A comprehensive report by internationally leading researchers calls for concerted efforts to reduce the burden of dementia. The report advocates for public governmental agencies to form large multinational partnerships with academic centers and pharmaceutical companies to deploy capital resources and share risk.
A newly discovered dinosaur, Timurlengia euotica, lived about 90 million years ago and fills a 20 million-year gap in the fossil record of tyrannosaurs. The species had developed keen senses and cognitive abilities, including low-frequency hearing, which positioned it to take advantage of opportunities to reach the top of its food chain.
A study found that widely used smartphone conversational agents fail to recognize and respond appropriately to sensitive topics like rape, depression, and physical abuse. The authors recommend improving the performance of conversational agents to better support users in need.
A team of researchers at Houston Methodist developed an injectable nanoparticle generator that successfully eliminated lung metastases in mice, achieving a 50% cure rate for breast cancers. The innovative treatment strategy enables sequential passage through biological barriers to deliver the killing agent directly into cancer cells.
Physicists at NIST developed a method to calibrate temperature measurements using nanomechanical systems governed by quantum mechanics. The approach observes object vibrations and subtle zero-point motion, enabling precise thermal energy determination.
A study found that IGF2BP3 promotes B cell proliferation in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by regulating oncogenes like MYC. The RNA binding protein is reactivated in some cancer cells, making it an attractive target for cancer-fighting drugs.
Heaviest rainfall in the southern US was reported over 24 inches in Monroe, Louisiana, with over 4,958 homes damaged by flooding. NASA's TMPA analysis revealed a merged satellite rainfall image showing heavy rain stretching from northern Louisiana to south central Arkansas.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark propose a new model for dark matter, suggesting a heavier particle that interacts only through gravity. This PIDM particle could have been created in the early universe under extremely hot conditions, and its existence can be tested using planned gravitational wave experiments.
Researchers have synthesized novel selenohydantoins with promising anticancer and antioxidant activity, leveraging the potential of selenium to slow down oxidation processes. The study's findings highlight the importance of structural modification in influencing biological activity.
A peptide derived from collagen protein promotes the formation of neuronal synapses in the brain, potentially helping to treat schizophrenia. Collagen XIX-deficient mice display symptoms similar to those seen in humans with the disorder.
A new type of lens for focusing terahertz radiation has been developed by Brown University researchers, performing as well or better than existing lenses. The device uses an array of stacked metal plates to focus terahertz waves, allowing for improved transmission and versatility in different wavelengths.
Research by UCSB psychologist John Protzko found that environmental interventions can temporarily boost general intelligence in low-birth-weight children. The effects, however, diminish over time, a phenomenon known as the 'fadeout effect'. This suggests that underlying cognitive abilities may not be the primary drivers of intelligence.
A long-term study on Scottish island red deer reveals that inbred hinds raise significantly fewer offspring to adulthood due to increased mortality rates. Inbred males also sire fewer offspring, highlighting the adverse effects of inbreeding on adult wild animals.
Scientists have identified a new SARS-like virus, WIV1-CoV, that directly binds to the same human receptor as the SARS strain. The virus has the potential to infect humans without adaptation and replicate efficiently in human cells, raising concerns about a possible outbreak.
A novel approach, called machine unlearning, enables the removal of data without retraining a computer learning system from scratch. This method is crucial for increasing security and protecting user privacy, especially in the face of cyber-attacks and data breaches.
Researchers used high-performance computing to investigate the cause of Mount Kosciuszko's formation. They found that the mountain range was uplifted twice due to a combination of gravitational forces and mantle movements, resulting in the iconic Australian Alps.
A survey of hundreds of UK parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) highlights severe challenges in accessing adequate services. Only one per cent of parents were able to access dietary services that resolved their child's problems, despite many reporting health and behavioural progress following dietary changes.
Tunable windows can change transparency in under a second using geometry and silver nanowires. The technology is simpler and potentially cheaper than existing methods.
Researchers have discovered a new drug, HRX9, that targets the HOX gene family and induces apoptosis in mesothelioma cells. The study found that treatment with HRX9 resulted in complete loss of tumor blood vessels and widespread cancer cell death, offering new hope for patients.
