Researchers at UNC School of Medicine develop a method called SEWING that stitches together pieces of existing proteins to create novel proteins with diverse structural features. This approach enables designing proteins with specific functions, such as catalysts, biosensors, and therapeutics.
The 'L-functions and Modular Forms Database' (LMFDB) provides a detailed catalog of mathematical objects, mapping out connections between them. This online resource reveals deep relationships in the abstract universe, providing a guide to previously uncharted territory under current research.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have found that the slow solar wind originates from magnetic reconnection in the sun's hot atmosphere. The team used newly processed observations to determine the source of the slow wind, which is important for understanding space weather around Earth.
A new UCL study found that bad experiences are strongly remembered, but surrounding context is weakly recalled due to reduced activity in the hippocampus. This imbalance can lead to strong but fragmented memory for traumatic content, contributing to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Rice University researchers have developed a new photoreversible tool using photosynthetic bacterial proteins, allowing for faster and more precise control of gene expression
A study published in Psychological Science found that people tend to prefer options that are most similar to what they can't have, but often choose less-similar alternatives that are actually more satisfying. This bias occurs when mental comparisons between wanted and available options lead to dissatisfaction with the chosen substitute.
The frontal cortex plays a crucial role in controlling vision, actively constructing the visual scene and making decisions about it. The research found that the brain's organization of perception can lead to distractions like texting while driving, which can impair vision and increase the risk of accidents.
Researchers from Kazan Federal University and Ogarev Mordovia State University conducted an in vitro study on endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins using solid-state laser radiation. The results confirmed that a heated carbonized layer on the fiber end face increases efficiency, paving the way for process optimization.
Researchers have identified 40 mutated genes that contribute to breast cancer progression, with one gene, PIK3CA, found to lower survival chances for three subtypes. The study's findings could help develop targeted treatments and improve diagnostic tests.
Research suggests that women with Ph.D.s in science and engineering fields tend to be clustered in lower-paying fields, earning an average of 31% less than their male counterparts. When controlling for family status, the pay gap disappears. The study highlights the importance of addressing family-friendliness in STEM careers.
Researchers have identified genetic variations in the PKC alpha enzyme that boost its activity and contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. These variants were found in five families with late-onset Alzheimer's disease and are associated with increased PKC alpha activity.
A team of archaeologists from the University of Sydney has discovered a piece of the world's oldest axe, which dates back to a Stone Age period of 45,000 to 49,000 years ago. The axe fragment was found in Western Australia and reveals that the first Australians were technological innovators.
A recent genetic study from Tel Aviv University and Cornell University reveals that the Bene Israel community in India has strong Jewish roots. The research, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed DNA data from 18 individuals and found that they are an 'admixed' population with both Jewish and Indian ancestry.
A study published in JAMA found that longer periods of film readers interpreting screening mammograms did not result in a reduced rate of breast cancer detection. The researchers investigated the impact of changing the order in which two experts examined digital mammograms on cancer detection rates, but found no significant difference.
The TeSeR project aims to develop a cost-efficient and reliable removal module for satellites, reducing the risk of collision with space debris. Strathclyde is playing a significant role in this research, leveraging its expertise in satellite applications.
Researchers found that fungi acquired a protein from a virus that hijacked their cell division control machinery, allowing them to grow and divide uncontrollably. This discovery could lead to the development of new antifungal drugs that target only fungal cells, not plant or animal hosts.
Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a new method to simulate a 'quantum walk' on a primitive quantum computer, which they claim can solve problems that classical computers cannot. The study suggests that these smaller quantum processors could outperform classical computing for specific tasks, such as 'Boson Sampling'.
Research by University of Sussex professor Constantin Blome found that industry collaboration and consumer pressure can make a big impact in the global drive to stop profits from mineral trade falling into the hands of armed groups. Simple measures such as sharing lists of certified smelters and refineries can help.
A new framework proposes that rapid marsh bank sediment build-up does not equate to increased land loss resilience, according to researchers from LSU and Boston University. The study suggests that natural sediment recycling processes in marsh channels may be overestimated when vertical accretion rates are compared to sea-level rise.
