A Dartmouth College-led team used Wild-ID tracking technology to examine the link between wildebeest abundance and their ability to freely move within the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem. The study found diminished connectivity, reduced population size, and increased variability over time.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers identified how flooding frequency and duration affect mercury biogeochemistry along a 40-mile stretch of the Yuba/Feather River system. The study found that about 5 percent of the total mercury in this lower section has the potential to become toxic.
A study published in Psychopharmacology found that the smell of alcohol can reduce a person's ability to inhibit their behavior, particularly when it comes to pressing buttons. The researchers, led by Dr. Rebecca Monk, used a computer-based experiment to test this hypothesis and found significant evidence supporting their claim.
Researchers at the University of Geneva identified a new recessive disease caused by the failure of a single gene, PIGG, which affects protein production and leads to intellectual disability, epilepsy and hypotonia. The discovery provides hope for early detection and prevention through personalized genetic diagnosis.
A new nursing care needs assessment model has been developed for pediatric patients with complex medical conditions, aiming to quantify long-term care needs and improve healthcare coordination. The N-KICS tool measures 40 factors on a scale from one to four, assessing vital signs, observation, bathing, ambulation, and respiratory support.
Researchers have identified a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets both resistant tumors and FLT3-independent AML. The compound, MRX-2843, exhibits antitumor effects in culture and preclinical models, improving survival rates even in cases of tumors resistant to existing treatments.
A study led by the University of Edinburgh's MRC Centre for Inflammation Research discovered a mechanism to keep bacteria in the gut. The researchers found that PGE2 activates innate lymphoid cells, which help maintain the gut barrier and prevent body-wide inflammation.
A Strathclyde PhD student has been awarded a place on the prestigious Schmidt MacArthur Fellowship, an international programme on the circular economy. The fellowship provides valuable support for his studies and research on networks of innovation in the circular economy.
University of Wisconsin-Madison neuroscientist Xinyu Zhao has identified the genetic machinery that causes maturation in a young nerve cell, revealing four stages of gene activation. The study found hints about the origin of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases and autism, suggesting a link between stem cell impairment and complex disorders.
TeamStudy, an iPhone research app built using ResearchKit, allows former NFL players and the public to engage in the study of athlete health. The app enables researchers to capture data from participants across the nation, providing insights into everyday experiences of former NFL players.
The gut microbiome remains healthy due to functional redundancy among microbe species, which ensure stability in the face of constant disturbance. This study highlights the importance of understanding the role of these bacteria in the human body and their contribution to clinical symptoms.
The Zika virus poses a significant threat to West Africa, particularly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, due to the recent Ebola outbreak. Rapid testing for Zika is crucial to prevent confusion between Zika and early Ebola symptoms.
DOE's Small Business Vouchers pilot provides $590,000 in funding to four small businesses to develop innovative clean energy technologies. The program aims to promote economic development and American innovation by pairing laboratory resources with small business drive.
Researchers found that transient activation of the Hedgehog pathway after irradiation rescued salivary gland dysfunction by preserving stem/progenitor cells and parasympathetic innervation. Shh gene transfer improved saliva flow rates in mice, while also preserving acini marker Aqp5 expression.
A Penn study finds that states with mandatory ignition interlock laws for DUI offenders reduce alcohol-related crash deaths by 15%, comparable to airbag laws. These devices prevent intoxicated drivers from starting their vehicles, directly preventing drunk driving and saving lives.
A study by Cedars-Sinai researchers found that the C9orf72 gene is crucial for immune cell function in the brain, leading to potential new therapies for ALS. The discovery highlights the active contribution of the brain's immune system to disease progression.
Advanced genomic sequencing helped identify a potentially deadly fungus, Sarocladium kiliense, in tainted anti-nausea medication given to dozens of cancer patients in Chile and Colombia. The use of whole-genome sequence typing revealed nearly genetically indistinguishable isolates from patient samples and unopened medication vials.
Macrophages produce antimicrobial substances and fatty acids during activation to combat pathogens, contrary to previously assumed metabolism. The study provides a new approach for treating chronic inflammatory diseases by targeting the production of pyruvate in the citric acid cycle.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that HIV infection disrupts the immune response to Mtb, making it harder for the body to control active TB. Researchers found that early HIV infection diminishes a specific component of the immune response called IL-10, leading to a weaker defense against Mtb.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine successfully targeted RNA in living cells using CRISPR-Cas9. This breakthrough may lead to new therapeutic approaches for diseases linked to defective RNA transport, such as autism and cancer.
