A study found that a cellular sorting protein called SORLA disrupts fat metabolism by recycling molecular receptors for insulin. This causes fat cells to become overly sensitive to insulin, leading to excessive fat deposits and obesity. The researchers discovered this link in human samples, mouse models, and cell cultures.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School used CRISPR/Cas9 screening to identify human proteins that Zika virus needs for replication, revealing potential therapeutic targets. The study highlights the importance of understanding viral dependencies on human proteins to develop effective treatments.
Researchers have identified a small peptide from a bacterium that efficiently binds excess copper from liver cells, offering a potential treatment for Wilson disease. The molecule, methanobactin, was shown to reverse acute stages of the disease and prevent organ failure.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University identified brain cells associated with auditory memory in zebra finches, revealing a potential key to understanding human speech development. The study found that these cells respond selectively to the tutor's song and are essential for learning and remembering complex songs.
A new study suggests that oral cannabidiol may convert to the psychoactive compound THC in the stomach, potentially leading to adverse effects. The research found that gastric fluids can convert CBD into THC, which could explain why some children treated with CBD for epilepsy experienced unexpectedly high rates of sleepiness and fatigue.
A study by Hiroshima University reveals that women in Japan are more likely to accept employer-provided retirement savings plans over self-managed options. This phenomenon is linked to the 'Prince Charming Syndrome,' where women believe a future spouse will take care of their financial security.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are recruiting volunteers for a clinical trial aimed at decoding the human immunome. The study, part of the Human Vaccines Project, will generate data on the genetic underpinnings of the immune system to guide next-generation vaccine development.
Researchers at MIT developed a new compiler that translates human-written instructions into low-level specifications for analog computers. The compiler enables efficient simulation of biological systems using differential equations, which describe cell dynamics and chemical reactions.
A study found that male GPs are less likely to assess cardiovascular risk in female patients due to insufficient information in medical files. Female patients were also less likely to have their CVD risk assessed using the SCORE scale when seen by a female GP.
Researchers developed a publication strategy that allows authors to document data workflow, enabling users to reproduce simulations from scratch. This increases the reliability of simulation results and enhances model utility.
A study developed a template to determine an animal's ability to cope with climate change droughts, considering physiology and environment. The Adaptive Triquetra model assesses species' resilience to increasing aridity by evaluating traits such as temperature tolerance and food availability.
Researchers at ICFO have developed a solution-processed, semi-transparent solar cell based on AgBiS2 nanocrystals, which are non-toxic and abundant. The cells achieved power conversion efficiencies of 6.3%, competing with current thin film technologies, and offer potential as a low-cost alternative to traditional solar cells.
A researcher at the University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $441,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a predictive model for chronic conditions. The goal is to identify patients at risk and alert doctors early, preventing further ailments before diagnosis.
Researchers from Hokkaido University developed a new method to track the switching on and off of circadian genes in freely moving mice, enabling the monitoring of gene expression patterns in specific tissues. This technique has significant implications for understanding clock gene function and its effects on mouse behavior.
Experts warn that crop yields will decline within a decade unless new and improved varieties are developed and adopted by farmers immediately. The research highlights the impact of temperature increases on crop duration, which can lead to reduced biomass and yield.
A study of Minnesota patients found a possible increase in Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism cases between 1976 and 2005, particularly in older men. The trends may be associated with decreased smoking rates over the decades.
A new study led by NIH researchers suggests that rod photoreceptors in mammals evolved from cone cells through a protein-mediated transformation, enabling nocturnal animals to thrive. The findings provide insights into the evolution of night vision and have potential applications for regenerating retinal cells.
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University will benefit 125 students from Sub-Saharan Africa, providing globally recognized degree programs in ICT. The program aims to expand future career options and support growth and development of the technology sector in Africa.
Researchers led by Salil Lachke are investigating cellular processes controlling protein production in eye lenses to prevent cataracts. The team aims to build a biological gene regulatory circuit and understand the role of RNA-binding proteins in lens development.
Scientists simulate cuprates to understand pseudogap phase and superconductivity emergence. A team led by Thomas Maier identified a possible alternative route mediated by magnetic fluctuations, suggesting an alternative mechanism for Cooper pairing in high-temperature superconductors.