A survey of 1,163 people found that phone use varies depending on activity and who is at the table. Adults generally think it's more acceptable to use a phone than children, but perceived appropriateness declines with age.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to deposit diamond on the surface of cubic boron nitride, creating a single crystalline structure. This integration enables the creation of high-power devices and addresses material limitations such as oxidation and compatibility issues with steel tools.
Researchers at Griffith University identified significant impairments in cellular function of CFS patients. They found dysfunctional signalling may contribute to impaired cell activity, aligning with symptoms. The study provides further evidence for the pathology of this disabling illness.
Researchers have identified a group of proteins that form the base for functioning cilia, allowing cell-to-cell communication. Mutations in these genes result in ciliopathies, which affect various birth defects and can be lethal.
Researchers have identified a unique chemical signature for the ripening of mangoes, allowing for non-destructive assessment of fruit maturity. The discovery has potential applications in developing small devices to detect fruit ripeness, reducing waste and improving market efficiency.
Antibiotics disrupt gut microbiome communication with the immune system, impairing immune function. New approaches aim to restore balance by targeting infectious bacteria or modifying the microbiota, such as using bacteriocins, CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing, or fecal material transplants
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ticagrelor, a commonly used antiplatelet medication, did not significantly reduce stroke risk in patients with transient ischemic attacks or minor strokes. The study suggests that combination therapies may be needed to better prevent strokes in this vulnerable pati...
A Penn State researcher found that political lobbying is linked to increased airline profits, but may harm the effectiveness of government regulation. The study analyzed data from 46 companies over 15 years, revealing a positive correlation between lobbying efforts and profitability.
Research by Indiana University and Vanderbilt University found that African-American children are three times as likely to be placed in gifted-education programs if they have a black teacher. Black teachers are more likely to see black students as gifted, regardless of student scores or demographic factors.
A team of scientists at TSRI has created a data-harvesting platform to automatically import and update genetic data from public databases. This allows researchers to focus on their own work instead of manually searching through large datasets.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that gamma-retroviruses preferentially insert near cancer-associated genes, suggesting a new tool for identifying genes driving specific cancers. This discovery could lead to the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
The use of telemedicine is on the rise among rural Medicare beneficiaries, with over 40,000 people receiving visits in 2013. Disabled beneficiaries with mental illness were the most likely to receive these services, indicating potential for improved health care access and quality for vulnerable populations.
A population study found that low birthweight babies had increased death rates from infancy to adolescence, with causes including perinatal events and congenital malformations. The study suggests focusing on upstream events to prevent low birthweight remains an important health goal.
Research found a fifth of families rely on the father as the sole full-time breadwinner despite growth in dual earning households and non-standard working patterns. The study suggests a shift towards gender balance but notes that societal infrastructure still promotes traditional models
The PETROSS project has developed sugarcane that accumulates 13% oil by dry weight, making it 4.5 times more profitable than soybeans per acre. The project aims to increase yields and expand the growing region of sugarcane through improvements in photosynthesis.
Researchers identified predictors of postoperative complications after partial nephrectomy and found a significant reduction in perioperative blood transfusions with the use of tranexamic acid. Additionally, men who underwent primary artificial urinary sphincter implantation for stress incontinence had improved long-term outcomes.
A study in male mice exposed to early life stress shows that the hippocampus matures faster, but with reduced neural growth, supporting an evolution-based hypothesis. This accelerated maturation may be an adaptation to prepare for short-term survival priorities.
Researchers have cataloged over 20 million objects, each with its unique L-function, providing a framework for understanding the underlying relationships between mathematical entities. The project aims to accelerate progress in number theory, physics, and computer science by making these connections visible.
Research reveals a decrease in excess mortality risk associated with obesity since the 1970s, with normal weight individuals now facing higher mortality rates. The study's findings suggest revising overweight categories based on updated data.
A team of researchers from China, South Korea, and the US proposes a novel way to minimize the energy spread of electrons in laser wakefield accelerators. By inserting a plasma compressor, they can reduce the energy spread to the one-thousandth level, making new applications for laser wakefield accelerators possible.
Nuclear physicists can extend methods and observations from solid state physics to study the atomic nucleus. This collaboration has led to new understanding of Cooper pair tunneling, a phenomenon not possible in solid state physics. The authors encourage further interdisciplinarity to enrich nuclear physics research.
