A new company, Validere, has commercialized a sensing technology invented at Harvard University that can perform instant characterization of unknown liquids. The technology, called Watermark Ink (W-INK), exploits nanostructured materials to distinguish liquids by their surface tension.
Researchers at Duke Health have discovered a new paradigm for how G protein-coupled receptors activate cell signaling mechanisms. The formation of 'mega-plexes' explains how signals can continue to be sent after internalization, opening up possibilities for targeted drug therapies.
Climate change is threatening to expose the hazardous waste from an abandoned US military base in Greenland's ice sheet, posing a significant environmental hazard. The site contains toxic pollutants and radioactive waste that could disrupt marine ecosystems if the ice melts.
A team of Penn researchers has created a computer model that accounts for thermal fluctuations and surface undulation, enabling more accurate targeting of cancer cells. The new model can aid in custom designing nanocarriers with specific molecules for personalized medicine.
A new approach using patient-derived cell lines has revealed that pancreatic tumors have diverse genetic mutations, making it challenging to target treatments. The study suggests that personalized medicine can be improved by testing drugs against each patient's specific tumor genetics.
Researchers found that head partitions reduced agonistic interactions and increased the use of feeding places among high-ranking animals. This led to a more relaxed feeding environment, improved sense of well-being, and increased nutritional status among goats.
Researchers have successfully tested two Zika vaccine candidates in nonhuman primates, demonstrating robust protection against both Brazilian and Puerto Rican strains of the virus. The findings support the advancement of these vaccine candidates to human trials, with phase 1 clinical testing expected to begin later this year.
Researchers found that fidgeting one leg intermittently during three hours of sitting increased blood flow and prevented a decline in arterial function. The study suggests that even small amounts of movement can be beneficial when walking or exercising is not an option.
GOJO Industries' biomimicry case study reveals the field can expand intellectual property, increase energy efficiency and accelerate innovation. The research found improved sustainability with double to quadruple energy efficiency compared to technology in the market.
Three different investigational Zika virus vaccine platforms protect against infection and induce immune responses in rhesus macaques. The results suggest that each approach holds promise for designing an effective Zika vaccine.
Researchers at Université de Genève have developed an antibody that blocks the migration of cancer cells, preventing their spread and proliferation. The 'H225' antibody reduces cancerous cell transit into organs by over 50% and limits cell proliferation, offering a promising new therapeutic strategy against lymphoma.
A study published in PLOS Genetics has identified hundreds of genes associated with alcohol preference in rats, suggesting a strong genetic component to alcoholism. The research found that critical regulatory pathways involving several genes were crucial in regulating the desire to drink alcohol.
A team of researchers from Google and NYU Tandon School of Engineering analyzed commercial pay-per-install practices and their distribution of unwanted software. They found that PPI affiliates are directly catering to the unwanted software market, avoiding user protections while delivering unwanted software under a thin veil of consent.
The Southwest National Primate Research Center at Texas Biomedical Research Institute has received a $40 million NIH grant to continue its research programs using nonhuman primates. The grant renewal will support the Center's breeding and research colonies of NHP species, making them available to the global scientific community.
A new metabolic engineering technique could significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of producing liquid biofuels and biochemicals. The approach eliminates the need for antibiotics during biofuel production by giving producer microbes an advantage over unwanted invaders.
A new study from Northeastern University found that people are more likely to delegate decisions when faced with choices affecting others, rather than themselves. Researchers discovered that individuals tend to avoid delegating unappealing choices on their own behalf, but will do so for someone else to minimize blame.
CityLab will partner with Fordham University and local squash organizations to provide engaging STEM experiences for students from diverse backgrounds. The program aims to develop a national model for informal precollege biomedical science education, inspiring careers in STEM fields.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have successfully treated two patients with rare genetic disorders causing severe hyperphagia. The new drug treatment, which targets the satiety center in the brain, resulted in significant weight loss and normalization of hunger feelings in both patients.
A new tool, HiPub, helps researchers visualize connections between genes, proteins, drugs, and diseases in the vast biomedical literature. It extracts relevant information from text and visualizes it in a network, streamlining knowledge discovery.
A recent study using cutting-edge 3D dental microwear texture analysis reveals that Sinomastodon and Stegodon were obligate browsers of foliages, while Elephas had a broader diet of grasses and trees. This complex process suggests that biotic factors played a more substantial role in Pleistocene faunal turnovers than previously thought.
