A randomized controlled trial found that single covered, self-expanding metallic stents (cSEMS) resolved benign obstructions of the pancreatic and biliary ducts with fewer ERCP sessions, compared to traditional plastic stents. cSEMS were also more effective in achieving stricture resolution within 181 days.
A high-throughput RNA interference screen identified fibrillarin as a crucial host protein required for live henipavirus infection in human cells. This discovery suggests that methyltransferase enzymes, including fibrillarin, represent a potential target for the development of anti-henipavirus drugs.
Researchers discovered a new formation mechanism of cavitation bubbles by simulating the influence of oil-repellent and oil-attracting surfaces on passing oil flows. The study found that alternating surface properties can lead to cavitation, which may have both positive and negative effects on materials.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a machine to mimic the surface of the eye, allowing for systematic testing of tear film behavior on contact lens surfaces. This innovation could lead to more comfortable contact lenses that protect users from painful dry eye symptoms.
A special issue of ZooKeys reports 303 new beetle records for New Brunswick, Canada, expanding the fauna by 13% over three years. The findings include 32 species new to science and contribute to a total of 3,062 known species in the region.
A Stanford University simulation model analyzes how modern interventions affect the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous inhabitants. The study reveals that agro-industrial land development and loss of traditional taboos lead to biodiversity decline and ecosystem collapse.
A team of international scientists has created the first 3D atlas of the dodo's skeletal anatomy, using two exceptional skeletons that have remained unstudied for over a century. The atlas provides accurate relative proportions and describes several previously unknown bones, opening new pathways for paleobiology and evolution research.
A new approach to studying coral reefs suggests that multiple stressors, such as ocean temperature and acidification, can have devastating effects on corals. The researchers recommend a global strategy for choosing locations for larger field-based experiments to inform adaptation policies.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has established a $10 million National Behavioral Health Innovation Center with a five-year commitment from The Anschutz Foundation. The center aims to improve mental and behavioral health through innovative approaches, collaboration, and community engagement.
Researchers found that Asian honey bees produce different types of vibrational stop signals when attacked by giant hornets, which vary depending on the level of danger and context. These signals can inhibit recruitment to dangerous food sources or alert nestmates to imminent threats.
Sandia researchers have developed a way to make magnetic material for high-frequency transformers, which could lead to more flexible energy storage systems. The new method, called field-assisted sintering, enables the creation of transformer cores from raw materials in minutes without decomposing the required iron nitrides.
New research examining 3 million death certificates found that historical black names conveyed a large advantage over a person's lifetime. Men with these names added more than one year of life relative to other black males.
Researchers from Griffith University have successfully implemented a simplified version of the quantum Fredkin gate, a challenging circuit that enables efficient processing in quantum computers. This achievement could lead to more powerful and compact quantum computing systems.
Brown skuas in Antarctica show remarkable ability to distinguish between researchers and neutral individuals after just 3-4 visits. The birds' cognitive abilities are surprisingly high, considering their habitat evolution in human-free areas.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that young adult marijuana users react differently to social exclusion, with reduced activation in the insula region. The findings suggest that marijuana users may be less conscious of social norms or have reduced ability to reflect on negative social situations.
Researchers from MIT developed a new infrared depth-sensing system that works outdoors, using a smartphone with a $10 laser. The system captures four frames of video and subtracts ambient infrared light to improve accuracy. It has been tested on a driverless golf cart and shows promise for autonomous vehicles.
University of Utah engineers developed a handheld scanner that can detect small traces of alkane fuel vapor, crucial for preventing oil pipeline leaks and detecting explosives. The portable device will be used to locate leaks in pipelines, airplane fuel tanks, and security threats, providing real-time warnings.
A Chinese research team has developed a novel aluminum-graphite dual-ion battery offering significantly reduced weight, volume, and fabrication cost. The new battery boasts higher energy density and lower production costs compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
A new study suggests that parents of very premature babies agree with their children that life quality is lower, despite improvements seen in full-term birth groups. Health-related quality of life was evaluated at ages 13 and 26 in individuals born preterm or at term.
