Hearing socially meaningful sounds can modify ear structure to better detect those sounds, improving hearing in green treefrogs. The study's findings have implications for elderly people with limited social interaction or prisoners in solitary confinement.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method for receptor activation using red light, which can penetrate deep tissues and activate signal pathways involved in cell division. The approach has potential for treating diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer, Parkinson, and diabetes.
Researchers found that mice with autism-like genetic mutations had fewer neurons in the gut, slower gut movement, and poor gut lining. Increasing serotonin activity during development prevented these changes. The study suggests a shared underlying abnormality for some patients with autism and gastrointestinal problems.
Researchers discovered Vibrio cholerae attraction to bile taurine, shedding light on its survival and pathogenicity. The finding may lead to prevention of infection and development of new drugs for cholera.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully taught bacteria to swim by combining various RNA modules in a new way. The team used riboswitches and RNA thermometers to control the bacterium's behavior and responded to temperature and metabolic products.
Researchers at Colorado State University have discovered a new way to produce electron spin currents using non-polarized light, a potential game-changer for microelectronics. This achievement could lead to more efficient and powerful devices with reduced power consumption.
A new system allows scientists to image RNA inside living cells, monitor its activity and even control it. The modular components enable easy performance of a wide variety of RNA manipulations.
A group of 7 researchers from Europe and the US show that consensus exists around EDC definition and propose a logic-based approach similar to carcinogen identification. This guidance aims to resolve the 3-year blockage in publishing scientific criteria, allowing for efficient protection of public health.
A study found that chronic exposure to interleukin-1 causes overproduction of immune cells, resulting in an imbalanced blood system. This imbalance can lead to inefficient oxygen delivery, immunodeficiency, and increased cancer risk. Researchers suggest that therapies may be able to reverse the effects of chronic inflammation on blood ...
A novel theory of animal evolution suggests that a biochemical oscillator named Life's Timekeeper controls cell maintenance and repair, determining cell longevity. This mechanism is believed to have driven the extension of cell longevity in animals, leading to the development of complex organisms.
Molecular microbiologists at UMass Amherst identify a distinct domain on the plasma membrane of Mycobacterium smegmatis, crucial for bacterial growth. The discovery provides insight into lipid metabolism and regulatory mechanisms in mycobacteria, potentially leading to new methods of inhibiting bacterial growth.
Scientists have developed a new gene-detecting technology that accurately pinpoints the location of disease resistance genes in large plant genomes. This has reduced the time it takes to clone these genes in wheat from five years to just two, enabling the creation of elite varieties with durable resistance to disease.
A €2.4 million project aims to make embedded software safe, customizable, and open source by developing new tools and making existing ones transparent. The project, led by Holger Hermanns at Saarland University, focuses on power management software for mobile devices like smartphones and e-bikes.
A new study from Michigan State University applies criminology theory to combat counterfeit medicines, identifying key factors in crime occurrence and the importance of field product authentication efforts. By analyzing protocols for crime scene investigation and forensic science in Nigeria, the researchers found that a country's willi...
A new study finds that excessive algae growth in coral reefs causes microbes to dominate the food chain, depleting oxygen and releasing harmful pathogens. This leads to a runaway feedback loop, further coral death and ecosystem collapse. The research highlights the impact of human activities on coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers identified a rare genetic variation associated with an increased risk of severe acute pancreatitis in ALL patients treated with asparaginase. Native American ancestry and older age were also found to be risk factors for the condition.
Researchers discovered a rare example of cooperation between different bacteria species in the human gut. Bacteroides ovatus digests a complex carbohydrate, providing benefits to other species in return.
Researchers found that bed bugs strongly preferred red and black colors, but avoided green and yellow due to their resemblance to brightly-lit areas. The study's findings may have implications for controlling bed bug populations by using color preference in traps.
A new study analyzing 5,000 stored blood samples found no increase in food-specific IgE antibodies between the 1980s and 2000s. The researchers suggest that growing awareness and diagnosis of food allergies among children may be contributing to the increasing prevalence of food allergies over the past few decades.
Researchers found that working under a highly successful leader provides initial career benefits in terms of getting a promotion at another organization. However, these benefits are short-lived and long-term effects may even be harmful. Promoted acolytes experience lower success rates than promoted non-accolytes.
