A small study found that long-term opioid treatment increased pain intensities, fatigue, and impaired daily activities in patients with sickle cell disease. Central sensitization, a phenomenon amplifying painful sensations, was also more pronounced in those on opioids.
Research from Lund University reveals that urban great tits have shorter telomeres than their rural counterparts, increasing their risk of dying young. The induced stress in urban environments is believed to be the primary cause of this difference.
A study published in PNAS found that high-altitude Himalayan populations have a remarkably stable genetic make-up despite cultural transitions and outside population exposure. The analysis suggests that these populations originated from East Asia, with genetic stability maintaining across millennia.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Georgia found that silencing of the OXT gene may impact social behaviors, including recognizing emotional states of others. Participants with higher methylation levels of the OXT gene showed difficulty in describing facial emotions and had increased anxiety about relationships.
The NIH has developed a crowdsourcing platform, OMics Compendia Commons (OMiCC), to make public gene expression data more accessible. Researchers can create groups of data and annotate them with standardized parameters, allowing for the reuse of existing data to address new research questions.
Researchers discovered a new signaling pathway that helps cancer cells cope with hypoxia, allowing them to thrive in low-oxygen environments. The study found that the enzyme protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) regulates tumor response to hypoxia by controlling oxygen consumption, potentially leading to novel treatments.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with thicker prefrontal cortex in children. The study found no differences in overall brain volume, but highlights the importance of preventing cannabis and cigarette use during pregnancy.
Astronomers have discovered a newborn exoplanet, K2-33b, which is five-10 million years old and orbits its star once every five days. The discovery provides an extraordinary snapshot of the planet formation process, allowing researchers to study how planets form and develop.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found a significant genetic link between low attention control in early adolescence and four distinct anxiety symptoms. Low attention control is also linked to increased risk of depression, drug dependence, suicidal behavior, and educational underachievement.
A large-scale genetic study has identified 38 new susceptibility loci for migraine, with most variants overlapping with genes regulating the vascular system. The findings support the importance of blood vessels in migraine attacks and hold promise for developing personalized treatments.
PhD student Jens Joschinski seeks collaborators to investigate how plant lice cope with climate variability, shifting from asexual to sexual reproduction as days shorten. He plans to study 12 plant lice clones across Europe and assess fitness costs of this microevolutionary phenomenon.
A study by University of Missouri researchers identified three types of apparel-related barriers: mechanical, cultural, and sensory sensitivity barriers. These barriers prevent people with disabilities from engaging in their communities, including job interviews, court appearances, and team sports.
Scientists identified four new risk genes linked to epigenetic mechanisms in MS, which affect gene regulation within immune cells. These findings suggest that environmental influences play a significant role in the development of MS, with epigenetic signals marking DNA sequences and regulating gene activation.
POSTECH researchers developed an organic nanofiber-based artificial synapse that emulates both important functions and energy consumption of biological synapses. The device enables high memory density and low energy consumption, potentially leading to advancements in AI computing and neuromorphic electronics.
Researchers found that contaminated gloves can spread healthcare-associated pathogens to hospital surfaces, with types of bacteria affecting transmission rates. Proper glove use is crucial to reduce HCAI risk.
Over 90% of mammal species were wiped out by the asteroid that killed dinosaurs, but they recovered rapidly and diversified in different regions. The recovery took just 300,000 years, with small mammals being key survivors.
Researchers analyzed 76 natural CO2 reservoirs worldwide to identify key criteria for effective storage. They found that sites with specific geological conditions, such as high pressure and density, are suitable for long-term storage.
Research at ASM Microbe meeting reveals a new way bacteria can cause dramatic changes in human cells, leading to contact lens wear complications and inflammation. The study identifies key genes responsible for bleb formation, which may lead to novel therapies to prevent infection-associated inflammation.
A Japanese team has digitalized magnetogram recordings from the early 20th century, providing insights into space weather patterns before satellite observations became available. The study found that plasma in near-earth space was twice as heavy around 1958 and 1970 due to a higher mixture of oxygen ions.
Researchers created a sediment Microbial Fuel Cell (sMFC) system that can remotely investigate the physiology and ecology of electrically active microbes in submerged field sites. The device's cathode depth affected microbial community composition and energy recovery from sediments.
