Researchers are conducting fieldwork and genome sequencing to learn about the declining population of the spot-tailed earless lizard in Central and South Texas. The goal is to quantify population sizes, identify interactions among populations, and assess viability and persistence.
Researchers have developed GeNemo, an innovative search engine for functional genomic data. This tool allows users to search inside the data using pattern matching, enabling discoveries of functional aspects in specific genome regions associated with normal physiology or disease.
The NIH has created an atlas of human malformation syndromes in diverse populations to help diagnose genomic diseases. The atlas features photos and descriptions of people with different inherited conditions, allowing healthcare providers to diagnose patients from non-European ancestry more accurately.
A new literature review assesses the benefits of stem cells for treating spinal cord injuries. Different types of stem cells show varying degrees of effectiveness in restoring function, and an ideal treatment protocol remains unclear.
Alcoholics' brains show changes in hormone and neurotransmitter levels, including increased dehydroepiandrosterone and decreased serotonin transporters. Type 1 and Type 2 alcoholics exhibit distinct differences in endocannabinoid and glutamatergic systems.
Belgian scientists developed Virotrap, a viral particle sorting approach that preserves protein complexes during purification. This method catches bait proteins and their associated partners in virus-like particles budded from human cells.
The new lens uses metamaterials and 3D printing to counter the intrinsic imperfections of typical lenses, enabling flawless images without additional corrective components. The technology has potential applications in biomedical research and security imaging, making terahertz imaging cheaper, higher resolution, and more available.
Scientists have uncovered a wetland-like environment beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, where Subglacial Lake Whillans is fed by melting ice and small amounts of seawater. The findings provide unique insights into the biogeochemistry and geophysics of subglacial lake systems, which are essential for understanding global sea-level rise.
A new project aims to mobilize the public to help local urban bees by planting bee-friendly flowers and tracking their movements. The London Pollinator Project encourages Londoners to plant flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, such as English lavender and spiked speedwell, to support the ailing urban bee population.
A new study found that younger women with early breast cancer who undergo breast conserving therapy (BCT) have a 13% higher risk of local recurrence and a doubled risk of metastasis compared to those who receive mastectomy. This contrasts with older women, where BCT is deemed safe without increased risks.
Scientists demonstrate a cheap and effective method to sterilize medical implants using ozone gas without altering their properties. This technology could revolutionize the production of implantable polymers, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Research suggests that salt-inducible kinases may have therapeutic potential for autoimmune diseases. By inhibiting these enzymes, scientists were able to limit the production of inflammatory molecules by certain types of human immune cells, increasing levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and reducing proinflammatory cytokines.
Astronomers have linked a record-breaking cosmic neutrino, Big Bird, detected in 2012 to a powerful outburst from the black hole at PKS B1424-418. The association is supported by data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and other space-based observatories.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that frail older women with six or more chronic health conditions are twice as likely to have a lower quality of life. Managing chronic health problems well may help these women enjoy a better quality of life.
Researchers discovered an insulating layer of air that forms near the surface during winter, reducing evaporation and precipitation on the ice sheet. This phenomenon explains why temperature has risen without increased precipitation on the central parts of the Greenland ice sheet.
A large study found a significant association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter and an increased risk of mortality from various cancers, including breast and lung cancer. The study suggests that reducing air pollution could have a substantial impact on cancer deaths in urban populations.
Researchers developed a graphene nanoflake-based film for efficient cooling of electronics, achieving over 76% improvement in heat transfer efficiency. The functionalization layer constrains cross-plane scattering of low-frequency phonons, enhancing in-plane heat conduction and reducing contact resistance.
Researchers identified four previously unknown genetic conditions within schizophrenia, each with distinct symptoms and disease features. The study provides a framework for finding influential genes across complex genetic diseases, enabling more precise treatment design.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a two-year grant to explore the use of cells from a patient's own adipose tissue as vascular grafts in arterial bypass surgery. This method could reduce complications and increase accessibility, eliminating the need for vein or artery harvesting.
A new study reveals that a moth species, Paysandisia archon, exhibits behavior similar to butterflies, including using vision for partner-finding and not releasing pheromones. This convergence of traits is an evolutionary breakthrough in understanding sexual communication in Lepidoptera.