A national PrEP program for injection drug users is cost-prohibitive due to high drug prices, but investing in naloxone therapy, medical insurance, and detoxification programs could prevent HIV infections more effectively. The study suggests that alternative approaches may be a better use of HIV prevention resources.
A team of researchers at the University of Leicester has made significant progress in understanding the role of inositol phosphate molecules in regulating gene expression. By developing a novel peptide-based inhibitor, they have gained insights into how enzymes are activated by these small molecules, paving the way for more specific an...
A Louisiana State University student-led team has been awarded a $200,000 grant to develop an instrument that will fly into a thunderstorm to measure how lightning produces high-energy gamma-rays. The project, called Correlation of Terrestrial gamma flashes, Electric fields and Lightning strikes, aims to study the electrical and radiat...
A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that brain signals between seizures may be responsible for memory problems in patients with epilepsy. Researchers found that abnormal hippocampal-cortical signaling in both rats and humans with epilepsy tracked closely with the level of memory impairment.
A team of researchers from the University of Georgia has discovered that most of the freshwater pouring into oceans from melting Greenland ice sheet originates from the east coast. The study found that wind and ocean currents transport meltwater around the southern tip of Greenland, which is then largely deposited into the Labrador Sea.
Researchers found that dogs with atopic dermatitis have a sharp decrease in skin bacterial diversity, leading to impaired barrier function and increased Staphylococcus species. Antibiotic therapy restored normal levels, suggesting a correlation between skin barrier dysfunction and bacterial overgrowth.
Despite a severe drought, the contiguous United States remained a carbon sink in 2012, absorbing more carbon during warmer springs and releasing less during dry summers. The unique combination of measured data from various sources allowed researchers to calculate the carbon exchange for the entire US during this period.
A combined dietary supplement of marine fish oil, cocoa extract, and phytosterols could potentially prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting key processes associated with its progression. The study found that combining these ingredients helped halt the progression of atherosclerosis in cell-based models.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute have demonstrated that astrocytes regulate changes in synaptic strength, which is crucial for learning and memory. By examining cultured cells and brain slices, they found that astrocyte activity helps maintain normal variation of synaptic strengths.
A meta-analysis of 50 years of research on spanking found that it is associated with increased anti-social behavior, aggression, mental health problems, and cognitive difficulties. Spanking was linked to detrimental outcomes consistently across all types of studies, including those using strongest methodologies.
Researchers found that high-intensity blue light reduces inflammation and organ damage at the cellular level in mice before surgery. This potential pre-treatment light therapy could improve outcomes in patients undergoing procedures with blood restriction.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new method to convert one type of perovskite into another, improving thermal stability and light absorption. The technique uses gas-based methods to flip the chemical switch, preserving the microstructure and morphology of the material.
Researchers found that female pelves widen with puberty, reaching full width by age 25-30, but then narrow again after menopause. Hormone levels drive this process, suggesting the body can modulate pelvic dimensions to ensure optimal childbirth.
Tropical Cyclone Amos weakened and dissipated in the Southern Pacific Ocean on April 24, 2016, after being torn apart by increasing wind shear. The storm's elongation was evident in composite satellite images, with heaviest rainfall appearing in its northwestern quadrant.
A study of 759 infants found that eating rice and rice products increased their exposure to arsenic. The highest levels were detected in babies consuming baby rice cereal or rice snacks.
A new special issue from Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology investigates the life cycle environmental and natural resource implications of energy efficiency technologies. The studies reveal that while these technologies generally reduce greenhouse gas emissions, their benefits vary widely among regions and technologies.
Researchers discovered a discrepancy in YouTube's view count system, where fake views were counted towards advertisers' bills despite being flagged as fraudulent. This study highlights the challenges of detecting and preventing bot fraud in video portals, which can have significant economic implications.
Alterations in chromatin structure are essential for cancer development, accelerating cell cycle progression and malignant transformation. Changes in epigenetic factors and histone variants confer to cancer cells the ability to reprogram their genomes.
A recent study by the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences found that 9-month-old babies who participated in music play sessions showed improved brain responses to music and new speech sounds. This suggests that early musical experiences can have a lasting impact on cognitive skills such as pattern percept...
Princeton University researchers used advanced techniques to record dopamine neuron activity in the striatum, finding that these neurons not only encode reward but also directly control movements. This discovery challenges current understanding of dopamine's role in movement-related disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that transplanting liver cells into an extra-hepatic site, such as the intra-mesentery, can help protect against post-operative liver failure and aid in survival of the remaining liver. The study showed improved overall mortality due to acute liver failure in the transplantation group.
