Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a self-healing diamond-like carbon film generated by an automotive engine's heat and pressure. The tribofilm reduces friction by 25-40% and wear to unmeasurable values, enabling more efficient and reliable engines.
Researchers have identified a marker for myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that distinguish them from normal neutrophils. Higher numbers of these cells are associated with larger tumor sizes, suggesting the marker could help predict disease severity and outcome.
Researchers found that infants' airways are colonized with bacteria or bacterial DNA at birth, which could predict severe lung disease. The 'healthy' pattern of colonization seen in BPD-resistant infants is protective, with increased abundance of Lactobacillus.
A new Brown University study projects that treating 2,000 Rhode Islanders for hepatitis C virus infection per year could reduce cases by 90 percent and prevent over 70 percent of expected liver-related deaths by 2030. The analysis found that doubling the number treated annually could reduce death rates by less than 20 percent.
A study led by the University of Leicester found that a new asthma pill called Fevipiprant significantly reduced symptoms and improved lung function. The drug was shown to decrease inflammation and repair airway linings, offering hope for severe asthma sufferers.
Physicists from UT Arlington are developing a multifunctional platform to integrate imaging and photo-induced cancer therapy in a single, portable device. The BIGLITE device aims to improve the efficacy and safety of photo-induced therapies by precisely killing cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
New research from North Carolina State University reveals that Mercury's crust-forming volcanism stopped around 3.5 billion years ago, likely due to the planet's small mantle size and rapid cooling. This finding provides insight into Mercury's geological evolution and challenges previous theories about planetary formation.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a way to bind light to a single electron, merging their properties. This breakthrough could lead to the development of robust photonic circuits that are less vulnerable to disruption.
Hokkaido University researchers have synthesized a platinum-based superconducting material with unique crystal structure, which becomes superconducting at 10 GPa but returns to non-superconductive state at 15 GPa. The high-pressure synthesis method holds promise for further exploration of unknown phases in various materials.
A new UT study found that human limbs do not evolve independently, but are influenced by genetic correlations with other bones. The research challenged traditional theories on body shape and size, suggesting that multiple forces shape human form in response to environmental factors.
Researchers developed a noninvasive device that tricks premature infants' brains into thinking they're running, reducing apnea of prematurity incidents and low oxygen levels. The device uses vibrating disks on the skin to stimulate nerve fibers, promoting increased breathing.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends standardized education programs for surgeons, residents, and hospital staff to improve teamwork and non-technical skills. These programs aim to enhance communication, resilience, leadership, and teamwork among surgical teams.
Researchers identify citron kinase as key to building a normally sized human brain, finding mutations associated with severe microcephaly and lissencephaly. Studying stem cells and human brain tissue provides clues to the condition's origins, paving the way for further research into its causes.
Researchers discovered that whales' ultrasonic hearing arose earlier than anticipated, with the ability to hear at high frequencies evolving about 27 million years ago. This finding suggests that traits associated with this ability predate the emergence of toothed whales.
Scientists have identified functions for three previously unknown mitochondrial proteins, shedding light on complex I deficiencies and coenzyme Q production. The discoveries may lead to therapies for inborn errors of metabolism and other diseases associated with mitochondria.
Researchers found that resistant mice have higher levels of reactive oxygen species proteins and a more rapid tissue repair response in the liver. This suggests that highly oxidative conditions may be key to murine resistance to Ascaris infection.
A new study found that women who stopped using estrogen-containing contraceptives had average vitamin D levels, while current users tended to have higher levels. Women trying to conceive should take action to maintain adequate vitamin D levels before and during pregnancy.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for generating electric currents that leads to improved plasma confinement, solving a long-standing problem in fusion reactor development. The study found that the difference in trajectories between electrons and ions plays a crucial role in creating this electric current.
Competitive swimmers are at risk of shoulder injuries due to the high stress on their joints. Proper technique, training, stretching, and strengthening can help prevent these injuries. Swimmers may experience signs such as a dropped elbow or excessive body roll, which can be diagnosed with a thorough physical examination.
A population-based study found that air pollution may shorten the survival of patients with lung cancer, especially those with early stage disease. The study tracked over 352,000 people with lung cancer and found that higher exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter was associated with shorter survival times.