Research reviewing 434 patients with metal on metal total hip replacements found a revision rate of 16.4%, significantly higher than expected. The study suggests that manufacturing issues, particularly with the taper surface and liner thickness, may be to blame for early failure.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified a molecular signal that controls skin and hair color, which could lead to therapies targeting vitiligo and gray hair. The study found that stimulating this pathway increases melanocyte stem cell pigment production and corrects discoloration around scars.
In a study, MS patients showed more severe moral judgments than average, even in neutral conditions, attributing negative emotions to external causes. This 'externally oriented thinking' helps them minimize damage but also leads to an inability to reflect on emotions and identify real causes of their negative emotional state.
Infants' attention to objects is extended when parents play with them, and this effect can lead to stronger skills in sustained attention and concentration. Joint play between parents and children plays a crucial role in developing these skills.
Research found that hospital self-harm cases increased among men in England between 2000 and 2012. The study also revealed that nearly half of those who went to the hospital for self-inflicted harm did not receive a specialist mental health assessment, despite national guidelines recommending it.
A new CU-Boulder study found that online user ratings are only 57% correlated with objective product performance. Consumers rely heavily on average user ratings when making purchase decisions, despite the low accuracy of these ratings.
Researchers uncover evidence that the Calusa people deliberately reworked and reshaped their shell midden deposits to create landforms, challenging previous ideas about their society. The study sheds light on the Calusa's complex relationship with environmental change and surplus production.
Tumor cells switch to glycolysis, a form of anaerobic energy production, allowing them to continue growing even without new blood vessels. This discovery opens up new possibilities for long-term cancer treatments by inhibiting anaerobic energy production or transport of lactic acid.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens identifies a host gene involved in the formation of Hepatitis C virus particles. The gene, ABHD5, regulates the efficiency of virus assembly and release from human host cells. High levels of ABHD5 expression lead to fewer lipid droplets, while lower levels result in their accumulation.
Research found that heterochromatin organisation in embryonic stem cells is maintained in an open form through the action of key stem cell factors. This open architecture may contribute to keeping stem cells unspecialised and full of developmental potential.
Researchers found a gene, MC1R, that influences how old people look to others. Carrying specific MC1R variants can make individuals appear almost 2 years older for their age, regardless of age, sex, skin color, or sun damage.
A new study by Indiana University psychologists suggests that caregiver focus during playtime significantly impacts infants' attention spans. Caregivers who let their children lead and sustain attention for longer periods see significant gains in infant attention, while distracted caregivers may raise children with shorter attention sp...
Research reveals half of farmed fish have hearing loss, which affects their survival in the wild, leading to compromised welfare standards. The study's findings suggest that deformed earbones are larger, lighter, and more brittle, resulting in significant hearing sensitivity loss.
Research identifies 14 core gut microbes found in over 95% of people, with certain species linked to diseases like ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer. Analysis also reveals correlations between microbiome composition and diet, as well as the impact of medications and antibiotics on the gut microbiota.
A new miniaturized microscope reveals that astrocytes, traditionally thought to be passive support cells, respond to intense stimuli by generating their own chemical signals. This discovery offers unprecedented insight into nervous system function and could lead to novel pain treatments.
Researchers identified 3,870 SNP pairs with shared biological mechanisms across Alzheimer's disease, bladder cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. These variants affect gene expression and protein function, providing a comprehensive picture of disease biology.
A University of Maryland School of Public Health study found that extreme heat and heavy rainfall increase the risk of asthma hospitalization in Maryland. The study showed a 23% increase in hospitalizations during summer months, particularly among children.
Astronomers from the University of Cambridge have discovered strong winds leaving mysterious binary systems, with speeds exceeding 70,000 km/s. The findings confirm that these sources conceal compact objects pulling in matter at extraordinarily high rates.
A study found that gut bacteria can predict the risk of life-threatening blood infections following high-dose chemotherapy in cancer patients. The researchers created an algorithm that uses bacterial DNA sequencing to identify good and bad bacteria, predicting infections with around 85% accuracy.
Researchers found that nicotinamide riboside improves mitochondrial function in stem cells, leading to better regeneration processes in aged mice. The compound also showed promising effects on the brain and skin, with potential implications for regenerative medicine.