Researchers discovered hidden mechanisms of the immune system in two disease areas, COPD and systemic lupus erythematosus. The findings showed that ILC2s can change into inflammatory cells in response to stimuli, suggesting a potential way to treat COPD exacerbations.
HPV vaccination programs in Canada are currently limited, leaving men vulnerable to HPV-related diseases. The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends expanding the programs to include males and negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to decrease costs.
A new international research center will focus on sustainable use of tropical landscapes and combat environmental destruction in the Peruvian Amazon. The center aims to develop transformative solutions for human health and biodiversity, building scientific capacity in local communities.
Researchers at Iowa State University have created micro-scale, liquid-metal particles that can be used for heat-free soldering and metal processing without high temperatures. The discovery has significant implications for manufacturing, with potential applications in the fabrication, repair, and processing of metals.
Researchers at RIKEN and the University of Bristol have experimentally verified that light exerts a new type of optical force proportional to its circular polarization. The team used an extremely precise nano-cantilever to measure this force, which is much weaker than usual radiation pressure.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found significant disparities in healthcare quality for Hispanic Medicare Advantage enrollees in Puerto Rico compared to their counterparts in the US. The study analyzed data from over 7 million MA enrollees and found that Hispanic MA enrollees in Puerto Rico received worse care on 15 ...
Researchers have developed an innovative anti-biofilm coating with significant anti-adhesive potential, preventing destructive bacterial growth on metal surfaces. The coating has potential applications in medical implants, devices, and surgical equipment, as well as industrial uses such as preventing aquatic biofouling.
Russian scientists have identified a unique enzyme in E. coli that enables the bacterium to breathe, despite the presence of hydrogen sulfide, which would normally inhibit mitochondrial respiration. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that target specific types of bacteria without harming human cells.
A recent study found that students attending US charter high schools are more likely to graduate from high school and enroll in college. Charter school graduates also tend to have higher earnings in their mid-20s compared to their counterparts at traditional public schools.
A new study from Oregon State University finds that conservatives' attitudes toward climate change and environmental concerns shift when the issues are framed in terms more closely aligned with their values. The researchers used moral foundations theory to test how shifts in moral framing affect attitudes toward environmental issues.
Groundbreaking research in 13 radiology subspecialities presented during the ARRS 2016 Annual Meeting. Notable findings include improved prostate cancer detection and grading using restriction spectrum imaging, reduced unnecessary biopsies via novel mammographic algorithm, and faster knee MRI acquisition with accelerated SPACE.
Researchers studying intestinal bacteria and their effect on the human brain and mood found that an imbalance in gut microbiota can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. Feeding stressed mice probiotics improved behavior and reduced stress biomarkers, suggesting a potential treatment for PTSD.
Researchers at 2Blades Foundation have isolated novel disease resistance genes and successfully transferred them into wheat, soybean and potato to combat diseases such as wheat stem rust, Asian soybean rust and late blight of potato. These breakthroughs aim to provide durable genetic resistances to protect crops from devastating losses.
Children with uncorrectable vision problems are twice as likely to have a diagnosis of ADHD, according to a nationwide study. The researchers analyzed data on over 75,000 children and found that those with vision problems not correctable by glasses or contact lenses had a higher prevalence of ADHD.
A five-year study found that patients with negative beliefs about their diabetic foot ulcers had a higher risk of death. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that addressing these attitudes could improve survival rates for people with diabetic foot ulcers.
Scientists have developed a new method to accelerate the isolation of plant disease resistance genes, using 'SMRT RenSeq' technology. This technique has been successfully used to identify a brand new source of blight resistance genes in Solanum americanum, a wild relative of the potato.
Researchers discovered measurable changes in brain cells of high school football players due to repeated impacts, even without concussion. The study used diffusional kurtosis imaging to measure changes in neural tissues and white matter abnormalities.
Researchers found that Asiatic black bears disperse wild cherry tree seeds toward mountaintops, helping the species cope with projected temperature rises. The study suggests that seed dispersal direction can be asymmetric and highlights the importance of considering seed dispersal limitations in predicting future plant distributions.
Chemists develop methods to wind up molecules into screw-shaped structures using artificial molecules, demonstrating a mechanism to transfer handedness. The technique could be used to design molecules for catalysis or energy conversion.