After decades of research, scientists have made significant progress in understanding and treating PCOS, identifying potential biomarkers and developing new diagnostic tests. The review highlights innovative approaches, including genetic testing and hormone analysis, to improve early treatment strategies and prevent long-term complicat...
Researchers at UC Davis discovered how sunflowers follow the sun during the day using their internal clock, affecting growth hormones and flower orientation. The study found two growth mechanisms at work in sunflower stems, one driven by light availability and another controlled by the circadian clock.
Researchers at Iowa State University have created a quick-destructing battery that can power devices for up to 15 minutes before self-destruction. The battery's unique polymer casing breaks apart in water, dissolving or dissipating the components within 30 minutes.
A recent study reveals galectin-3's ability to interact with GAGs and proteoglycans, challenging previous biological functions. This discovery has significant implications for cancer treatment and research into immunodeficiency, neural growth, and inflammation.
Kelly Schultz's NIH-funded project focuses on characterizing how mesenchymal stem cells interact with synthetic material to advance biomaterial design and tissue engineering. By understanding cell behavior in 3D environments, researchers hope to engineer cells to move faster, enabling quicker wound healing and tissue regeneration.
A team of researchers found that a subset of macrophage cells in the heart produce molecules attracting neutrophils. Loss of these macrophages or blocking their production reduces neutrophil migration to the injured area. The study suggests resident macrophages provide signals calling neutrophils to the site.
A study suggests that media contagion is a significant factor in the rise of mass shootings in America. The researchers propose that by withholding shooter names and details from the media, the number of mass shootings could be reduced by at least one-third.
Researchers developed a vaccine made from an engineered HSV-2 virus that lacks expression of glycoprotein D, which protects mice from multiple clinical isolates of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection. Mice rapidly cleared the virus after infection and did not develop long-term latent infections.
Researchers have mapped underground drainage systems connecting fresh groundwater and seawater, highlighting vulnerable sites to saltwater intrusion. The study identifies areas where drinking water is at risk due to ocean contamination or saltwater invasion.
A new analytical tool for detecting double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has been developed, exhibiting sequence-selective fluorescence upon binding. This probe offers a significant improvement over conventional methods by allowing single-base pair resolution and preferential binding to dsRNA over dsDNA.
The AGA Fecal Microbiota Transplantation National Registry aims to protect patient safety while providing valuable data on the potential health risks of FMT. The registry will collect information from patients undergoing FMT at sites across the US, following them for up to 10 years to monitor adverse events and effectiveness.
Researchers at NPL and University of Leicester publish paper showing a new method to calculate spacecraft position using pulsars, increasing space mission capabilities and autonomy. The technique can achieve accuracy of 2km in one direction and 30km in 3D with minimal Earth contact.
Tropical Storm Omais has formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, characterized by strong thunderstorms and cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is expected to continue moving north-northwestward and strengthen into a typhoon by August 6.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute made a major advance in understanding how stem cells become specialized. The study shows that the stem cell-specific protein OCT4 primes certain genes that cause differentiation, customizing stem cells' responses to signals.
The Reaxys PhD Prize has shortlisted 10 candidates from 45 nominations, who will present their research in London and compete for the top three prizes. The jury's review criteria include originality, innovation, applicability, importance, and rigor of the reported research.
Analysis of three types of Zika vaccines reveals they are effective at protecting rhesus monkeys from the virus. The vaccines induce strong antibody responses and provide complete protection against Zika when exposed to the virus.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a novel, pot-shaped carbon nanomaterial with a deeper orifice than any previously produced hollow carbon nanostructure. The material's unique characteristic enables it to gradually release substances contained within, making it suitable for applications such as drug delivery systems.
A joint University of Adelaide-Shanghai Jiao Tong University study provides the first broad picture of pollen allergen evolution and possible functions. The researchers' findings may help with reducing or preventing allergic diseases like asthma and hay fever.
A new Autism Speaks MSSNG study has expanded understanding of autism's complex causes, highlighting the role of non-coding DNA and environmental factors in gene changes. The research found a clear difference between de novo mutations from the mother and father, with clustered mutations from the mother linked to copy number variations.
