A team of physicists has developed a new method to calculate the thermodynamics of black holes, leveraging quantum gravity and holographic principles. The study proposes that a 'condensate' of space quanta can describe homogeneous classical geometries, allowing for a more realistic and robust calculation of black hole entropy.
The RDA Data Share program has selected 14 fellows for its 2016 cohort, with a focus on strengthening careers in data science and data sharing. Fellows will work on their own projects and collaborate with RDA working groups over 12-18 month terms.
A Mayo Clinic study analyzed 55 cancer drugs approved using surrogate endpoints, finding that many lacked formal empirical verification. The FDA's reliance on these surrogates may compromise patient outcomes and drug safety.
Researchers discovered that new malaria drugs promote premature parasite division by increasing sodium ion concentration, altering membrane composition and killing the parasite. The study found that these changes occur without replicating the parasite's genome, indicating a potential new mechanism of action for antimalarial drugs.
David Low's innovative project targets enteric pathogen-specific T2 bacteriophage to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funded $100,000 GCE grant will support his research on a new approach using bacteriophage targeting essential outer membrane protein BamA.
Researchers analyzed genome sequences of fungi to understand their environmental response mechanisms. They found that whole-genome duplication led to the development of specialized genes enabling refined signal perception, which could aid in natural control of metabolic processes and biofuels production.
A new study dispels the notion that millionaires are highly mobile, finding they are reluctant to move for tax benefits. The study reveals that only about 12,000 millionaires change states annually, and family responsibilities are a key factor limiting migration among top-income earners.
A new investigational drug propiverine hydrochloride has shown promising results in treating overactive bladder, demonstrating better efficacy than an existing medication in reducing voiding frequency and incontinence episodes. Patients reported significant improvement in symptoms after treatment, with response rates increasing over time.
Recent evidence suggests that AAV vectors used for gene therapy can trigger liver cancer in rare patients. A new article challenges re-interpreted data, reaffirming the link between insertional mutagenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Researchers at the University of Exeter are leading two major projects to advance our understanding of environmental change. The first project uses £3.7m funding to develop methods for predicting regional climate phenomena such as storms, sea ice changes and rainfall in the tropics over the next 100 years.
SWOG investigators report on clinical trials for lung, prostate, breast, and other cancers, including Lung-MAP precision medicine trial. Trial results also highlight the reliability of CT scan tumor measurements for evaluating new drug effectiveness.
The review assesses the fibrotic potential of various nanomaterials, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and recommends in vitro approaches to predict lung fibrosis development. This scientific study aims to advance non-animal methods for studying nanomaterial effects on human health.
A new study from the University of Utah has dated the Sentinel rock avalanche to 4,800 years ago, estimating its size and dynamics. The landslide created a flat floor for 700 years, covering an area larger than New York City's Central Park with debris.
A new study by McGill University sociologist Barry Eidlin challenges conventional wisdom on the US lack of a labor party. The research shows that differences in political culture and electoral systems did not affect labor party support as expected before the 1930s. Instead, it was a consequence of different ruling party responses to wo...
A new meta-analysis shows that ketamine is half as likely to experience persistent post-surgical pain compared to placebo, offering a cheap and safe treatment option. This could lead to significant cost savings globally if widely adopted.
Scientists have identified a novel metal scavenger, staphylopine, produced by the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics targeting the bacteria's addiction to metals.
A study found that gut bacterial metabolites can accumulate in patients with chronic kidney disease, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. The accumulation of phenylacetylglutamine was particularly associated with poor health outcomes.
A McGill University sociologist uses historical data to challenge the conventional wisdom that the US lacks a labor or socialist party. The analysis of 142 years of electoral data shows that differences in political culture and electoral systems did not affect labor party support as expected.
Researchers tracked harbour porpoises with tiny computers, revealing they hunt small fish nearly continuously at ultra-high rates, catching up to 550 fish per hour. This success rate of over 90% makes them vulnerable to disturbances, as there's no room for compensation.
