A recent study by researchers at VIB and KU Leuven in Belgium and the Babraham Institute in the UK discovered that raising a child together has a significant impact on one's immune system. Individuals who co-parented a child showed a 50% reduction in variation between their two immune systems, compared to the wider population.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully controlled a prosthetic arm to move individual fingers using brain mapping technology. The study, published in the Journal of Neural Engineering, represents a potential advance in technologies to restore refined hand function to those who have lost arms to injury or disease.
Researchers studied video recordings, scientific data, and asteroid orbits to determine the Chelyabinsk superbolide's origin. A possible link between asteroid 2011 EO40 and the Chelyabinsk impactor has been suggested.
An international team discovered how microorganisms, the Hadesarchaea, survive without oxygen and light, using carbon monoxide to gain energy. This finding expands our understanding of archaea that thrive in deep biosphere environments.
Researchers have developed a method to rapidly change electron spins using microwave photons, demonstrating potential for quantum information processing and enhancements in magnetic resonance techniques. The experiment showed an accelerated relaxation of electron spins and the release of a microwave photon in about 1 second.
Using human ligament samples and polarized-light-based imaging, the Penn team has identified microscopic features that prefigure where failure occurs. This insight could lead to new diagnostic techniques or therapies for sub-failure injuries.
The top 5 finalists of the Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge were selected from almost 500 submissions worldwide. The projects aim to provide environmentally friendly processes, products, and resources for developing countries. The winning project will receive €50,000, while the second prize winner will get €25,000.
Researchers found that certain bacteria, including Francisella tularensis and Salmonella enterica, can spread rapidly throughout the body by interacting with immune cells called macrophages. This process, known as trogocytosis, allows bacteria to evade detection and survive inside infected cells.
A new study from UCL and ICREA-University of Barcelona found that immersive virtual reality therapy can reduce depressive symptoms in patients. The therapy involved wearing a virtual reality headset and expressing compassion towards a distressed virtual child, resulting in a significant drop in depression severity for some participants.
Researchers found that damage to cartilage's collagen network and increased fluid flow are early indicators of osteoarthritis. The study suggests that understanding these structural changes could lead to earlier detection and better treatment of the disease.
A team of international researchers synthesized large quantities of pure georgeite, a rare copper-hydroxycarbonate mineral. They found that the georgeite was an excellent catalyst precursor for two important reactions in the chemical industry, outperforming commercial catalysts.
A new study finds that unpaid caregivers, often family members, experience significant emotional, physical, and financial difficulties due to their caregiving responsibilities. They are also more likely to be less productive at work and require support from healthcare providers and employers.
Scientists have identified three previously unknown subgroups of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), a group of immune cells crucial for maintaining the barrier function of mucosa. This discovery was made possible by single-cell RNA sequencing, which allowed researchers to analyze gene expression across thousands of genes.
Shark researchers support most available conservation policies, with a majority favoring sustainable fishing regulations. Many also prioritize environmental non-profit advocacy and believe there is no single policy to solve all shark conservation problems.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine presented new insights on the use of big data to discover personalized therapies for treating human illness. They also discussed the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, as well as a new technique to predict outcomes in patients with neurodegenerative disorders.
Stanford Professor Rob Jackson found high levels of natural gas in tap water near active wells, often caused by poorly constructed wells or lack of cementing. Shallow fracking operations can contaminate freshwater aquifers, posing a risk to drinking water quality.
Japanese researchers used iPS cell technology to increase the number of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, which are rare helper immune cells that can activate cytotoxic cells against cancer. The creation of potent iNKT cells has important implications for understanding immune cell formation and developing new cancer therapies.
Drones are being used to monitor site destruction and looting in the present, providing quantifiable evidence for the rate of ongoing damage. Morag Kersel's research has shown that drones can be an effective tool for archaeologists to document excavation, map landscapes, and identify buried features.
Researchers from Princeton University will present on the intersection of citizen science and technology, exploring its potential to tackle environmental challenges. Additionally, they will discuss the complexities of measles control in resource-poor settings, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and statistical analysis.
Rising temperatures and extreme weather events will negatively impact global crop production, leading to higher food prices and scarcity. Global markets with the ability to deliver food where it's needed most can help counterbalance these effects. Trade agreements can significantly moderate the worst effects on food security.