A new radiotherapy regime for prostate cancer has been shown to be as effective as the current standard treatment, but with fewer hospital visits and less side effects. The 20-dose course is expected to save the NHS tens of millions of pounds per year.
A new study by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography has challenged the assumption that oceanic manta rays are long-distance travelers. The research team found that these massive creatures tend to stay close to their local habitats, suggesting a high degree of residency behavior.
Researchers identified two distinct brain biomarkers associated with fluid intelligence: brain volume and NAA concentration. The findings suggest that specific brain properties contribute to different aspects of problem-solving abilities.
Researchers investigating gestational diabetes aim to understand its impact on offspring's cardiovascular health. They've identified a mouse model with epigenetic changes that mimic human conditions, suggesting environmental factors during pregnancy may shape lifelong risk.
A BU researcher has received a $2.95 million grant to investigate the relationship between immune cells and type 2 diabetes, with the goal of developing new treatments for both conditions.
Scientists have discovered a 'space tsunami' that creates the third Van Allen Belt, a region of intense radiation in space. This finding helps mitigate the effects of extreme space weather and has significant implications for satellite operations and human exploration.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have discovered a new genetic candidate for testing therapies that may affect fear learning in people with PTSD or other conditions. The study found that the Hcn1 gene plays a significant role in regulating anxiety and fear responses.
Scientists have isolated two small peptides from crop species that show effective antimicrobial effects on bacteria implicated in food spoilage and poisoning. These peptides, similar to a human peptide used to guard against beer-spoiling bacteria, offer a promising new approach to combatting antibiotic resistance.
A study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that more than one-third of atrial fibrillation patients with an intermediate-to-high-risk of stroke are prescribed aspirin instead of oral anticoagulants. This discrepancy may be due to misconceptions about aspirin's efficacy compared to oral anticoagulants.
Researchers from MIT's CSAIL present a new chip design called Swarm that makes parallel programs run many times faster and requires one-tenth the code. The chip has extra circuitry to prioritize tasks and handle synchronization between cores, making it easier for programmers to adapt sequential algorithms.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that spending time in nature together as a family can restore attention, reduce irritation, and promote self-control, leading to better family relationships. Regular family-based nature activities can also foster a sense of identity and belonging within the family.
Researchers have developed a framework to manipulate DNA's conductivity by varying its sequence, length, and stacking configuration. This enables the creation of stable and efficient DNA nanowires with potential applications in gene damage identification and novel electronics.
Using miniature EPMs, researchers achieved forces up to 70 nN and displacement velocities up to 300 μm/s on water droplets. The study has potential applications in single cell manipulation and analysis using droplet microfluidics.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found that high blood sugar is associated with a lower risk of developing meningiomas, a type of benign brain tumor. Women with the highest fasting blood sugar levels were less than half as likely to develop a tumor.
Scientists developed a new technique to detect magnetic behavior at the atomic level using aberration correction in electron microscopy. This approach can collect magnetic signals from individual atoms, refining existing methods like x-ray spectroscopy and neutron scattering.
The Aspirin-Guide app calculates cardiovascular disease and bleeding risk scores to help clinicians decide which patients are suitable for low-dose aspirin. It provides personalized decision-making support for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, facilitating informed discussions between healthcare providers and patients.
Researchers found nearly 40% of AF patients at intermediate to high risk for stroke treated with aspirin alone, despite previous data showing blood thinners more beneficial. The study highlights the need for cardiology specialists to adhere to standardized recommendations regarding the use of oral blood thinners.
Researchers used quantum mechanics and supercomputing to study the surface structure of rutile TiO2, a promising photocatalyst. The study identified new structures and processes that can enhance its chemical reactivity.
A powerful electric wind can strip water from an atmosphere, stripping Venus of its oceans, and may have played a significant role in Earth's loss of oceans. The discovery was made by NASA-funded researchers using the ESA's Venus Express mission.
The Great Barrier Reef has suffered severe damage from coral bleaching, with 93% of the reef's corals affected. Severely bleached corals have lost nearly all their zooxanthellae, making recovery highly unlikely.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a previously unknown strategy that allows photosynthetic organisms like Chlorobaculum tepidum to survive exposure to oxygen, which could harm them. The 'photosynthetic volume control' mechanism involves two normal amino acids and works by dissipating excess energy as har...