Recent testing indicates that Flint drinking water quality is improving, with decreasing levels of DNA markers for Legionella. However, pathogenic forms of the bacteria were still culturable at some sampling points, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
A new multi-type queuing network analysis method can effectively allocate server resources in outpatient departments, reducing delays and improving patient treatment. The model considers different types of patients visiting service nodes in varying orders, providing a more accurate representation of real-world scenarios.
A recent study found that 72% of children have S. mutans strains not found in family members, suggesting external transmission from other children or population sources. Children can share strains with siblings or cousins, highlighting another dimension to inter-familial transmission.
Researchers developed a new enhanced DNA imaging technique that can probe individual DNA strands at the nanoscale, providing orientation information and rotational dynamics. The technique offers more detailed information than current methods, enabling monitoring of DNA conformation changes and interactions with proteins.
A recent study by University of Surrey researchers reveals that emissions from pizzerias and steakhouses using wood burners can have damaging effects on the urban environment. The findings highlight the need to consider unaccounted sources of emissions, including burning wood and domestic waste.
Researchers have observed experimental indication of a phenomenon where superconductors, lasers, and Bose-Einstein condensates coexist. By combining experiments with theoretical models, they found that high-energy side-peak emission may originate from strongly bound electron-hole pairs persisting in an optical cavity.
A new study reveals that Ice Age species, including sabre-toothed cats and giant sloths, died off around 12,300 years ago due to a combination of human arrival and rapid warming. The research found that it was only when the climate warmed, long after humans first arrived in Patagonia, did the megafauna suddenly disappear.
A new study confirms the existence of polymorphs in nanomaterials, revealing two unique structures for gold nanocluster Au144(SR)60. This discovery opens up new avenues for designing nanoparticles with desired properties, paving the way for more efficient materials and applications.
A new Series in The Lancet highlights the need for action on transgender health, with 60% of trans people experiencing depression and a 50 times higher risk of HIV. The authors call for revisions to WHO's diagnostic manual, trained physicians, and inclusive anti-discrimination laws.
A new compact emitter has been developed to generate light across the entire terahertz spectrum, making it suitable for analyzing organic materials in the food industry. The innovation could lead to more efficient and cost-effective inspections of food and pharmaceuticals.
The Precision Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment (PROSPECT) aims to detect neutrinos emitted from the reactor, extracting information about neutrino oscillations over short distances. The experiment may reveal the existence of a fourth neutrino flavor that does not interact via the weak force.
Researchers discovered a single gene pathway vital for Zika and flaviviruses to spread infection between cells. Shutting down this gene renders flaviviruses unable to leave infected cells, curbing their spread. The study identifies SPCS1 as a potential drug target.
Researchers at ICFO developed a hybrid photodetector that surpasses existing performance features, operating in visible, NIR, and SWIR ranges. The device integrates an active colloidal quantum dot photodiode with a graphene phototransistor, enabling high quantum efficiency and fast photoresponse.
Research shows that pregnant mongooses reduce their levels of toxic metabolites to protect their offspring, but this comes at the cost of potential long-term harm to themselves. The study found that mothers with lower oxidative damage were more successful in reproducing and raising healthy pups.
David W. Schindler, renowned limnologist, receives the SETAC Rachel Carson Award for his work on laundry detergent phosphates and eutrophication. His research has led to policy changes worldwide.
Researchers have identified three primary molecular sub-groups of bladder cancer, with distinct characteristics and disease-developing patterns. The findings may enable more effective risk assessment and tailored treatment options for patients with superficial tumours.
Researchers found that diminishing free will leads to increased self-alienation and decreased authentic feelings. In contrast, high-free-will groups showed greater self-awareness and authentic decision-making.
Recent studies suggest that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in Alzheimer's disease are influenced by direct interactions with proteins such as Lynx, NMDA-receptors, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This new understanding adds complexity to cholinergic signaling in the brain and may lead to the development of targeted drugs.
The American Geriatrics Society will continue hosting prestigious scientific conferences on emerging issues in geriatrics, focusing on multimorbidity and developing actionable agendas. The NIH-funded series aims to improve health outcomes for older adults through collaboration and research.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a method to efficiently detect high-dimensional entanglement, a crucial aspect of quantum computing. This breakthrough could significantly improve the performance of quantum computers by reducing the number of measurements needed to validate their functionality.