Researchers at Denver Health have developed a new diagnostic tool to identify multidrug-resistant organisms in combat-related infections, allowing for faster treatment. The test can characterize multiple pathogens within 2 hours, including MRSA, and determine antibiotic susceptibility with high accuracy.
A national US study by Chapman University found that body image is strongly linked to overall life satisfaction and feelings about romantic relationships. Dissatisfied individuals reported lower self-esteem, less satisfying sex lives, and higher neuroticism.
Researchers created cell lines with targeted chromosomal deletions to study the role of specific chromosomal losses in cancer development. The findings suggest that chromosomal engineering is a more effective approach than studying individual genes or micro-RNAs.
A Dartmouth-Stanford study examines the cognitive processing and persuasive effects of health product-related advertorials on over 670 people. It found that unlabeled advertorials were less likely to trigger consumer awareness, but increased favorable attitudes toward advertising messages and purchase intention.
Babies born with low birthweight are at a higher risk of death from infancy through to adolescence compared to those born at normal weight. The research found that death rates were 130 times more frequent in very low birthweight infants, highlighting the importance of targeting factors contributing to low birthweights.
Researchers developed a system called the Knowledge Accelerator, which uses machine learning to guide non-experts in producing coherent reports. The system was tested on 11 questions and found to outperform comparison Web pages, including top Google results.
A new virtual heart assessment tool developed by Johns Hopkins University predicts which patients are most likely to experience life-threatening arrhythmias. The tool, VARP, uses magnetic resonance imaging records and computer modeling techniques to gauge the risk of sudden cardiac death.
In June 2016, over 120 patients were evacuated as unpredictable forest fires raged in Alberta, Canada. The emergency team turned an empty space into a makeshift field hospital to care for patients, including the elderly, new mothers, and psychiatric patients.
A study published in Cognitive Processing found that taekwondo athletes excel at reading facial emotions and anticipating opponents' next moves, whereas weightlifters do not. This skill is critical in close-contact combat sports.
Macitentan, a medication for pulmonary arterial hypertension, does not reduce digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis. Few new ulcers appeared regardless of treatment, suggesting no benefit in managing this common complication.
Continuous LED light significantly decreases nitrate content in preharvest lettuce, increasing nutrient contents. Researchers found that RB LED light was more effective than white LED light in facilitating lettuce growth, leading to enhanced free-radical scavenging activity and increased phenolic compound concentrations.
A study published in Neurology found that eating seafood at least once a week can help mitigate age-related cognitive decline. Participants who consumed more seafood showed slower rates of decline in semantic memory and perceptual speed, while those with the APOE-ε4 gene showed an even stronger protective association.
Researchers discovered a twisted, helical shape can reduce drag by 18-23% compared to round cylinders. This design could improve stability for various structures, including antennae and skyscrapers.
Scientists have found conclusive evidence that a specific jumping gene plays a key role in generating some colon tumors. The study reveals how this gene can trigger cancer by causing mutations in other genes that suppress cancer. Researchers discovered 27 L1 insertions in the tumor, which were not found in surrounding healthy tissue.
A new agricultural monitoring system, AgriRover, utilizes Mars exploration technology to assess soil quality. The project, led by the University of Strathclyde, aims to enhance precision farming practices through force feedback-controlled robotic systems.
A new study from the University of Illinois reports a 10% reduction in nitrate load in the Illinois River from 2010 to 2014, compared to the 1980s and early 1990s. The reduction is linked to improved fertilizer management and higher corn yields, resulting in less nitrogen left in the soil and washed into the river.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine and Harvard University have produced insulin-secreting cells from stem cells derived from patients with type 1 diabetes. The new cells can produce insulin in response to glucose and may offer a potential cure for the disease.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a method to stabilize blood samples for long periods without refrigeration, using air-dried silk protein. This technique has broad applications for clinical care and research, particularly for underserved populations.
A trio of new age-dating methods developed at Duke University can determine the age of oil and gas wastewater spills and identify their origins based on radium isotope variations. The methods verify that radium's decay products, including thorium and lead isotopes, can be used to detect the age and source of spills.
Scientists at McGill University have identified novel gene mutations that cause hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a debilitating disease characterized by weakness or spasticity in the lower limbs. The discovery will aid in the development of treatments for HSP, with researchers predicting improved diagnosis and treatment options.