Tracy Clinton and Michael Thompson received the Protein Society's Year 2015 'Best Paper' awards for their work on Ebola drug target mimics. The researchers, who came from diverse backgrounds, were chosen for their innovative approaches to solving complex protein problems.
Researchers reconstructed a 2,000-year record of precipitation changes in the eastern Pacific using sediments from Galapagos lakes, revealing long-term shifts in El Niño patterns. The study provides new insights into tropical climate dynamics and will help model future changes.
A recent NIH study found that antibodies derived from unconventional B cells in HIV-infected individuals with uncontrolled virus levels are less effective at neutralizing HIV. The study suggests that the abnormal distribution of B cell types contributes to the lack of effective immune response.
Builders of future superconducting quantum computers may learn from semiconductors to simplify operation and improve qubits. Researchers found an efficient implementation using novel control approaches, eliminating costly overheads for control and reducing gate error rates.
A large-scale analysis of pain-relief medication for osteoarthritis found that paracetamol does not meet the minimum standard of clinical effectiveness in reducing pain or improving physical function. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was found to be more effective for short-term pain relief.
A new study at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences has found that peer-led team learning significantly improves grade performance and course completion among minority students in STEM fields. The researchers hope to expand the successful model to increase participation in these crucial subjects.
Researchers at VCU have developed computer models that can simulate the recovery of the immune system in patients undergoing stem cell transplants. The models use DNA sequencing and matrix mathematics to predict which patients may suffer complications such as graft-versus-host-disease.
A University of Rochester team has developed a system that outperforms other approaches to creating computer-generated image captions by considering the meaning and context of words, not just images. The winning approach combines top-down and bottom-up methods to create more accurate and coherent captions.
Researchers propose a novel storage system using pre-cut filter paper to store dried cerebrospinal fluid samples. The method was tested on 132 samples, showing high accuracy in detecting Japanese encephalitis virus antibodies.
A new study by UCLA researchers proposes expanding the use of recycled water to reduce water and energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health. The strategy has potential global applications, particularly in addressing water scarcity and related health issues.
The study analyzed 105,002 elderly patients' outcomes from 2000 to 2014, showing improved overall mortality rates and reduced length of hospital stay. However, factors such as age, pre-existing disease, and weekend operations increased in-hospital mortality
A survey of nearly 3,000 Ugandan students reveals that one in three had been in love with a person of the same sex and 6-8% of men engaged in homosexual relations. The study found associations between homosexual experiences and poor mental health, sexual coercion, and drug use.
A new study provides insight into the role of RNA editing in cancer, identifying over 2,000 genes with significant changes in RNA editing levels between tumor and normal tissues. Researchers found that these changes may be linked to different clinical outcomes.
Researchers identified four genes XPO1, BCL11A, REL, and USP34 as responsible for a rare chromosomal deletion disorder. The study found that loss of these genes leads to intellectual disability, microcephaly, and other symptoms.
A study found that prenatal exposure to PAH is associated with reduced self-regulation skills and social competency in children. High-exposure children showed no improvement in self-regulatory function, while low-exposure children followed a typical developmental pattern.
Dr. Fyffe will compare care and benefits for service-related vs non-service-related spinal cord injuries in a three-year study funded by the Department of Defense Spinal Cord Injury Research Program. The research aims to optimize care for all veterans with SCI, improving health status and functional outcomes.
A new explanation for why female animals are less colorful and decorated than males is that they avoid attracting unwanted male attention. Researchers propose that females signal their unattractiveness to reduce harassment, rather than simply lacking ornamentation due to camouflage or fertility concerns.
A study in east London found higher MS prevalence among Black people and South Asians compared to their ancestral countries, suggesting an increased environmental influence on the disease. The researchers propose that exposure to environmental agents or behaviors may facilitate MS development.
Researchers at MUSC report findings on the mechanisms underlying impaired ciliogenesis and abnormal kidney development characteristic of PKD. Depletion of dynamin-binding protein or Tuba disrupts renal ciliogenesis, leading to uncontrolled production of cysts.
A study of 200 years reveals a steady loss of butterfly species in nature conservation areas, which are largely ineffective in protecting them. The decline is attributed to high emissions of reactive nitrogen, promoting the growth of plants that outcompete larval host plants and alter nutrient composition.