Researchers discovered that microvessels in the brain play a key role in reacting to spikes in demand and accelerating blood flow to respond to neuronal activity. The findings could help explain cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
Research suggests that using Tinder leads to lower levels of self-worth and increased negative perception of body image among both male and female users. The study, conducted by the American Psychological Association, involved 1,044 women and 273 men who reported less satisfaction with their bodies and looks compared to non-users.
Researchers have successfully reared the larvae of a parasitic fly on chicken blood, paving the way for a new method to control its population. This breakthrough could be key to saving critically endangered birds like the mangrove finch in the Galapagos Islands.
Researchers developed a computational approach to identify individualized targets for therapy by analyzing patient-specific data and mapping complex networks of gene and protein interactions. The study provides insights into the mechanisms behind resistance to anti-androgen therapies and offers a tool for prioritizing effective drugs.
Scientists have developed a rapid and robust protocol to generate functional human GABAergic neurons from stem cells in a single step. This allows for the creation of high-quality neuron populations for studying psychiatric disorders and rapidly screening drugs.
A new study at Cahokia reveals the 'beaded burial' feature includes both males and females of high status, challenging earlier interpretations. The analysis confirms the presence of male-female pairs in the mass graves, suggesting a nobility with equal representation of males and females.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that ominous background music in shark documentaries hinders conservation efforts by negatively rating sharks. The study suggests documentary filmmakers should consider the soundtrack's impact on viewers' interpretation of educational content.
Researchers found genetic connections between European settlers and farmers in Central Turkey, tracing back to the late Stone Age. The study suggests that farming knowledge spread from Turkey to Europe through human migration and cultural exchange.
Research by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlights the need to educate the public about preventable chemical eye burns in young children. The study found that one- and two-year-olds are at the greatest risk, with injuries most commonly occurring at home and among those in lower-income households.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $28.3 million to The Jackson Laboratory over five years to fund phase 2 of the Knockout Mouse Production and Phenotyping Project (KOMP2). This project aims to create targeted knockout mutations for every gene in the mouse genome, providing valuable clues to their function.
Scientists discovered over 930 genetic differences in rats with an abuse disorder, pointing to regulatory regions influencing memory and reward behavior. These findings strengthen our understanding of the genetic basis of alcoholism and may lead to future treatments.
A new study reveals that Democratic voters are more likely to perceive a higher probability of flood damage, expect climate change to increase the risk, and invest in individual protection measures. Republicans, on the other hand, are less likely to trust government to address flood risks and receive federal disaster relief.
Researchers studied how epigenetics regulate vital functions in bacteria, simple eukaryotes, and complex organisms like humans. The study reveals that epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in regulating development, gene expression, and disease susceptibility.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover that the timing of brain activity, not just the number of spikes, is crucial for recognizing shapes and perceiving the world. The study's findings have potential applications in developing more accurate visual prosthetics for people with blindness.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed an oxygen-assisted aluminum/carbon dioxide power cell that captures CO2 while producing electricity and a valuable oxalate. This technology has the potential to reduce energy consumption in carbon capture systems, making it more commercially viable.
Researchers link vitamin A metabolism to eye fibrosis, finding that retinoic acid triggers fibroblast signaling promoting scarring. Inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase may prevent ocular fibrosis.
Children with multiple disabilities in Head Start show better literacy and academic performance by kindergarten age. The program connects families to medical providers and psychologists to assess and support disabled children's needs.
A study found that plant sugars affect mosquito susceptibility to malaria parasites, with certain plants increasing transmission rates. The researchers used an epidemiological model to predict the relative contribution of different plants to malaria transmission dynamics.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that African-American men treated with hormone therapy had a 77% higher risk of death compared to non-African American men. The study analyzed over 7,000 patients and found that the increased mortality rate was not due to prostate cancer.
Researchers at UWM create a solid chiral catalyst that preferentially forms one enantiomer of a molecule, addressing the issue of inconsistent handedness in pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective medications.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have developed a novel DNA analysis technique that identifies the full spectrum of yeast and bacteria in wine samples. This breakthrough allows for faster and more efficient monitoring of micro-organisms affecting wine quality, paving the way for improved wine production.