A study published in Science reveals a key role for the protein H1.0 in turning cancer tumor cells into cancer stem cells with the ability to sustain long-term growth and cause recurring disease outbreaks. The discovery could lead to medical interventions targeting these cells to prevent cancer spread.
A novel type of cell death, called ballooning cell death (BCD), has been identified in Huntington's disease. BCD is associated with mutant huntingtin and causes cells to expand like a balloon before rupturing.
A new study assesses the feasibility of green façades as a climate change mitigation strategy in urban environments. The research reveals that experts estimate the likelihood of implementation at only 2% without incentives, but increases to 14% with financial and legislative support.
Researchers have developed a method to measure the mechanical force that cancer cells exert on their fibrous surroundings. This study found that as cancerous cells migrate through 'cross-talk' with the matrix, it stiffens, causing the cell to pull harder and potentially promote metastasis.
A new study found that pediatricians in the US underdiagnose hypertension and prehypertension in children aged 3 to 18 by as much as 95%, leading to inadequate treatment. The study analyzed electronic health records of over 400,000 children and revealed that only 6% of those with diagnosed hypertension received prescribed medication.
A new light-based technique creates secure, invisible watermarks that can be used to detect and prosecute counterfeiting. The technique uses a complex pattern of light as a unique watermark, which is embedded into the content to be protected.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used computer models to predict the effect of climate change on North Atlantic coral populations. They found that a shift in winter weather conditions could threaten the long-term survival of these populations, which are maintained by tiny coral larvae.
Norovirus can shed for months or years, especially in immunocompromised individuals, and triggers other gut problems like IBS and IBD. Researchers discuss strategies to slow down the virus, including new vaccine approaches.
Researchers at University of Surrey develop a scalable and low-cost method to fabricate high-quality isolated organic single crystals using spray-printing. This breakthrough enables the production of inexpensive electronics with applications in flexible circuits, medical detectors, sensors, and more.
A new study found that palliative care significantly improves patients' quality of life and symptom burden, while also increasing patient and caregiver satisfaction. Researchers analyzed 43 trials involving 12,731 adults with serious illness and their family caregivers.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have conducted a study on the impact of sex-discordant blood transfusions on post-cardiac surgery survival. Despite initial findings suggesting a possible increased risk, the new study found no association between these types of transfusions and mortality rates.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed transgenic grass species that can neutralize and eradicate RDX, a toxic compound used in explosives. These genetically modified grasses can remove all RDX from simulated soil within two weeks and retain none of the chemical in their leaves or stems.
Researchers at PPPL and Princeton University proposed a groundbreaking solution to the mystery of fast magnetic reconnection. They developed a detailed theory for the mechanism leading to rapid reconnection, known as plasmoid instability, which breaks up plasma current sheets into small magnetic islands.
Scientists at Oregon State University have successfully controlled electrical pulses in peripheral nerve fibers, offering new hope for paralysis patients. The technology could enable wearable control boxes that deliver impulses to implanted electrodes, allowing users to move their arms and legs.
A Polish-British team has developed a compact and efficient converter that modifies individual photons' properties, enabling the construction of complex quantum computers. The device achieves high conversion efficiency and preserves quantum superposition.
Researchers have pinpointed a cause and potential treatment for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, a rare form of sarcoma that does not respond to radiation or chemotherapy. The drug ceritinib shows promise as a new treatment option.
A combined pharmacological therapy and rehabilitation program shows promise in treating persistent cognitive difficulties after traumatic brain injuries, with modest yet significant improvements noted in verbal and nonverbal learning abilities, working memory, and divided attention.
Researchers have visualized the reaction of water molecules forming oxygen in plants, paving the way for studying this process step-by-step. This breakthrough could lead to developing technology to produce hydrogen gas from solar energy, mitigating climate change.
Three new studies provide insight into the effects of Zika virus on congenital brain damage in babies and adults with neurological disorders. The research highlights common CT brain findings, including decreased brain volume and calcifications, as well as MRI findings such as orbital injuries and anatomical changes in brain tissue.
Researchers found that the Anthophora pueblo bees use water to excavate sandstone, creating durable shelters that protect them from erosion and parasite buildup. This unique adaptation allows the bees to survive in drought-prone desert ecosystems.
A randomized trial found that preventive antimalarial drugs for children up to 10 years old reduced malaria cases and deaths, especially among older children. The study also showed a significant reduction in severe malaria incidence.