Researchers observed striped hyenas joining grey wolf packs in the Negev desert, suggesting a mutually beneficial relationship. The unlikely alliance may have arisen from necessity, with hyenas utilizing their keen sense of smell and wolves leveraging their agility to tackle prey.
Researchers identified a new subtype of muscle-invasive bladder cancer that resembles some forms of breast cancer, characterized by low levels of the tight junction protein claudin. These claudin-low tumors express high levels of immune-related genes but also show a strong signature of immunosuppression.
A lamprey monoclonal antibody specifically targets human plasma cells, exhibiting potential for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in treating multiple myeloma. This unique tool offers new avenues for research into plasma cell disorders.
Researchers found that neurons fire in brief, coordinated bursts as information is held in working memory, allowing for multiple items to be stored separately. This discovery fits a new model of rapid synaptic strength changes and gamma frequency oscillations.
A new study found that elderly kidney failure patients who chose conservative management had a similar survival rate to those on dialysis. The research suggests that conservative care may be a reasonable option for selected older patients with end-stage renal disease.
Researchers developed a 3D micro-scaffold technology that promotes reprogramming of stem cells into neurons and supports growth of neuronal connections. The system improved cell-survival rates by nearly 40-fold compared to individual cell injections, enabling the potential treatment for human neurodegenerative disorders.
A study on Caenorhabditis elegans reveals that mothers who experienced normoxic conditions early on tend to provision their young with more glycogen, equipping the embryos with tools to survive oxygen deprivation. This adaptation leads to improved hatchability and survival rates in offspring.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a device that enables NMR spectroscopy with hyperpolarized xenon gas to analyze molecular interactions in viscous solutions and fragile materials without disrupting their order. This breakthrough could help improve advanced polymers, filters, catalysts, and liquid-crystal displays.
A recent study published in Nature has discovered that mitochondria play a key role in kidney injury, with the gene PGC1 alpha providing protection through NAD. The study suggests that manipulating NAD levels could lead to new therapies for acute kidney injury.
A new technique enables rapid and accurate measurement of bacteria levels in packaged food and medical samples without physical contact. The method uses tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy and can provide real-time analysis, reducing the risk of food poisoning and improving blood quality.
A new study of the young, Sun-like star Kappa Ceti found that a magnetic field played a key role in making a planet conducive to life. The presence of such a field helped shield the atmosphere from intense stellar winds and superflares.
A new study found that 18% of children under six still received cough and cold medications despite label warnings, highlighting the need for stronger measures to deter their use. The study suggests that better public awareness and making these medications harder to purchase may help reduce their use.
Researchers found that forager ants with less body fat died first from malnutrition when food was scarce. In contrast, stay-at-home workers could survive in the nest for up to 100 days without food, and even some foragers on a well-balanced thin soup diet survived for over 300 days.
Scientists have developed a liquid-like substance called self-lubricating organogels (SLUGs) that can make wings and surfaces so slippery that ice cannot adhere. The SLUGs technology has potential applications beyond aircraft, including antifouling coatings in packaging, paints, and more.
Researchers developed an antibody against KCNK9, a cellular gateway that suppresses lung tumor cell growth and breast cancer metastasis. The antibody reduced tumor growth by up to 70% and slowed metastases in mice.
Tomsk Polytechnic University scientists create composite coating based on diamond and cubic boron nitride to improve durability and protect against high temperatures. The coating integrates the properties of diamond and nitride coatings, making it applicable to most metals.
Scientists discovered a novel metal-binding activity in MamO, a protease that helps build magnetic nanoparticles using a unique motif. The study found that this process has evolved convergently throughout the evolution of magnetosomes.
Field Museum scientists, along with colleagues, have solved the mystery of the Tully monster, a bizarre aquatic animal found in Illinois 307 million years ago. The team determined that the monsters are jawless fish similar to today's lampreys, based on analysis of over 2,000 specimens from the Field's collection and X-ray scans.
A controlled human challenge study shows a dengue vaccine candidate can fully protect healthy volunteers from infection. The results support further evaluation of the vaccine and may help identify promising candidates and eliminate poor ones.
Researchers have developed a new method to track the hydrology of Eastern Washington's wetlands, providing insights into their behavior seasonally. The technique uses satellite images to identify structural elements of wetlands and delineate them from other parts of the landscape.