CRI researchers found that inactivating a certain protein-coding gene promotes liver tissue regeneration in mammals. The study showed that mice without the gene had healthier livers, improved liver function, and faster healing of damaged tissues.
Researchers found that inhibiting Wnt secretion can prevent the build-up of scar tissue in kidneys and protect against renal fibrosis. This suggests a novel therapeutic approach to treating kidney disease.
A new study analyzed ancient bison and mammoth tissues to understand the shift of grassland species. The research found that increasing precipitation during the growing season was the single most important factor in the spread of C4 grasses.
Research on new unconventional superconductors like K2Cr3As3 and Li1?xFexOHFeSe reveals robust superconductivity and full volume. Weyl semimetal TaP exhibits chiral magnetic states with huge magnetoresistance, triggering further studies.
Research finds that botulism in waterbirds is spread by an invasive species of freshwater snail carrying Clostridium botulinum, which thrives in polluted wetlands. Global warming is expected to exacerbate outbreaks due to increased temperatures and drought.
Duke University researchers have discovered a new class of molecular tags that can enhance MRI signals by 10,000-fold, generating detectable signals that last over an hour. This breakthrough paves the way for widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging to monitor metabolic processes in real-time.
Researchers found that small sanctuaries allow threatened blackbucks to survive in densely populated Maharashtra region. The study suggests that these micro-refuges can help preserve biodiversity in increasingly urbanized landscapes.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology suggests that incorporating rough textures, such as sandpaper, into fundraising materials can increase donations. Participants who touched sandpaper were more willing to donate to lesser-known charities due to increased empathy.
Researchers discovered that altering one atom in a natural inhibitor, InsP6, increases its ability to neutralize toxins by 26-fold. The study highlights the importance of water and hydrogen bonding in molecular interactions.
A new study by Dartmouth College and other institutions provides a method to predict forest risks from the southern pine beetle using a simple, inexpensive monitoring program. The researchers found that the risks in any year and region can be predicted synchronously across hundreds of miles.
Researchers from NJIT identified a species of blind cavefish in Thailand with tetrapod-like pelvic girdle, enabling it to walk and climb waterfalls. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of walking on land and convergent morphological features.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a way to use microscopic swirling flows to rapidly clear bacteria or swimming robots from circles. This technique could be useful in lab-on-a-chip devices for chemical or biological analyses, and may also help prevent biofilms from forming.
The study reveals that the decline of traditional women's work in the marshes has led to a narrowing of daily life to domestic tasks. The Marsh Arab women's unique cultural relationship with the ecosystem is being lost as natural resources vanish, and their roles are taken over by men.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Lancet report finds that harsh drug control policies increase the risk of death from overdose, restrict access to medications, and undermine public health. Decriminalization of minor and non-violent drug offenses is a key recommendation.
Researchers found that curcumin successfully removes Mycobacterium tuberculosis from infected cells in culture by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B. The study suggests a potential new treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis that could be less prone to resistance development.
The study found that selective UBE3A loss from GABAergic brain circuits leads to seizure behaviors and EEG abnormalities typical of AS model mice. Further research into the effects of UBE3A loss in other neuron types may reveal new therapeutic strategies for Angelman syndrome.
Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of Zika viruses in Brazil, finding a single introduction date of May-December 2013. The study suggests a correlation between Zika virus and microcephaly cases, but more research is needed to establish causation.
A study suggests that breast arterial calcification visible on digital mammography is linked to coronary arterial calcification and cardiovascular risk. The presence of breast arterial calcification appears to be an equivalent or stronger risk factor for CAC than other well-established cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University found that heat shock triggers DNA damage response, leading to cellular senescence. The study's results may help develop new methods for curing cancer.
A large-scale study examining the relationship between incretin-based drugs and hospitalization for heart failure found no increased risk. The study, conducted by the Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies (CNODES), analyzed health records of over 1.4 million patients in Canada, the US, and the UK.
An international research team is developing new molecular treatment methods for asthma and high blood pressure. The goal is to prevent further complications and reduce the risk of subsequent illnesses.
