A team of Australian researchers has discovered the fossilized remains of a bizarre group of carnivorous marsupials that lived 15 million years ago. The newly found species, Malleodectes mirabilis, had an insatiable appetite for snails and was characterized by its powerful hammer-like premolar.
Scientists discovered new natural products in the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which share similar biosynthesis pathways with plant isoquinoline alkaloids. The findings open up new roads for combinatorial biotechnology to develop novel active compounds and urgently needed new drugs.
Researchers at University of Waterloo created a 3-D simulation to study mode-2 internal waves that carry materials over long distances. The larger the wave bulge, the more material is carried, but instability can cause loss behind the wave.
Researchers found that Zika virus can infect human placental macrophages, known as Hofbauer cells, which have direct access to fetal blood vessels. This infection may allow the virus to cross the placental barrier and enter the fetal circulation, posing a risk to fetal development.
Research from UiT The Arctic University of Norway suggests that methane emissions from the seabed in the Arctic Ocean do not significantly affect the atmosphere. Scientists performed measurements near the seabed, in the ocean and atmosphere, to determine if methane is being released into the air.
A study found that only 52% of cancer patients received palliative care as recommended, highlighting the need for improvement in end-of-life care. Hospice care was more accessible to veterans than non-veterans, but disparities persisted.
A U of T Engineering team has designed a simpler way to keep therapeutic proteins localized for long periods. They found that proteins can be released over several weeks without encapsulation by controlling electrostatic interactions between proteins and nanoparticles.
A new tool by Japanese researchers predicts the risk of Zika virus importation and local transmission for 189 countries, identifying subtropical and tropical nations as high-risk. Countries with a history of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases face the greatest risk of infection.
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.