A research group at Osaka University has clarified the molecular mechanism behind inducing germinal-center B cells to differentiate into memory B cells, a crucial step in creating effective vaccines. This breakthrough reveals that lower-affinity maturation of antigens is key to memory B cell differentiation.
The first single actuator wave-like robot (SAW) has been developed by engineers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. It can move forward or backward in a wave-like motion and climb over obstacles, reaching speeds of up to 22.5 inches per second.
A new method for making green LEDs has been developed by researchers at the University of Illinois, enhancing their efficiency and brightness. By creating gallium nitride (GaN) cubic crystals grown on a silicon substrate, the team has achieved powerful green light emission for advanced solid-state lighting.
A portable production system can manufacture a single dose of treatment from a compact device containing a small droplet of cells in a liquid. The system uses a programmable strain of yeast to express therapeutic proteins, which can be controlled by a specific chemical trigger.
Scientists discovered an abundant and diverse ecosystem on the seafloor of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, where deep-sea mining is planned. The study found that more than half of the species collected were new to science and relied on polymetallic nodules.
Researchers at Drexel University discovered that a specific type of ceramic scaffold causes macrophages to transform into an M2c phenotype, promoting bone regeneration. Direct contact between macrophages and scaffolds is essential for this process.
A new study by NIH and its collaborators reveals that vaccination against one strain of Zika virus may be sufficient to provide protection against other genetically diverse strains. The research found that neutralizing antibodies produced in response to infection with one strain can also protect against infections caused by other strai...
The University of Utah School of Medicine's Data Coordinating Center has been awarded a $25 million grant to form one of three Trial Innovation Centers (TICs) to improve clinical research. The TICs aim to streamline trial protocols, eliminate bottlenecks, and support randomized drug trials.
The ORNL-led study develops a new method to pinpoint electrical service areas most vulnerable to climate change and predicted population growth, identifying substations at the neighborhood level. The analysis helps decision makers prepare resources needed for population movement in response to extreme weather events.
Researchers utilized Regeneration Intelligence to evaluate signaling pathways in lung and liver fibrosis and glaucoma, identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The study suggests that pathway signatures may play a role in aging-related diseases.
Computer models reveal a vast array of knots in chaotic waves, including those tabulated by mathematicians, with implications for understanding optical and acoustic landscapes
The study found that KLF12 promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) cell growth by activating early growth response protein 1 (EGR1), leading to enhanced cancer cell proliferation and survival. KLF12 and EGR1 levels synergistically correlate with poor CRC prognoses, suggesting their potential as novel therapeutic targets.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) and an increased risk for seizures. LQTS patients who experienced seizures were three times more likely to have experienced seizures in the past, and had worse cardiac symptoms.
Researchers at KAIST have developed ultrathin, transparent oxide thin-film transistors that overcome previous challenges in flexible display technology. The new technology uses an inorganic-based laser lift-off method to create high-performance devices with excellent optical transparency and mobility.
A recent study found that cognitive ability is not a consistent predictor of prejudice, and that low ability only predicts prejudice towards specific liberal and unconventional groups. High ability instead tends to predict prejudice against conservative and conventional groups.
Researchers at PPPL have developed a new method that analyzes the plasma surrounding X-ray pulsars by coupling quantum mechanics with Einstein's special relativity. This technique can determine the density and field strength of the magnetosphere in greater detail than standard approaches.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created a new approach to manufacturing mechanical metamaterials that can deform in a complex manner. This breakthrough may lead to more comfortable and user-friendly prosthetics, as well as applications in soft robotics and wearable technologies.
Researchers have discovered a novel repair system in algae that can cut out interrupting sequences from proteins, potentially leading to new biotechnological applications such as producing pharmaceuticals or protein products. The study found that chloroplast extracts and light can restore RNA-cutting activity to inactive proteins.
A new research replication project involving 24 labs and over 2100 participants failed to reproduce findings suggesting self-control is a depletable resource. The study, published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, used computerized tasks to test the ego depletion effect, but found no significant difference between conditions.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new method to transform individual selfies by adjusting angles and distances, creating more realistic portraits. The tool can also alter poses and generate 3-D head shots, with potential applications including 'live' photos that seem to move uncannily.