A new study finds that nitrogen fertilizer applied to fields today will pollute water for decades, increasing the risk of blue baby syndrome and other serious health concerns. The researchers discovered that nitrogen is building up in soils, creating a long-term source of nitrate pollution in ground and surface waters.
A team of engineers at Drexel University has developed a method for making bacteria-powered microrobots agile, enabling them to detect obstacles and navigate around them. The robots use electric fields to steer clear of hazards, providing a new level of automation in hybrid microrobotics research.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel nano biosensor for rapid detection of flu virus using upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) process. The technology reduces testing duration from 1-3 days to 2-3 hours and costs around HK$20 per sample, making it a low-cost and efficient diagnostic tool.
A study analyzing US cancer survivor data reveals nearly 29% face financial burden due to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cancer survivors with financial problems experience lower physical and mental health-related quality of life, higher risk of depressed mood and psychological distress.
Researchers are using a facility at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to detect Big Bang neutrinos, which could provide new insights into the birth of the cosmos. The project aims to measure the mass of these particles and explore their role in the evolution of the universe.
A new study by NYU and Columbia University found that being classified as overweight in school fitness reports does not lead to short-term changes in body mass index for female students. The researchers analyzed data from over 3 million public school students and found a small increase in BMI among those newly identified as overweight.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a way primitive cells could maintain constant internal conditions despite external changes. The team found that the dilution of internal contents increases enzyme activity, ensuring activity remains steady relative to cellular volume.
Researchers discovered two genes, Pitx1 and Tbx5, responsible for developing feathered feet in pigeons. The study suggests that these genes may have played a role in the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs and early birds. The findings provide insight into how skin regions can be controlled to produce scales or feathers.
A team of CCNY chemists has devised a method to cleave carbon-hydrogen bonds, paving the way for the creation of novel pharmaceutical molecules. The breakthrough could provide direct access to new antiviral drugs.
Researchers developed insights to guide powerful new anti-influenza drug development by analyzing artificially created drug-resistant flu strains' molecular details. The compounds target the endonuclease active site, a region where viruses can mutate to evade existing drugs.
A study by Georgia State University suggests that digital picture frames can increase positive bonding behaviors in parent-infant interactions, reducing child maltreatment risk. The SafeCare model, a parent training program, has been improved with the addition of technology to support skill mastery and address high-risk families.
A new analysis from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that the increasing use of plant-based feeds in farmed fish may change the levels of healthy fatty acids in these fish. This shift has large implications for dietary recommendations, as farmed fish are a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids.
A new method detects multiple diseases via methylation patterns of circulating DNA from dying cells, identifying cell death in specific tissues and offering a minimally-invasive window for monitoring and diagnosis. The approach has vast possibilities for diagnostic medicine and can be adapted to identify cfDNA derived from any cell type.
Researchers develop approach to understand chromatin regulators, which modify DNA to alter gene expression. They found that regulators control the probability of gene expression in a population, not just individual cells.
A small clinical study using the anticancer drug bevacizumab has restored hearing in a handful of people with neurofibromatosis type 2, who previously suffered from progressive hearing loss. The treatment showed promise in reducing tumor size without affecting nerve function.
Researchers found that mortality salience is a significant factor in consumers' reluctance to purchase annuities. The study suggests that when people consider annuities, they are more likely to think about their own mortality, leading to increased anxiety and decreased interest in the product.
A recent study by Southwest Research Institute reveals that rapid melting of ice and permafrost in the Arctic is reshaping the tundra landscape. This degradation has led to widespread draining and differential subsidence, having long-term effects on plant life and wildlife across the region.
University of Utah researchers discovered how certain brain cells compute sound length and detect short sounds. The study found that for a frog brain cell to recognize a short sound, it is inhibited from firing while the sound occurs, then excited into firing when the sound ends.
Physicists have successfully simulated a disordered quantum system on the largest supercomputers, providing new insights into the many-particle problem. The researchers used controlled experiments and computer simulations to study the behavior of materials such as high-temperature superconductors.
Researchers developed a new computerized method to reconstruct lizard habitats and track temperature management. The study found lizards deliberately choose habitats with optimal temperatures, adjusting behavior to avoid heat shock.
Researchers discover that warm ocean water is carving channels under Antarctica's ice shelves, weakening their stability. This process can lead to the disintegration of ice shelves, allowing more rapid ice flow into the ocean and increased rates of sea level rise.