Researchers discovered a cocktail of sea anemone proteins that can repair damaged mouse cochlear hair cells in as little as 8 minutes. The study suggests that these proteins could potentially be used to treat patients with acute hearing loss.
Increased LDL-C levels increase CAD risk, while increased HDL-C and TG levels lower diabetes risk. This study uses genetics to investigate lipid associations, providing insights for drug development and potential effects on dysglycemia.
A North Carolina State University study links several pesticides used by farmers with both allergic and non-allergic wheeze, a sensitive marker for early airway problems. The research, using data from the Agricultural Health Study, found 29 pesticides associated with at least one type of wheeze.
Researchers developed a unique method to measure lightning strike energy by analyzing 'fossilized' sand cylinders created by thousands of years-old lightning strikes. The team found that the energy released in a single bolt of lightning peaks at over 20 megajoules per meter.
A new study finds that earlier snowmelt periods associated with a warming climate may hinder subalpine forest regulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The findings predict a 45% reduction in snowmelt period forest carbon uptake by mid-century.
Researchers measured the resting metabolic rate of a lactating sea otter mother, revealing a significant increase in energy demands after giving birth. This finding suggests that sea otters may be accumulating fat reserves before milk production to cope with the high costs of rearing their young.
Exercise increases neurogenesis, a process forming new neurons in the hippocampus, a key brain region for learning and memory. Contrary to earlier findings, these new neurons do not erase previously formed memories.
A Bristol student, Paul Harris, has achieved a world record in 5G wireless spectrum efficiency using Massive MIMO. He set a new record of 145.6 bit/s/Hz with his research team, demonstrating the potential for this technology to deliver ultra-fast data rates to high densities of smartphones and tablets.
Scientists at EMBL discovered that cell contraction strength determines whether cells move inwards to form the embryo or stay on the surface to become the placenta. The study found that unequal inheritance of apical proteins affects cell contraction, leading to the formation of either embryonic or placental tissues.
A team of researchers has developed a hybrid method to study the critical HIV protein Nef, which compromises the immune system. By combining two biophysical techniques, they gained insights into how Nef changes structure to interact with host proteins and evade the immune system.
Scientists at the University of Basel have created nanoparticles that can serve as efficient contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These smart nanoparticles produce significantly more contrast than traditional contrast agents and respond to specific environments.
A groundbreaking study found that keeping a specific RNA binding protein, TDP-43, from moving inside nerve cells can prevent cell death and disease progression in ALS and other neurodegenerative disorders. The researchers developed small proteins to block the protein's localization, preventing toxicity and disease progression in mice.
Researchers at Duke University have created gallium nanoparticles with a unique phase coexistence phenomenon, where the particle core is solid while the outer layer remains liquid. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in nanotechnology applications, including ultraviolet sensors and molecular sensing devices.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed dust-sized wireless sensors that can be implanted in the body to monitor internal nerves, muscles, or organs in real-time. The technology also enables stimulation of nerves and muscles to treat disorders such as epilepsy or stimulate the immune system.
Researchers found that higher-income neighborhoods had more arthropod species, likely due to the presence of diverse plants. Despite individual homes with minimal outdoor plant life, these households still supported high insect diversity due to surrounding neighborhood features.
New research reveals that over 40% of people with depression and anxiety skipped healthcare treatment due to cost. Adults with asthma, emphysema, and COPD faced significantly higher household out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure compared to those without a health condition.
A cardiac imaging study showed a correlation between higher inflammatory biomarkers and an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease in men infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Researchers used computed tomography (CT) angiography to detect signs of subclinical CAD, such as narrowed arteries and the amount, density a...
A recent literature review suggests that both sleep disorders and oversleeping may increase the risk of stroke. The review recommends screening for sleep disorders in people who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), as they may be more likely to experience negative outcomes. Additionally, treatment with continuous posit...
Researchers used assortativity to analyze DNA interactions and identify proteins mediating chromatin contact networks. This approach helps understand genome organization and its relationship with gene expression regulation.
