilus machine and flagellum structures. The study provides insights into pilus assembly, structure, and function, as well as correlations between motor strength and torque-generating protein complexes.
A new report by academics at the University of Stirling found that adolescents with emotional problems are 32% more likely to be unemployed and 26% more likely to be out of the workforce. The study suggests that investing in childhood and adolescent mental health services could have economic benefits, including reducing population-leve...
Researchers at UGA and Sanofi Pasteur have developed a vaccine that protects against multiple strains of seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza in mouse models. The COBRA vaccine was designed to recognize H1N1 viruses isolated within the last 100 years, offering broader cross-protection.
A computer model mimics bird's syrinx to generate authentic sounding birdsong, utilizing Twitter updates for a unique crowd-generated audio-artwork. The system can manipulate acoustic space in real-time, offering an acoustically original experience.
EPFL researchers demonstrate that ion channels can be explained by the Coulomb blockade law, a principle governing electron transport in quantum dots. The discovery sheds light on how ions travel through nanopores, a fundamental aspect of cellular function.
Researchers found that the Ice-Age diet triggered physical changes in Neanderthals, including an expanded liver and renal system. A high-protein intake led to a larger ribcage and wider pelvis, adapting to the limited availability of carbohydrates.
A study found that take-home naloxone programs significantly reduce heroin overdose mortality rates and have a low risk of adverse events. The study, conducted by researchers at the National Addiction Centre at King's College London, analyzed data from 22 observational studies in the USA, Canada, UK, and Germany.
Researchers at Sanofi Pasteur have published pre-clinical data on a novel, computationally optimized broadly reactive hemagglutinin vaccine for H1N1 influenza viruses. The vaccine strategy elicited a broad antibody response against seasonal and pandemic isolates in mice, demonstrating its potential as a 'subtype universal' vaccine.
A study by NIH researchers found that children with Cushing syndrome are at higher risk for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts months after successful treatment. The researchers screened the case histories of 149 patients and found 9 children had thoughts of suicide.
A study by UC San Diego biologists found that beach replenishment with offshore sand can lead to a twofold reduction in the abundance of intertidal invertebrates after 15 months. The researchers also discovered that some species, such as sandhoppers and bean clams, recovered within a year, while others declined sharply.
A new tool, IMPACT, interprets whole-exome sequencing data to identify candidate genes linked to cancer and recommends FDA-approved targeted treatments. The tool has been validated in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, showing its potential to accelerate precision medicine.
Researchers at Aarhus University found that adding lime to fruit juice with stevia and β-glucans increases its nutritional value while promoting a sensory experience. The study's results show that the combination of ingredients can balance out the bitter aftertaste of stevia and improve the overall taste.
Researchers have discovered a long-hypothesized male-determining gene in the mosquito species that carries malaria. The isolated gene, YG2, is exclusive to the Y chromosome and holds promise for developing novel vector control strategies to combat diseases like malaria and Zika virus.
Tropical Cyclone 17S formed on March 28 with sustained winds near 40 knots, located about 726 nautical miles south-southeast of Diego Garcia. The storm is expected to continue moving south before being disrupted by dry air.
A team of MIT researchers has discovered a method to greatly reduce the damaging effects of hydrogen on metal alloys, which are widely used in nuclear reactors and other energy systems. By carefully engineering a layer of zirconium oxide on the surface of the alloy, they can inhibit hydrogen from entering the metal's crystal structure.
A recent study published in Population Health Management found that 30% of patients with high hospitalization rates are food insecure and struggle to shop for or prepare their own meals. The research highlights the impact of food insecurity on health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations with chronic diseases.
Scientists create a 'hollow' version of the plant virus cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) which can be used as a carrier for drug molecules. This finding opens up new possibilities for cancer treatment and vaccine design.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new scrolling technique called Spotlights, which uses the spotlight metaphor of human visual attention. This technique significantly speeds up browsing of long texts by 60%, reduces time spent locating desired locations, and increases the probability of noticing points of interest.
The first European Astrobiology Roadmap has been published, outlining five key research topics and recommending a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. The roadmap prioritizes the study of life in the Solar System and beyond, including habitability, origins of organic compounds, and biosignatures.
Researchers at Juelich's Peter Gruenberg Institute have discovered that effective graphene doping is influenced by the choice of substrate material. The scientists found that nitrogen atoms in the interface layer can dope the lattice without destroying it, leading to promising results for future applications in micro- and nanoelectronics.
A UCL study found that uncertainty about receiving a painful electric shock leads to significantly more stress, even if the likelihood is low. The researchers tracked participants' stress levels and found they were better at guessing whether or not they would receive a shock when their uncertainty was high.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) calls for policy changes to slow the rising cost of prescription drugs. Recommendations include price transparency, patient cost-sharing, and novel approaches such as price negotiation by Medicare. While some studies suggest potential prevention methods, more research is needed.
A new study suggests that most of the world's fisheries can be recovered in just 10 years, leading to a doubling of global fish populations by 2050. This recovery would bring significant increases in seafood production and profit for fishermen, with an expected 204% increase in profits by 2050.
Michigan State University has been awarded $4.4 million from the US Agency for International Development to strengthen its efforts in food security policy and research in Mali. The grant will support policy initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity, nutrition, and livelihood resilience.
A new mathematical model suggests that competition for social status is a key driver of declining fertility rates worldwide. As the cost of achieving social status increases, people invest more in material goods and less in children, leading to lower family sizes.
A new study by Wellesley College researcher Linda Carli found that people consistently perceive scientists as possessing qualities linked to male stereotypes, hindering women's success in STEM fields. The research suggests that exposure to prominent female scientists and attending an all-women's college can help shift stereotypes.