A Kaiser Permanente telestroke program implemented in Southern California hospitals increased tPA administration rates to nearly 11% after implementing the program. The use of telehealth technology linked neurologists and emergency physicians, resulting in improved time-to-diagnosis and reduced bleeding complications.
Researchers found that consuming five or more servings of nuts per week lowered biomarkers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein and interleukin 6. Substituting nuts for red meat also reduced inflammatory biomarkers. The study suggests a possible mechanism by which nuts may benefit cardiometabolic health.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have devised a method to achieve static pressures vastly higher than any previously reached, using transparent nano-crystalline diamonds. This breakthrough enables the study of materials under extreme conditions, potentially leading to the discovery of new materials with unique properties.
Scientists have revealed the molecular steps that turn on bacteria's pathogenic genes by visualizing DNA supercoiling and HU protein interactions. The study found that supercoiling can trigger gene expression in single-celled prokaryotes, opening up new avenues for developing drugs to prevent or treat bacterial infections.
Researchers at Kiel University have identified natural proteins that can disrupt bacterial communication and prevent biofilm formation. These 'molecular troublemakers' have potential applications in medicine and biotechnology, particularly against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Aurora Pribram-Jones, a researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley, has been awarded the Howes Scholar prize. She was recognized for her outstanding scientific achievements and leadership in advancing solid-state hydrogen storage through interdisciplinary research.
A new U of T Scarborough study identified rice varieties that can reduce nitrogen waste and minimize environmental pollution. The research found that certain chemicals produced by the roots of these crops can significantly reduce nitrogen capture inefficiencies in soil microbes.
The National Science Foundation is establishing two Scientific Software Innovation Institutes (S2I2) with $35 million in funding over five years. The institutes will focus on developing and maintaining scientific software, improving the nation's cyberinfrastructure, and expanding access to computational resources for researchers. The i...
A study by Michigan State University found that adolescent exposure to illicit substances increases the likelihood of substance abuse in early and late adulthood. White males are more likely to engage in such behavior, with Hispanic and Asian participants showing higher availability but lower rates of use.
Michigan State University will lead a three-year research project to enhance the teaching of less commonly taught languages, leveraging a $1.2 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The initiative aims to develop templates for online LCTL instruction and share them among Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions.
The REPARA project aims to make energy and performance benefits of computer systems available without enormous development efforts. Researchers have developed a semiautomatic process to improve source code refactoring, increasing application performance, energy efficiency, and maintainability.
The NASA Solar Probe Plus mission is progressing toward its anticipated summer 2018 launch after passing a critical design review. The spacecraft will collect data on the mechanisms that heat the corona and accelerate the solar wind, crucial for understanding our space weather and its impact on satellites.
A study by Michigan State University criminologist Jeremy Wilson found that public safety consolidation can work well for some communities but isn't the best solution for others. Consolidation efforts generally encountered difficulties in larger and more diverse communities, while success varied widely among different models and methods.
Scientists have untangled the genetic material of Kansas soil, reconstructing portions of 129 microbial genomes. The study provides a leap forward in understanding the diversity and interactions of microbes in complex soil samples.
Researchers discovered a method to create ultrathin graphene-like films from salt using computer simulations. The findings provide a relationship between the critical slab thickness and parameters determining ionic bonds, enabling more efficient nanoelectronics.
The end-Ediacaran extinction, 540 million years ago, was triggered by ecosystem engineers - newly evolved organisms altering the environment, leading to the demise of older species. Fossil evidence found in Namibia preserves a mixed community of Ediacarans and animals, providing key insights into their interaction.
A new study reveals the exact timing of the modern monsoon pattern in the Maldives 12.9 million years ago, linking it to past climate changes and coral reefs. The analysis of sediment cores provides direct physical evidence of environmental conditions that sparked the monsoon system still affecting the Indian subcontinent today.
Researchers found that individuals with high levels of broadly neutralizing antibodies have distinct immune system variations, including autoantibodies and altered T follicular helper cells. These findings support approaches to developing an HIV vaccine by modifying the immune system to mimic these conditions.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered key immune differences that can help in the development of an effective HIV vaccine. The study found that HIV-infected individuals with broadly neutralizing antibodies had similar immune alterations as those with autoimmune disease.