McMaster engineers are working with Aevitas to create cost-effective and faster treatment solutions for biocides in industrial wastewater. The partnership aims to reduce biocide usage and protect the environment, with a goal of improving treated wastewater quality.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to reinforce composite materials using carbon nanotubes, resulting in substantially stronger and more resistant materials. The stitched composites were found to be 30% stronger and withstood greater forces before breaking than existing composite materials.
Researchers used advanced instrument MOSFIRE to quantify oxygen in COSMOS-1908, a galaxy 12 billion years old. The measurement provides insights into how matter cycles in and out of galaxies, allowing for better understanding of galaxy evolution and formation.
Rice University bioengineer Junghae Suh has been awarded a prestigious R01 grant to research the use of viral gene therapy to fight ovarian cancer. The grant will help Suh and her lab adapt viruses to recognize extracellular enzymes overexpressed by ovarian-cancer tumors and deliver therapeutic genes to diseased cells.
Researchers found that increasing mobility through a popular place can reduce outbreak severity, unlike reducing flow which would increase susceptibility to infection. The team proposes strategies to control the flow of people to minimize risk while maintaining high occupancy.
Researchers create high-pressure conditions to study the melting of forsterite, a mineral that makes up Earth's mantle. The experiments provide insight into how impact-generated magmas evolve and allow for modeling of Earth-type planets' inner structures.
Researchers have gained insights into the molecular mechanisms behind bioluminescence in fireflies, click beetles and glow worms. Mutations to an enzyme called luciferase produce red light in acidic conditions, while changes favoring green light emission occur under normal conditions.
Researchers discovered how queen honeybees control worker bees' fertility through the Notch cell-signalling pathway. The study found that inhibiting Notch signalling can overcome the effect of queen pheromone and promote ovary activity in adult worker bees.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found bacterial DNA in breast tissue, even when sterile conditions are maintained. The team discovered significant differences in the breast tissue microbiome of women with and without cancer, suggesting a distinct role for the microbiome in breast cancer development.
Researchers found that naturally occurring estrogens in milk did not impact blood hormone levels or reproductive organs in mice, even at concentrations 100 times higher than typical milk from pregnant cows. The study suggests that the gastrointestinal system can metabolize estrogens before they reach systemic circulation.
Researchers found that Namibian desert elephants share the same DNA as African savanna elephants due to their high learning capacity and long-distance migrations. They possess unique survival skills, including sand-wetting and water conservation techniques.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have created high-performance, micro-scale solar cells that outshine comparable devices in key performance measures. The new, small cells capture current from charges moving side-to-side and generate significantly more energy than other sideways solar systems.
Scientists have developed a method to predict which alloys can form bulk metallic glasses, overcoming the complex process of synthesizing these alloys. The new approach identifies hundreds of new candidates for metallic glass made from simple two-element alloys, opening up possibilities for novel strong and conductive materials.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected four early career scientists to receive research awards totaling $275,000. The grants support work in radiation and cancer biology, physics, and translational research.
Scientists have discovered that newly found SAR11 bacteria are depleting oxygen and nitrogen in the world's largest oxygen minimum zone, making virtual dead zones even more inhospitable to life. This process has significant implications for global nutrient supplies and greenhouse gas cycles.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that adults with slow-growing kidney cancer can live for months or even years without worsening disease progression through active surveillance. The approach was most successful in patients with limited metastatic disease and fewer risk factors.
A new study found that hospitals with high ICU use perform poorly on measures of quality care for patients with heart attacks and congestive heart failure. These hospitals tend to have smaller numbers of heart attack and failure patients, are more likely to be for-profit, and serve low-income ZIP codes.
Harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) form when chlorine and other chemicals react with organic matter in pool water, causing respiratory problems like asthma among swimmers. Practicing good hygiene, such as taking showers before entering the pool, can help reduce DBP levels.
The Yale Open Data Access (YODA) Project has made significant progress in accelerating clinical trial data sharing, enabling greater access to high-quality medical research. The project's independent scientific reviews have ensured fair judgment and decision-making authority over data release.
Researchers at UTMB identified a molecule called p38 MAPK linked to premature birth, found in stressed exosomes from placental tissue. This discovery sheds light on the triggers of preterm delivery, which affects an estimated 15 million babies worldwide each year.
Researchers found that mantis shrimp assess opponent strength and aggression using a combination of UV reflectance and chemical signals, allowing them to avoid losing fights. This complex signaling system helps mantis shrimp determine the likelihood of victory in combat.