Researchers have found that suppressing the nuclear receptor protein ROR-γ with small-molecule compounds can reduce androgen receptor levels in castration-resistant prostate cancer, stopping tumor growth. This novel approach targets the root cause of the problem - the overexpression of the AR gene and its protein.
Two studies by Penn researchers found that high out-of-pocket costs for specialty drugs reduce their use, particularly for cancer treatments. The studies suggest that cost-sharing policies under Medicare Part D are limiting access to life-saving therapies.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers suggests that high school age teens' decisions to begin driving when they're of age are influenced by infrastructure and land use patterns in their community. The study found that teens from suburban areas with limited public transportation options obtained their driver's license earlier...
Scientists have successfully directed stem cell-derived neurons to regenerate lost tissue in damaged corticospinal tracts of rats. This breakthrough improves forelimb movements and upends the existing belief that corticospinal neurons lack internal mechanisms for regeneration.
Researchers demonstrate that iPSCs can differentiate into multiple types of functional lymphocytes, including CD4+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. The ability to generate functional lymphocytes from somatic cell-derived hematopoietic stem cells supports the clinical application of iPSC technology.
Case Western Reserve University scientists develop an optical sensor using nanostructured metamaterials, enabling detection of single lightweight molecules in dilute solutions. The device has been shown to be 1 million times more sensitive than current methods, with potential applications for early cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A US study has found that nearly one-quarter of sites across the US are threatened by high levels of atmospheric nitrogen pollution, leading to a loss of plant species richness. The research highlights the vulnerability of grassland ecosystems to nitrogen pollution, particularly those with acidic soil.
A recent study found that only 17.9% of published autism intervention studies reported racial and ethnic diversity of participants, with white children making up a majority. This lack of diversity presents a problem as response to interventions is not guaranteed, and it's unclear why some children respond positively while others don't.
A study published in Cognition reveals that a specific facial expression, known as the 'not face', is universally interpreted as a symbol of negative emotion across languages. The researchers found that this expression is identical across native speakers of English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and American Sign Language.
A large study from Japan found that cancer patients who died at home tended to live longer than those who died in hospitals. The study suggests that oncologists should not hesitate to refer patients for home-based palliative care. Home death may have a positive influence on survival, contrary to previous concerns.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria can shield the brain from stroke by directing immune cells to protect it. Modifying the microbiotic makeup of the gut may become a novel method to prevent stroke, particularly for high-risk patients.
OPTIMISTIC, a four-year project, aims to improve the health and healthcare of long-term nursing home residents by enhancing clinical care and introducing new Medicare payments. The program has shown promising results in reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and improving symptoms in patients with chronic illnesses.
A research group led by Junko Kanoh found that the Shugoshin protein binds with subtelomeres and maintains proper gene expression. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of mechanisms behind abnormal telomere structure and its relation to multiple malformations and mental retardation.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method for trapping multiple particles in solution, which relies on fluid flow to manipulate and assemble particles. The Stokes Trap technique can trap a range of submicron- to micron-sized particles, including single DNA molecules, vesicles, drops or cells.
Scientists at Stanford University have revived an abandoned drug that shows promise in fighting two disease-causing viruses, dengue and VEEV. The drug works by boosting the human body's ability to resist viruses rather than directly targeting them.
Researchers at UC Davis found that a gene blocking lettuce germination also regulates flowering time. Suppressing the DOG1 gene increases seed germination at higher temperatures and flowers earlier, suggesting a molecular genetic mechanism coordinating adaptation to environmental conditions.
A recent study from the University of Edinburgh reveals that tardigrades have not acquired a significant proportion of their DNA from other organisms. The research found that nearly all of what was previously proposed to be foreign DNA was actually bacterial contamination.
Researchers found that desert mangroves in Mexico's Baja California store nearly 30% of the region's belowground carbon, exceeding estimates. The study highlights the importance of mangrove conservation and ecosystem services in mitigating climate change.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a new mouse model for Zika infection, removing a bottleneck in preclinical testing. The model is available for immediate screening of antivirals and vaccine candidates.
ARHGAP33 regulates synaptic functions and behaviors via intracellular protein trafficking, leading to impaired higher brain functions and neuropsychiatric disorders. The lack of ARHGAP33 causes abnormal synaptic function and behavior, contributing to conditions like schizophrenia.
Researchers have successfully cloned Terbinicarpus valdezianus, a species of cactus endemic to Northern Mexico threatened by habitat loss. The in vitro cloning method proved effective, with high shoot proliferation and root development rates.
Case reports published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association document improvements in concussion-related symptoms following osteopathic manipulative treatment. These treatments can help restore cerebrospinal fluid flow to promote healing and alleviate symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and tinnitus.
A recent study found that 40% of women in Delhi experienced sexual harassment in the past year, leading to a significant impact on their daily lives. The research highlights the importance of addressing women's safety in public spaces and implementing effective measures to prevent such incidents.
Researchers used a distinct Pacific Ocean pattern to forecast increased summer heat wave odds in the eastern US up to 50 days ahead. The study improved seasonal forecasts by predicting daily extremes, with results showing potential for early warnings on critical weather events.
Researchers developed a new technique using nanoparticles that deliver therapeutic payloads and glow green when cancer cells begin dying. This allows for early detection of treatment effectiveness, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
An international team of scientists has proven that technetium carbide cannot be synthesized, contrary to previous claims. The researchers used computational models to calculate the stability of various transition metal carbides and found that only low-carbon technetium compounds can exist.
A team of researchers at Ben-Gurion University and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that fairy circles occur due to the way plants organize themselves in response to water shortage. The study, published in PNAS journal, provides new evidence on the cause of these barren circular patches of land.