Researchers have synthesized graphene nanoribbons with perfect zigzagged edges, allowing for the creation of spin barriers and filters. This enables the design of ultra-energy-efficient transistors and spintronic devices with new components, including magnetic data storage devices.
The earliest definitions of time were based on observed astronomical phenomena, while modern times are derived from atomic properties. The paper reveals how these definitions have evolved over time, highlighting the connection between astronomic and atomic time.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that prenatal steroid treatment halves the risk of severe brain hemorrhage in preemies. Researchers analyzed nearly 26,000 premature infants and found a significant reduction in intraventricular hemorrhage risk for those receiving steroids.
Researchers at the University of Kent have identified a new form of Ebolavirus that may cause human disease. The study suggests that only a few changes in a specific protein are necessary to render the Reston virus into a health threat.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has been awarded the Saving Lives at Birth: A Grand Challenge for Development Award to scale up use of the Pratt Pouch in Uganda. The model aims to reach 40,000 infants in three years with the goal of significantly reducing HIV transmission rates.
A new study from Purdue University found that consuming a high-protein diet while losing weight improves sleep quality in middle-aged adults. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that higher protein intake can lead to better sleep and reduced risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
A new web-based prototype of a speech-controlled nutrition-logging system has been developed to make meal logging easier. The system allows users to verbally describe the contents of a meal, and automatically retrieves pertinent nutritional data from an online database.
A team of chemists, led by Mu-Hyun Baik, has achieved the first-ever efficient activation of methane's C-H bond using a hybrid computational-experimental approach. The method enables the conversion of methane into liquid methanol, paving the way for petroleum independence and alternative fuel production.
A study found that high caffeine consumption before conception and during early pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage. In contrast, taking a daily multivitamin reduces this risk. The researchers analyzed data from the LIFE Study and found that women who consumed more than two caffeinated beverages per day were more likely to misc...
Researchers analyzed records of 71 children with uncomplicated head injuries and found that nearly three-quarters were kept for overnight observation, incurring additional costs. The study suggests that low-risk patients can be safely sent home if they have no evidence of brain injury or neurologic symptoms.
Researchers have developed a method to observe nanocrystal self-assembly in real-time, shedding light on the complex structures' formation. The technique uses synchrotron X-ray scattering and imaging, allowing for the direct manipulation of superlattices.
A recent study by University of Montreal researchers has discovered a common genetic defect in beta cells that may lead to the loss of insulin production in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. The findings suggest that genetics play a critical role in beta cell survival, with fragile cells being more prone to damage and disease.
Researchers developed an electronic version of a logistic map that can interact with multiple maps, making it scalable. The model allows for the comparison of previous computer simulations with experimental results using state-of-the-art technology.
Experts warn that poorly designed insurance instruments could fail to reach poor communities, highlighting the need for tailored approaches and coupled with adaptation efforts. Policymakers must consider climate insurance as part of a wider strategy rather than in isolation.
Researchers from the Academy of Finland discovered that photoinhibition, a previously believed detrimental reaction, actually protects photosynthetic apparatus by altering function to dissipate excess energy. This finding challenges previous understanding of photosynthesis' different photosystems and their roles.
Researchers have developed a toolkit to help boost the likelihood of success for mangrove restoration projects by incorporating local water level data. The study found that considering hydrology is vital in determining a project's chances of success, and tools can be used to measure water levels over a minimum period of 30 days.
A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals a vast diversity of RNA viruses that infect bacteria, with over 122 new types identified. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the ecological dynamics between bacteriophages and bacteria, and potentially developing new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers developed a microneedle patch that delivers anti-PD-1 antibodies directly to the site of melanoma skin cancer, improving treatment effectiveness. The patch creates a sustained release of antibodies into the tumor microenvironment, achieving better retention and efficacy compared to traditional treatments.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a microbial protein fiber that transports charges at high speeds, exceeding current manmade nanotechnologies. The fibers are biodegradable, biocompatible, and potentially cheaper to produce, making them suitable for medical sensors and electronic devices.
Researchers propose using 'sticky molecules' like IgA to target good bacteria in the gut, preventing pathogenic species from taking hold. This approach has the potential to reduce inflammation and prevent diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.