A new gene testing technology has been developed to identify mutations and prioritize variants in breast and ovarian cancer genes. The method reveals gene variants that were missed by conventional genetic testing, increasing the number of patients that can be properly diagnosed.
Research found that children exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during gestation had a cumulative incidence of 8.2% of depression by age 15, compared to 1.9% for those without antidepressant use. The study also showed no significant difference in anxiety or ASD diagnoses.
A study at Penn State's Deer Research Center found that deer prefer certain non-native invasive plants over native species, contributing to their spread. This preference is driven by plant species' palatability and growing season, suggesting a crucial role for deer in shaping plant community assembly.
A new study finds that climate change will disproportionately affect African antelopes with the smallest geographic ranges, exacerbating their already high risk of extinction. The researchers predict a significant decline in suitable habitat for these species, particularly those adapted to cooler and drier climates.
Researchers developed a method demonstrating that independent DNA variants linked to a disease share similar biological properties. This discovery provides a more comprehensive picture of disease biology and offers the opportunity to broaden our understanding of disease and identify new therapeutic targets.
Research from Ohio State University found that stores in low-income areas are often closed too early, limiting access to healthy food options. The study suggests that extended store hours and transportation services could help meet consumers' needs.
Scientists used gene therapy to halt pulmonary hypertension progression in a large animal model. The approach delivered SERCA2a gene via aerosol inhalation, slowing vascular changes and improving heart function. Further studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety before human clinical trials.
A study by Sarah Buglass found that online troublemakers tend to be socially popular contacts who are known offline but not online. This led to users keeping an eye on these friends to avoid confrontation while also avoiding the risk of damaging their own reputation.
A new paper uses exoplanet discoveries to estimate the probability of advanced life evolving on habitable planets. The authors find that unless the odds are extremely low, humanity is likely not the universe's first technological civilization. They calculate a 'pessimism line' below which human uniqueness would be impossible.
The article discusses the recent declassification of documents on the USS Independence, a World War II aircraft carrier used as a target in the first atomic bomb tests. The documents provide insight into the ship's post-Bikini history, including radiation levels and decisions to remove contaminated fuel oil.
Researchers at UEA discovered that reducing growth factor availability can impede cell invasion and improve the effectiveness of open-bag cataract surgery. Anti-VEGF treatment is being explored as a potential new approach to prevent secondary cataract.
Researchers identified two genes associated with twinning, including one linked to higher levels of FSH that may lead to multiple eggs being released at once. The findings have implications for infertility treatments and may help predict how women respond to fertility treatments.
Researchers identified thousands of RNA splicing mutations involved in complex traits and diseases, enabling accurate functional interpretation of genome-wide association study data. The findings highlight the importance of RNA splicing in linking genetic variation to disease.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for sepsis and other responses to infection by using tiny doses of a cancer drug. The new treatment may benefit millions worldwide who are affected by infections and pandemics.
A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals significant differences in gene expression patterns and DNA modifications between pancreatic cells of donors under 9 and those over 28. The findings highlight the importance of genes SIX3 and SIX2, which mature with age and may contribute to diabetes risk.
A new study confirms BPA's detrimental impact on IVF success, with embryo death rates increasing linearly as BPA exposure grows. The findings support decades of research suggesting BPA's role in reproductive toxicity, emphasizing the need for regulation and control of this chemical.
A study by Michigan State University found that residents with ocean views experience significantly lower levels of psychological distress compared to those with green space. The researchers suggest that blue spaces may have a calming effect on the mind, while human-made areas in green spaces may not.
Researchers developed a computer model to explain how antibiotic-resistant microbes develop and spread. The study reveals that even after antibiotic therapy, more bacteria may be sensitive to the effects of antibiotics than resistant ones.
A new study tracks bacteria strains in stool transplants, suggesting donor-patient compatibility is crucial for success. The research could improve treatment options for conditions like ulcerative colitis and metabolic syndrome.
A Boston College research team, led by biologist Tim van Opijnen, is developing new technologies to predict drug resistance in certain bacteria and identify effective treatments. The five-year study will use cutting-edge genomics research tools and techniques to understand how bacteria interact with the immune system.