Researchers have elucidated the mechanism by which the sensor protein KdpD adjusts potassium uptake in bacteria, employing a dual strategy to monitor both internal and external potassium concentrations. This allows for precise control of intracellular potassium levels, vital for bacterial survival.
Researchers found that diabetic women were three times more likely to have anti-fetal brain autoantibodies, which may be linked to increased inflammation and neurodevelopmental conditions in children. The study suggests that metabolic conditions during pregnancy may alter maternal immune tolerance to the fetus.
Researchers found that inhibiting the p110α PI3K isoform is sufficient to block tumor growth and metastasis in a mice model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The study demonstrates promise for a new targeted therapy, with potential benefits including reduced toxicity compared to generic inhibitors.
After health insurance reform, minority-serving hospitals in Massachusetts saw a significant increase in minority discharges, with 62% of 'safety-net hospital users' continuing to receive care at these facilities. The study suggests that interventions like raising Medicaid reimbursement rates could benefit these vital resources.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to control the direction of light emission in microlasers using an exceptional point. By exploiting this physical phenomenon, they can create consistently directed photons, which is crucial for reliable photonic signals and applications.
Researchers developed a novel super-resolution imaging method to monitor dynamic protein binding, such as talin and vinculin, in living cells. The study revealed clustered binding of vinculins to talin, with five or more molecules binding in one second.
The two institutions will establish long-term partnerships for joint fundamental and applied research, investigating mechanisms for implementing innovative projects. They will also cooperate on organizing scientific, educational, and technological centers in Russia and the UAE.
KAIST researchers deciphered the genome and proteome profiles of C. tyrobutyricum, revealing its unique metabolic features and energy conservation mechanisms. The bacterium shows higher tolerance to toxic compounds like 1-butanol, enabling efficient production of chemicals including butyric acid.
New research reveals that fetal BPA exposure alters the uterine epigenome, affecting almost 1,000 genes regulated by estrogen. This changes lead to an increased risk of estrogen-related diseases such as infertility and breast cancer in offspring.
High-frequency piezoelectric resonators can now be used in phase locked loops (PLL) with low noise and excellent Figure of Merit (FoM), resolving issues with resonance frequency variance and temperature dependability. This technology enables compact, low-cost, high-speed radio communication systems for the IoT age.
A University of Michigan study found that rapid Medicaid expansion in Michigan improved primary care appointment availability for new patients, rather than crowding doctor's offices. The Healthy Michigan Plan enrolled 600,000 Michiganders and saw better odds of getting an appointment before and after the expansion.
A new imaging technique helps identify patients at risk of severe bleeding after stroke treatment by analyzing the extent of blood-brain barrier disruption. This association can inform treating physicians on the risk of bleeding and potentially guide clinical decisions.
A new study by Dr. Joel Ray found that women born in the Caribbean or Africa are two times more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit at the time of their delivery than Canadian-born women. The risk is higher for mothers from Jamaica and Ghana, with rates up to 2.7 times higher than Canadian-born women.
Researchers at TUM identified the molecular mechanism of thalidomide, revealing a common link between its teratogenic and anti-cancer effects. The study found that disrupting the protein complex CD147-MCT1 leads to both developmental defects and tumor cell death.
A new lizard species, Anolis landestoyi, has been found in the Dominican Republic, revealing similar evolution on separate Caribbean islands. The discovery adds support to the concept of replicated adaptive radiation in anoles.
The KiloCore chip has a maximum computation rate of 1.78 trillion instructions per second and contains 621 million transistors.
A novel research program investigates the evolution of traumatic memories in individuals and collective memory after the Paris attacks. The study collects and analyzes testimonies from 1000 volunteers, with a focus on predicting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and recovery rates through biomedical markers.
Melatonin production in plants is involved in stress memory, particularly through its regulation of sub-cellular antioxidant systems. The study found that exogenous melatonin application enhances drought priming induced cold tolerance in barley, making it a promising approach to abiotic stress tolerance.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed surfaces that can move liquid droplets by surface tension forces, enabling self-removal of oil contamination. The technology works for various liquids, including water, wine, and ethanol, with potential industrial applications in devices such as inkjet printing.
Adding torrefied biomass to poor soil from Botswana increased water retention and promoted plant growth. The treated soil showed higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur, as well as thicker stems, longer roots, and heavier plants.