The study retrieved the complete sequence of a fossil's mitogenome, confirming its Eurasian origin and supporting a Palaeolithic back-migration to Africa. This migration suggests that some populations embarked on a journey from Eurasia to Africa around 40,000 years ago.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in visualizing proteins involved in cancer cell metabolism using cryo-EM. They were able to capture images of glutamate dehydrogenase at an atomic level, revealing new insights into potential drug targets. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize and accelerate the drug discovery process.
Research published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that diners in well-lit rooms are more likely to order healthier options, such as grilled fish or vegetables, compared to those in dimly lit spaces. The study also revealed that increased alertness leads to better food choices.
A Mayo Clinic-led study discovered that obese teenagers have lower levels of the hormone spexin, which may play a role in weight gain. The study suggests that spexin could be involved in childhood obesity and potentially used to treat or manage the condition.
Researchers found that mothers' parenting stress affects both men's and women's sexual satisfaction, with women experiencing a greater impact. The study of 169 expectant couples suggests that the transition to parenthood can strain relationships.
A new method for designing geometric forms built from DNA has been developed, allowing for the creation of tiny structures in 2 and 3 dimensions. The technique, known as DNA origami, relies on a top-down strategy and can produce virtually any polyhedral shape.
Researchers found that microglia fail to remove dead neurons during epilepsy, leading to accumulation and inflammatory responses. The study's findings provide a new target for therapies aimed at boosting phagocytosis and alleviating brain diseases.
Researchers at the Buck Institute discovered a small molecule that tricks C. elegans into a state of caloric restriction, extending its lifespan by 50%. This study suggests that primary sensory pathways represent new targets for human pharmacology to mimic the positive effects of a Spartan diet.
Researchers developed a new method of diagnosing colorectal cancer using 3D hydrogel biochips, which detect tumor-associated glycans and improve sensitivity. The study analyzed sera from 33 patients with colorectal cancer, 69 healthy donors, and 27 patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers discovered a bacteriophage virus in Connecticut that targets multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, making it susceptible to existing antibiotics. This 'phage' therapy has the potential to treat life-threatening infections and preserve medical options against deadly bacteria.
Cardiac arrhythmia is a significant complication following lung transplantation, affecting long-term patient survival. Researchers found that about 30% of patients developed arrhythmia, mostly during the first week post-surgery, with older patients and previous heart surgery being risk factors.
Researchers at University of Oxford have identified two long intergenic noncoding RNA genes associated with an increased likelihood of developing bacteraemia when infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The genetic variants carry a doubled risk, highlighting the importance of diverse population studies.
Researchers developed a model to estimate absolute breast cancer risk, finding that up to 28.9% of breast cancers could be prevented by reducing modifiable risk factors in white US women. The study included 92 genetic susceptibility variants and various epidemiologic factors.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that REV-ERBα acts as a molecular conductor to regulate thousands of genes, with disruptions to its amplitude affecting metabolism and hormone levels. Studying mice with altered REV-ERBα levels revealed a link between circadian rhythms and glucose and lipid metabolism.
A new study introduces a 'genetic barcode' technique that tracks cell lineage using CRISPR gene editing. This method reveals the relationships between cells and accelerates our understanding of cellular processes.
Taxonomer analysis software rapidly identifies pathogens and profiles gene expression, revolutionizing infectious disease diagnosis. This technology can help reduce mortality rates of children in resource-limited settings by quickly detecting treatable infections.
A new neuronal culture system has been developed to study the early stages of prion neurotoxicity, specifically targeting dendritic spines. The research found that prions cause rapid and dramatic changes in spine density, leading to reduced neuron function before actual death.
The University of Southampton is part of a £5.3 million programme to create robust national infrastructure planning tools. It will provide framework for information analysis and networking to inform strategic decisions, pinpoint vulnerabilities and risks.
Industry self-monitoring of small offshore oil spills is inadequate, leaving a gap in understanding the impact on seabird populations. Chronic pollution from small spills may have greater population-level impacts than single large spills.