A new study from Duke Health reveals that patients undergoing thyroidectomy should seek surgeons who perform at least 25 operations annually to minimize risks. The study analyzed data from over 16,000 patients and found an association between surgeon case volume and complication rates.
A new study forecasts that a 6-foot sea level rise will expose over 13 million American homes to flooding and other hazards, with Florida facing the greatest risk. The research provides policymakers with detailed information to develop practical adaptation strategies for protecting land threatened by frequent and repeated inundation.
Researchers discovered a potent inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase, which plays a key role in modulating inflammation and neuropathic pain in the brain. The compound, TPPU, displayed rapid effects in animal models of depression, with potential as a new therapeutic medication.
Research suggests that a pure maple syrup extract may help prevent the misfolding and clumping of brain proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. The extract also showed neuroprotective effects in rodent microglial brain cells, potentially benefiting neurological health.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that quitting smoking abruptly is more likely to lead to long-term success than gradual reduction. After assessing 697 smokers for four weeks and six months, the research revealed a 25% higher quit rate for those who stopped all at once.
Researchers designed a contact lens that adjusts its focus using a bioinspired retina structure, inspired by the elephant nose fish's ability to spot predators. The lens is powered by a small solar cell and can capture images under low-light conditions, offering a potential solution for people with presbyopia.
Researchers have identified 39 generic biomarkers for human neuronal maturation using single cell transcriptome profiling. The study found that certain genes are consistently elevated when neurons mature, highlighting the importance of calcium signaling, mitochondrial function, and ubiquitination-related processes.
Researchers are exploring DNA origami to create nanoscale structures for electronics, potentially leading to smaller, faster, and cheaper computer chips. The technique involves forming specific shapes in DNA to create three-dimensional structures that can be used as a scaffold for other materials.
A new study found that active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer significantly improves urinary function, reduces incontinence, and enhances sexual satisfaction. Men on active surveillance reported a similar quality of life to those without cancer, highlighting its potential as an alternative to curative treatment.
Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who practiced yoga for 12 weeks experienced improved quality of life, lower heart rates, and decreased blood pressure compared to those in a control group. Yoga may provide patients with AF a method to gain self-control over their symptoms.
Scientists have developed an improved method for lifting and analyzing lipstick samples, using gas chromatography to compare crime scene lipsticks to a database of known brands. This breakthrough could help law enforcement identify suspects more efficiently.
Researchers have found that cactus mucilage can effectively clean contaminated water for farmed fish, drinking water, and other uses. The mucilage attracts sediments, bacteria, and contaminants, forming a large mass or 'floc' that precipitates rapidly, making it an attractive alternative to current methods.
New research suggests blueberries could have a real benefit in improving memory and cognitive function in some older adults. The fruit's flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins, may improve animals' cognition and have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain.
Researchers have made progress in designing a better male pill by tweaking experimental compounds that show promise. The team is refining the chemical structures to achieve a balance of solubility, specificity, and stability, aiming to design a safer and more effective alternative for men.
A study by Australian doctors found that using iPads to present surgical information improves patient understanding, with 71% preferring video delivery. The use of portable media devices can help enhance informed consent, allowing patients to better cope with procedures and make informed decisions.
Scientists are developing a synthetic route to produce humulones and lupulones, two key compounds with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, from commercially available phloroglucinol. The researchers aim to create medicines without extracting them from plants, improving human health.
Researchers have developed self-propelled nanomotors that can autonomously seek out and repair microscopic cracks in electronic systems, restoring electrical conductivity. These nanomotors, powered by hydrogen peroxide, mimic the body's immune system to promote healing in complex electronic components.
Researchers have developed a synthetic nanoparticle that can simultaneously detect and treat atherosclerotic plaques, offering new hope for preventing deadly heart attacks and strokes. The nanoparticles use MRI to visualize plaque buildup and trigger a therapeutic response.
A new survey found significant country-to-country differences in kidney transplant donation rates, varying by up to 35 donors per million population. The variation is attributed to different legal and social standards across Europe, with some countries having more generous organ donation schemes than others.
Researchers have identified new prostate cancer markers in urine that show high specificity and sensitivity. A combination of these biomarkers could lead to a more accurate and reliable test for early diagnosis.