Researchers developed stealth nanocapsules that cure more than half of infected mice with Chagas disease, outperforming conventional nanocapsules. The new delivery system is simple to produce and can be taken orally, making it a practical solution for treating the disease in less developed countries.
A new intervention aims to increase engagement with treatment among African-American/black and Hispanic people living with HIV. The study will use a pioneering engineering-inspired framework - the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) -- to identify effective components and build the most cost-effective package.
The guidelines aim to help researchers avoid common pitfalls in statistical reasoning and ensure accurate findings. The rules emphasize the importance of data quality, careful design, and replication to increase the likelihood of robust results.
New research reveals an 'electric wind' strong enough to remove water components from Venus' upper atmosphere, stripping it of its oceans. This powerful electric field accelerates oxygen ions to escape speeds, contributing to the loss of atmospheric gases.
A team of LLNL researchers developed a system using shaped charges to sever an offshore drilling rig from the seabed, solving a critical challenge after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Their experiment validated their model and provided insight into effective experimental design.
New research found that children who experienced frequent hunger as kids were more than twice as likely to exhibit impulsivity and injure others intentionally. The study suggests that addressing childhood hunger may help reduce violence, especially among white, Hispanic, and male participants.
A recent study by UC Davis and UN World Food Program found that refugees receiving cash aid can create significant economic benefits for their host countries. The researchers discovered that each additional refugee increased local income by up to 96% in one of the camps, with most of this money spent on goods and services outside the c...
A study by Rice University researchers found that 'anti-evolution' education legislation is often introduced to mollify religious constituents, rather than expected success. The study analyzed data from 26 states and found that only 25% of anti-evolution bills made it through state education committees.
A mobile application developed by Binghamton University graduate students could help reduce hospital readmission rates and save the healthcare industry billions. The app uses a prediction model to evaluate patient risk and provides instant communication between doctors, nurses, and patients.
A UT Austin study suggests teaching teens that socially relevant traits are malleable can help them cope with social challenges. The research found that teens who learned this lesson reported feeling less threatened, exhibited higher cardiac efficiency, and performed better academically.
A recent study from Brigham Young University reveals that preschoolers exposed to Disney Princess culture are more susceptible to limiting female gender-stereotypical behavior, which can be detrimental in the long term. However, the study also suggests that princesses can provide a counterbalance to hyper-masculine media for boys.
US research suggests that moms who don't use fertility treatment are more likely to have twins with birth defects. The study found associations between twinning and birth defects, particularly in mothers of identical twins and those using fertility treatment.
A study by UNC researchers found that vaping e-cigarettes alters dozens of genes essential for upper airway immune defense, similar to cigarette smoking. This discovery suggests that inhaling flavored liquids in e-cigarettes has consequences on epithelial cell gene expression, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory problems.
Researchers have developed a method using tiny alpaca-derived nanobodies to identify and target specific proteins involved in viral infections. By using these molecules to perturb cellular processes, scientists can tease apart the roles individual proteins play in disease, leading to potential new treatments for infectious diseases.
A systematic review of 40 studies found a weak correlation between signs, symptoms, and testosterone levels in ageing men. The authors suggest that it is difficult to extrapolate the diagnosis of pathologic hypogonadism from younger men to older men with age-related testosterone declines.
A London bee tracking project has begun, releasing 500 tagged bees to study their behavior and interactions with flowers in urban gardens. The project aims to understand the bees' preferred patches and favourite flowers, rewarding participants with prizes for identifying the most flowers visited by individual bees.
The study uses data from cameras and smartpens to track students' actions while watching instructional videos. Researchers identified four archetypes of problem-solving methods, which could help coaches identify successful approaches and provide targeted support.
Researchers at Rice University have synthesized a new cancer-fighting compound called Thailanstatin A, which targets the spliceosome, a complex of proteins and ribonucleoproteins that regulate DNA splicing. The compound has shown promise in preclinical studies and could potentially be used to develop new therapies for cancer.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that adolescents are more receptive to rewards than punishments of equal value. The researchers suggest using positive reinforcement methods in education and parenting to encourage desired behavior, as reward-based systems may be more effective for this age group.