Researchers have confirmed that Mars has undergone multiple rounds of climate change using radar measurements of its polar ice caps. The study reveals the planet's current retreat from an ice age began approximately 370,000 years ago and is still ongoing.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a new technique that captures the activity of an entire mouse brain in a single snapshot. This comprehensive view allows for robust and unbiased comparisons between active neuronal populations, enabling hypothesis generation about brain function.
Scientists at the John Innes Centre have identified a critical protein, CNGC15s, that facilitates calcium movement into plant cell nuclei. This allows plants to initiate cellular processes necessary for bacterial accommodation and nitrogen fixation.
A new study reveals that the splicing regulator RBFOX2 plays a key role in diabetic cardiomyopathy, impairing normal gene expression patterns and leading to abnormal calcium signaling in the heart. This understanding may lead to the development of new tools for diagnosing, preventing or treating this form of heart damage.
Researchers have developed a software called ForcePhone that allows smartphones to detect force or pressure on their screens or bodies, enabling users to command devices with gestures. The technology uses the phone's microphone and speaker to translate vibrations into commands, offering a natural interface beyond basic touch interfaces.
A new approach to health care could involve tailoring treatments to individual genetic makeup, lifestyle and environment. This precision medicine method aims to replace the use of race in treatment decisions and reduce disparities in health outcomes.
According to a new study published in The Lancet Oncology, teenagers and young adults have lower chances of surviving certain cancers compared to children. Despite improvements in overall childhood cancer survival rates, adolescents and young adults still tend to die earlier from blood cancers like leukaemias and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
New research suggests that women with a high genetic risk of breast cancer can reduce their risk by following a healthy lifestyle, including eating right, exercising, and quitting smoking. The study found that approximately 30% of breast cancer cases could be prevented by modifying known risk factors.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have determined the 3D atomic structure of a human sterol transporter that helps maintain cholesterol balance. This knowledge could lead to finding highly targeted therapies to treat or prevent diseases related to sterol imbalance.
Researchers found that endocannabinoids quiet neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex, leading to an over-reliance on habit. The study suggests a new therapeutic target for OCD and addictions: treating the brain's endocannabinoid system to restore goal-directed action.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia cracked the mystery of centriole elimination in oocytes, showing that losing this structure is crucial for sexual reproduction and female fertility. The study found that centrioles are eliminated step-wise due to a regulator called polo kinase protein.
A Michigan State University study found that participants exposed to beer ads on social media were more likely to consider drinking alcohol. The researchers also highlighted the lack of regulation in advertising and marketing alcohol on social media, which can lead to underage drinking and other concerns.
A new study suggests that a fasting-like diet can reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis by triggering a death-and-life process for cells, which appears critical for the body's repair. The diet promotes regeneration of myelin, the sheath of proteins and fats that insulate nerve fibers, and improves immune function.
A new special section of Child Development journal investigates how children learn cultural norms through imitation, social interaction, and emotional expression. The research reveals a consistent set of tools across multiple cultural settings, with children 'overimitating' culturally appropriate behavior.
Researchers found that whole-brain energy turnover directly predicted current level of awareness and likelihood of recovery within a year. Brain metabolic activity above 42% threshold was associated with signs of awareness or recovered responsiveness.
Research found increasing alcohol affordability in the 1990s contributed to rising mortality rates, while decreasing affordability led to declines. The study also identified a generation affected by economic change in the 1980s as being at high risk.
Researchers found that Kepler-62f could sustain life with an atmosphere 3-5 times thicker than Earth's composed entirely of carbon dioxide. The team also ran simulations on different orbital configurations, finding multiple scenarios that allow the planet to be habitable.
Scientists have successfully induced quantum coherence in a large number of photons, allowing for complex quantum states to be manipulated and applications for computation and communication to be explored. The findings represent a significant breakthrough in achieving quantum coherence at a macroscopic scale.
A commentary suggests that gene therapy treatments for rare diseases should be valued based on long-term cost savings. The authors propose tying costs to efficacy and creating a federal initiative to support new therapies.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a technique to simultaneously image with multiphoton fluorescence and second-harmonic generation, achieving nanoscale resolution. This breakthrough enables the observation of previously inaccessible structures in living tissue, opening up new avenues for biological research.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a giant planet, CI Tau b, orbiting a young star in the constellation Taurus. The planet, at least eight times larger than Jupiter, orbits its 2 million-year-old star every nine days and is thought to have formed rapidly, with surrounding gas and dust still present.