Experts from Asia, Europe, and the US discuss building resilience in complex food systems using decision-making models, big data, and IT. Collaboration between industry, innovators, and stakeholders is crucial for creating a higher level of food security.
A study of nearly 500 scientists found that honesty and curiosity are the core values of exemplary researchers, with 94% agreeing they can be learned through education. The study's findings highlight the importance of instilling desirable traits in the next generation of scientists.
Recent studies on the Elaeocarpus joga tree from Guam have identified nitrogen and potassium as limiting factors for its growth in limestone soils. This knowledge is crucial for conserving large charismatic trees and restoring degraded landscapes to improve island ecosystem health.
Women with hypertension and physically demanding jobs have an especially high risk of heart disease. The combination of hypertension and high physical activity at work increases the risk more than adding individual risks together.
Dr. Riddell will discuss recent advances in CAR T-cell therapy, which has shown sustained regression in previously relapsing cases of B-cell malignancies. His presentation aims to outline steps to improve targeting and reduce side effects.
A Northwestern University research team has discovered telling clues about the materials and methods used by Roman-Egyptian artists to paint lifelike mummy portraits. The analysis provides strong evidence on how many of the 15 paintings were made, shedding light on the evolution of painting techniques in the Byzantine Empire.
Recent advances in T cell therapy have brought the idea of fighting chronic infections and cancers closer to reality. The use of potent cells with a safety mechanism has been demonstrated, and clinical trials have yielded highly promising results.
TUM researchers are developing self-healing materials to repair cracks in concrete structures. They use bacteria, hydrogels, and epoxy resin to create a material that can close cracks and prevent water damage. The technology has shown promising results in laboratory tests and is being further developed for use in real-world applications.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are using ancient DNA analysis to study the human microbiome and its impact on health. They have found that human behavior over the past 2000 years has impacted the gut microbiome, leading to disturbed microbial communities.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered that apraxia of speech can evolve into a neurodegenerative disease, causing significant difficulties with speech, movement, and daily activities. Early diagnosis and therapy are crucial to develop compensations for producing sounds and improving communication.
University of Exeter researchers present world-leading studies on climate tipping points and glacial lake outburst floods, shedding light on early warning signals and their implications for global action. The research aims to provide insights into the social and policy implications of these critical thresholds.
Researchers from University College London have developed a new optical receiver that simplifies the design and reduces costs, enabling faster fiber-to-the-home broadband technology. The novel receiver can support speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, making it futureproof against growing data demands.
Scientists from the UK and US are working together to develop new synthetic vaccines and understand how viruses interact with their environment. Repeated strain of Potato virus Y in the US has caused greater crop damage and is harder to control, according to research. Avian influenza poses a threat to food security worldwide.
Research has made significant progress in understanding mood and psychotic disorders, enabling individualized treatment approaches. Key findings highlight the potential of biomarkers such as neuroanatomy, neuro-circuitry, and genetic markers to stratify patients into clinically distinct subgroups.
A national patient-powered registry, MyLymeData, has enrolled over 3,000 patients to accelerate research for chronic Lyme disease. Big data tools can help identify treatment responses and subgroup analysis, leading to a better understanding of the disease.
The LDE facility at Diamond Light Source allows scientists to study material behavior over extended periods, revealing new insights into how materials interact on the atomic scale. The facility is currently supporting experiments on nuclear waste disposal, Arctic sea ice melting, and drug compound behavior.
Experts explore how learning a second language improves thinking skills, mental agility, and delays brain ageing. The event aims to share research findings on bilingualism with the public, highlighting its benefits for society through education and policymaking.
A recent AAAS panel discussed the potential of citizen science and information technology to drive sustainability. Projects like eBird and Aviaching are collecting valuable data on bird occurrences and habitat representation, while UDiscoverIt accelerates the discovery of new sustainable energy materials.
A large majority of Americans (80%) agree that scientific research needs government funding, but many believe the country spends too little on it. Meanwhile, most respondents trust scientists, with high confidence levels in their leadership.
The Preregistration Challenge tests how addressing incentives can improve the reproducibility of published research by offering $1,000 rewards for published results. Over 60% of researchers are choosing to submit public preregistrations, and the first results are expected in late 2016.