A new study of 180 pre-term infants found that those who received predominantly breast milk during their NICU hospitalization had larger deep nuclear gray matter volume and better IQs, academic achievements, memory, and motor function. Breast milk intake correlated with improved cognitive outcomes at age 7.
Researchers have discovered new spectral lines from highly charged heavy ions in fusion plasmas, which could be useful for plasma application research such as EUV lithography. The study used the LHD facility to create high-temperature plasmas and observe the emission spectrum of extreme ultraviolet wavelengths.
Tropical Depression 06W is consolidating and intensifying in NASA's infrared imagery, with cloud top temperatures exceeding minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm will interact with the mountainous terrain of Luzon on July 29, potentially strengthening into a tropical storm
A new three-dimensional lattice structure developed by ETH scientists can absorb a wide range of vibrations, including those in the audible range. This design allows for improved noise reduction and energy efficiency in machines, vehicles, and aircraft.
Researchers found that green monkeys in The Gambia acquired Staphylococcus aureus strains from humans through contact with contaminated food. The bacteria adaptation process was observed as strains lost genes associated with human adaptation, highlighting the risk of pathogen transmission.
A study published in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience found that a high-fat diet, particularly one rich in saturated fats like lard, can impair cognitive function and lead to increased hunger. In contrast, consuming fish oil has been shown to support brain health and regulate appetite.
Scientists have developed a new method to measure the activity of disease-causing mutations in the LRRK2 gene, a major cause of inherited Parkinson's disease. The breakthrough could help pave the way for a clinical test that could facilitate evaluation of drugs targeting this form of the condition.
Researchers developed a hydrogel patch that delivers gene therapy, chemotherapy, and thermal ablation to treat colon cancer. The patch achieves complete tumor remission in non-resected tumors and prevents recurrence when applied after surgery.
A study by Penn State researchers found that websites with search and interaction history can be just as engaging as chatbots or human helpers. By leveraging browsing history, businesses can create a sense of contingency, making users feel like they're having a conversation.
Researchers at University of Leeds and Hebei Medical University found that Substance P reduces sensations of pain in peripheral nervous system but triggers pain in central nervous system. This discovery could lead to new methods for pain control with limited side effects.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a solar cell that captures CO2 and sunlight to produce hydrocarbon fuel. The 'artificial leaf' technology solves two crucial problems simultaneously by converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into fuel, making it a game-changer for energy production.
Rice University scientists detect thermal boundary that hinders ultracold experiments, requiring clever measurement techniques to overcome. The researchers found that cooling substrates reduced temperature increases, but thermal boundary resistance remained a major issue.
A study of over 2,400 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer found that online communication is used to enhance decision making and care support, but barriers exist across age, race, and education levels.
Researchers propose that women in Zika-affected countries can safely conceive during the 'trough' of low mosquito activity, reducing the risk of birth defects. This approach could prevent thousands of cases per year, especially in Brazil and Puerto Rico.
A French study suggests a slight hiring bias in favor of women for science teaching positions, contradicting previous notions of bias against women. Researchers found that female applicants received higher grades than males in more male-dominated fields, with biases ranging from 3 to 10 percentile ranks.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have shown that early exposure to the human IDUA protein increased immune tolerance, allowing for widespread expression of the enzyme and resolution of brain lesions. The study informs the planning of first-in-human trials for MPS I treatment.
Researchers identified a mechanism of action for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that explains their delayed effectiveness in treating depression. The study found that SSRIs accumulate in lipid rafts and reduce levels of signal molecules, contributing to the delay in symptom reduction.
Researchers have identified a genetic basis for songbirds' migratory routes, linking them to a small cluster of genes governing behavior. The study found that differences in migration patterns help maintain the diversity of songbirds.
Historical rates and patterns of tropical deforestation around the globe were used to estimate carbon emissions and species losses over time. Current emissions and extinctions are mostly tied to past actions.
The project aims to further accelerate progress toward the SunShot goals through research and development of novel solar collectors using reflective surfaces to concentrate sunlight. Giant Leap Technologies will develop capillary optics to replace expensive mechanical sun trackers with low-cost digital-glass for solar thermal and photo...
A study has identified D-amino acids as potential biomarkers for predicting chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Elevated levels of D-Serine and D-Asparagine in CKD patients are associated with a higher risk of end-stage kidney disease, highlighting the potential for improved treatment and novel therapy options.