A new study estimates that the world's 60 million refugees need at least 2.78 million surgeries annually, with many types of care, including C-sections and burn care, being essential but often neglected in crisis situations. The researchers call for increased attention to surgical needs in refugee populations.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a graphene-nanodiamond lubricant that reduces friction to nearly zero, allowing for increased efficiency and reduced wear in industries such as wind turbines and computer hard disks. The technology has shown promise in reducing friction by six times and wear by ten thousand time...
A review by Queen Mary University of London suggests that malnutrition can cause immune system dysfunction, making children more susceptible to common infections. This altered immune system may be passed down through generations, contributing to a range of physiological problems.
The study found that artificially applying synchronous slow wave brain activity during non-REM sleep can enhance memory consolidation, allowing mice to retain memories for up to 4 days. This discovery suggests a potential route to therapy using transcortical magnetic or direct-current stimulation to reactivate sleep-deprived neurons.
Harvard researchers have identified a new mechanism for detecting odors in mammals, using 'necklace' neurons that express MS4A proteins to respond to specific smells like nuts and pheromones. This discovery revises the canonical view of how animals probe their chemical environment.
A team of Yale scientists has created a more exotic type of Schrödinger's cat-like state that can exist in two boxes simultaneously, leveraging entanglement to enable error correction and logical operations in quantum computing. This breakthrough builds upon decades of development in circuit quantum electrodynamics.
A dengue vaccine has the potential to substantially reduce disease burden if it induces long-lasting immunity. Researchers found that a durable vaccine, with booster doses, can reduce annual dengue incidence by up to 80% within five years.
Millions of Americans take long-term opioid medications to manage chronic pain, but transitioning away can be complex and anxiety-provoking. However, study participants reported improved quality of life after the transition, highlighting the importance of intensive support from family and healthcare providers.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how neurotransmitters are transported across nerve cell membranes, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind depression and addiction. The study reveals that certain drugs can hijack this process, leading to excessive neurotransmitter release.
A University of Utah study suggests that spring snowpack in higher elevations will be more dependent on precipitation than temperature in a warming climate. By the end of the century, the threshold elevation for temperature-controlled snowpack is expected to rise by around 800 feet, affecting ski resorts and water resources.
A new study at a UK hospital found that refusing access to the recovery room unless the full WHO Safe Surgery Checklist is complete improves its use. The checklist has been proven to improve safety standards and reduce surgical complications.
Researchers at University of East Anglia argue that subsidies should be used to encourage investment in energy storage systems as renewable power increases. The study found that energy storage technologies can provide vital revenue streams through arbitrage and market incentives.
Melbourne researchers have discovered a novel way of directly activating Bak, a protein central to apoptosis, to trigger cell death. This finding holds promise for developing drugs that promote cell death in cancer and autoimmune diseases.
New evidence suggests that even with a healthy diet, defects in immune system function from birth can contribute to malnourished states throughout life. Researchers propose targeting immune pathways as a potential approach to reducing poor health and mortality caused by under- and overnutrition.
Scientists from Insilico Medicine used deep neural networks to predict therapeutic use of large numbers of drugs from gene expression data, achieving 54.6% accuracy in class prediction. The study also found that many misclassified drugs had dual use, suggesting potential for drug repurposing.
A free colonoscopy program for uninsured patients has been shown to detect cancer at an earlier stage and appears to be cost-neutral. The program, which was expanded to all hospitals in Louisville, is being hailed as a model for statewide implementation in Kentucky.
A transferrable gene for colistin resistance has been discovered in the United States, raising concerns about the emergence of truly pan-drug resistant bacteria. The finding is a significant public health concern, as it may render colistin, the last agent used to combat resistant bacteria, ineffective.
A study by Aarhus University researchers found that people across countries share a common intuition that ill individuals are unlucky and deserving of help. This psychological tendency makes it challenging to change attitudes towards healthcare costs, despite growing concerns about lifestyle diseases.