Moshe Vardi warns that machines may surpass human capabilities in as little as 30 years, leading to significant unemployment and potentially a life of leisure. He questions whether this would be beneficial for humanity, arguing that work is essential to human well-being.
Researchers found that boys who experience a greater decline in slow-wave sleep during adolescence are at higher risk for developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and impaired attention. In contrast, girls showed no significant associations between SWS loss and health outcomes.
Scientists at Diamond Light Source are pioneering research to make the nuclear fuel cycle safer, more efficient, and straightforward. They're developing new cement materials that can effectively contain radioactive waste for thousands of years.
Recent improvements in experiments like Large Underground Xenon have increased the chances of detecting WIMPs, believed to be the main component of dark matter. Dark matter scientists are on the brink of a discovery that could fundamentally change our understanding of the physical universe.
Kenneth Miller, a practicing Catholic and author of Finding Darwin's God, argues that science and faith are distinct. He defends evolution against Intelligent Design's claim that certain biological features are 'irreducibly complex,' citing examples where removing even one part makes the structure non-functional.
Research from the University of Bath found that eating breakfast was associated with more physical activity and reduced food intake later in the day among obese individuals. The study, which compared a fasting group with a breakfasting group, built on previous research into the effects of breakfast on health.
Astronomers have discovered a crescent-shaped dust cloud in the outer reaches of a binary star's protoplanetary disk, providing fresh insights into planet formation. The cloud may be the key to forming planets in binary systems, with its lack of free-floating gases likely due to freezing out and forming ice on dust grains.
New Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) images provide detail on the binary star system HD 142527, revealing a broad ring of dust and ice. The system's formation is expected to yield insights into planetary systems around binary stars.
Recent studies reveal that bilingualism alters brain networks for skilled cognition and fluent language performance, facilitating new learning.
Researchers explored the effects of climate change on American Indian communities in Nevada, with a focus on water rights and land use. The projects, Water for the Seasons and Native Waters on Arid Lands, aim to protect valuable resources and promote sustainable practices.
Researchers at UConn investigate whether early exposure to sign language can forestall cognitive issues in deaf children, challenging a longstanding debate. The study finds that congenitally deaf children who learn sign language from birth develop language, cognition, and literacy on normal timetables.
Earth and environmental scientists can now conduct long-term experiments using drones at a fraction of the cost of traditional aircraft or satellites. This innovation enables individual researchers to obtain low-cost repeat imagery tailored to specific research interests.
A panel of experts estimates that child abuse costs countries billions of dollars each year, with the US facing estimated losses of $150 billion annually. The economic impact of violence against children is prevalent across all income levels and regions, with lower-income countries experiencing higher rates of abuse.
A distinctive gene signature discovered in white blood cells of patients infected with Lyme disease could lead to a new way of diagnosing the tick-borne illness. The study found that this signature persisted even after antibiotic treatment, suggesting potential long-term symptoms.
Stunting affects 160 million children under 5 globally, with South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa most affected. Addressing determinants like maternal health, education, and economic empowerment can help reduce stunting rates. The Aga Khan University is working to monitor nutrition and develop low-cost solutions to address stunting in the...
The EPSRC has awarded nine researchers with £9 million to support their innovative projects in healthcare diagnosis and treatment. The projects focus on developing new ways to examine sperm, improve imaging, diagnosis, and drug delivery for cancer treatment.
A new study identified distinct patient diagnoses and emergency department usage patterns linked to high risk of ED readmission. The researchers used electronic healthcare records data from over one million patients to build predictive models for risk of 72-hour ED readmission.
The article highlights the African housing shortage, particularly for low-income families, and explores the challenges posed by inadequate housing. Experts suggest that a combination of local materials and innovative building methods, such as interlocking bricks, could provide affordable solutions.
Dr. Eric S. Lander is awarded the 2015 Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his contributions to genetics, molecular biology, and mathematics. He has made significant advancements in human genome sequencing and interpretation, which have transformed biological research.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute are investigating mechanisms contributing to Huntington's disease, a fatal inherited disorder affecting movement and brain function. The study aims to clarify the Rhes signaling pathway's role in mitochondrial energy production and identify potential drug targets.