Using radar data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, a team of researchers found evidence of an accelerated accumulation rate of ice in the Martian polar cap. The volume and thickness of ice match model predictions, providing insights into Mars' climate change history.
Researchers at MIT have designed a new bioinspired framework to improve concrete's strength and durability. By studying natural materials such as bones and shells, they have developed guidelines for engineers to design cement with precise control over its internal structure and properties.
Engineers have found a way to control light waves using a non-periodic material structure. This breakthrough opens up opportunities for faster-switching transistors and white light lasers, enabling devices to selectively block or allow specific wavelengths of light
A recent study found that underwater grass beds at Susquehanna Flats can protect and maintain their own health despite harsh conditions. The beds exhibit a natural ability to reduce damage from extreme events through biophysical feedback processes.
Johns Hopkins researchers have engineered human muscle cells bearing genetic mutations from people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), enabling the study of genetic variations among patients. The cells can also be used to test new therapies and may hold potential for genetic correction and transplantation.
Scientists at TSRI have discovered a mechanism that turns mutant cells into aggressive cancers. The research identifies the role of POT1 mutations and their impact on the cell's ability to repair DNA damage.
Researchers discovered that endocannabinoids reduce activity in the OFC, promoting habit formation. This study suggests that targeting the brain's endocannabinoid system may alleviate suffering in disorders involving habitual control.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discover a novel logic for mammalian olfaction that defies the traditional one-to-one correspondence between odors and receptors. The 'olfactory necklace' system uses a different class of chemoreceptors to detect carbon dioxide and other molecules, triggering innate behaviors such as avoidance.
A team of researchers has discovered a new class of galaxies where supermassive black holes trigger powerful winds that prevent future star formation. These 'red geysers' lack young stars despite having abundant gas, and their outflowing winds heat surrounding gas through shocks, ultimately suppressing stellar birth.
Research at Georgia State University found that increasing difficulty in making decisions based on sensory evidence boosts activity in the insular cortex. The study sheds light on how this brain area processes sensory information and drives behaviors.
New imaging methods, including computer-assisted analysis of X-ray images and ultrasound imaging, show promise in detecting early stages of arthrosis. The methods could lead to targeted treatment and improved prediction of disease progression.
NASA's GPM satellite has detected a developing low-pressure system in the Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Bahamas, which could potentially become a tropical or subtropical cyclone. Increasing shower activity near the center of the system suggests it may be on track to develop into a storm.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology identified risk factors for ophthalmoscopic findings in infants born with microcephaly and presumed Zika virus infection. Infants with smaller head diameters at birth and those whose mothers reported symptoms during the first trimester were more likely to have ocular involvement.
Researchers found that stimulation from outside world guides neurons' early development, leading to two different types of inhibitory neurons. This adds complexity and regulation to brain circuitry, with implications for treating neurological disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and depression.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that maize is more vulnerable to drought than previously thought, with a 39.3% yield reduction at 40% water reduction compared to wheat's 20.6%. Maize sensitivity varies by region and soil texture, but overall findings can inform model interactions, productivity gains, and irrigation scheduling.
Scientists at MIT and HHMI use a new imaging technique to observe short-lived enzyme clusters that play a central role in triggering mRNA production and controlling gene transcription. These clusters, which remain stable for up to 24 seconds, can significantly impact gene expression.
Biologists have uncovered a key protein in the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum that enables it to home in on bacteria, similar to human white blood cells. This discovery provides new insights into immune cell directionality and may lead to effective treatments for cancer and other diseases.
Researchers are exploring whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can provide relief for patients with bipolar disorder who do not respond to medications. The study aims to identify structural targets in the brain that may be involved in the disorder and potentially treat it through DBS.
A study of over 6,000 Antarctic marine fossils reveals a dramatic 65-70% reduction in species 66 million years ago, coinciding with the end of the Cretaceous Period and the extinction of dinosaurs. The research suggests that the mass extinction event was just as rapid and severe in polar regions as elsewhere on Earth.