Researchers discovered that flies slept more after consuming larger meals, with protein and salt promoting sleep. The study suggests that 'food coma' might be a natural adaptation to maximize gut absorption of essential nutrients.
A new report proposes severing NFL doctors' ties with clubs to resolve structural conflicts and promote singular loyalty to players. The authors recommend establishing a new group of medical professionals dedicated exclusively to player care.
Research reveals broad public preference for habitat protection, rejecting lethal control and no government action. The study surveyed over 1,000 participants on the most effective approach to conserve endangered species.
A study found that adverse drug events in the US resulted in an estimated 4 ED visits per 1,000 individuals annually in 2013-2014. Anticoagulants and diabetes agents were implicated in 47% of these events, with older adults experiencing higher hospitalization rates.
Researchers assembled a comprehensive tree of prokaryotic life, exploring grand patterns of evolutionary change. The findings suggest that diversity is not limited by existing diversity or environmental changes, but rather results from random lineage splitting.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the genetic diversity of Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite that causes river blindness. The study reveals gene flow between savanna and forest strains, with genes from the savanna strain flowing into the forest strain due to differences in climate and black fly behavior.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that palliative care was associated with improvements in patient quality of life, symptom burden, and advance care planning. The findings suggest that palliative care can have a positive impact on patients' lives, but more research is needed to identify the most effective interventions.
A team of scientists has developed a mouse model that closely mimics fetal brain abnormalities caused by the Zika virus, revealing abnormal blood vessel formation and a leaky blood-brain barrier. This finding highlights the need to understand all the effects of Zika infection if successful therapies are to be developed.
A new study from UC Berkeley found that young blood does not improve tissue health and repair in old mice. In contrast, older mice experience large declines when receiving younger blood, suggesting inhibitors in old blood may drive the aging process.
A Viewpoint article published in JAMA outlines a compelling rationale for stratifying medical research data by sex, gender or both. The Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines aim to improve reporting standards, ensuring robust raw data for meta-analyses and better health outcomes.
A team of organic chemists developed a new reaction to directly install amines into carbonyl compounds, resulting in the rapid formation of optically active α-aminocarbonyls. This method enables access to chiral α-aminocarbonyls from readily available carbonyl compounds and hydroxylamines.
Researchers from Uppsala University developed computational tools to predict large-scale collective motion in simulated mass gatherings. They found that densely packed crowds are at risk of emergent structural mechanisms leading to disasters.
A recent study found that pregnant women who wanted to get vaccinated were often discouraged by healthcare professionals due to misconceptions about vaccine safety. The World Health Organization and Health Canada classify pregnant women as high-risk groups for severe flu complications.
A new study by the University of Delaware and colleagues reveals that oceans play a crucial role in absorbing excess heat from the atmosphere, redistributing it within the Earth system. This redistribution explains the observed decrease in global mean surface temperature, considered a key indicator of climate change.
Two studies support the feasibility and validity of minimally invasive autopsies in lower-income countries. High concordance rates were observed between diagnoses from simplified minimally invasive autopsy methods and complete autopsies, with high acceptability among participants in five settings across Africa and Asia.
Scientists have discovered a new dominant ant species in Ethiopia displaying signs of supercolony formation, expanding rapidly into disturbed habitats and potentially posing a global threat. The species, Lepisiota canescens, exhibits characteristics reminiscent of invasive species, including high densities and ecological dominance.
The American Geriatrics Society has released new guidance on care and decision-making for 'unbefriended' older adults. The recommendations aim to support vulnerable individuals while protecting others from becoming unbefriended as they age.
A longitudinal study found that young children whose mothers supported their early math learning through labeling object quantities had better math achievement at ages 4-5. This early support may provide a foundation for developing complex number skills and having lasting connections to math achievement through first grade.
A large randomized study found that Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) reduced malaria cases in children above 10 years of age by a quarter, demonstrating its potential to contribute to reducing transmission. The intervention also showed a high degree of protection with no severe side effects.
A combination of methylphenidate and cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation has been shown to improve attention, episodic memory, working memory, and executive functioning in adults with traumatic brain injuries. The study compared the effectiveness of two forms of cognitive therapy with and without the use of methylphenidate.
A new study published in Nature's Ecology & Evolution journal reveals that the shape of bacteria does not affect their ability to move, challenging long-held theories. The researchers analyzed data from 325 different species of Firmicutes bacteria and found no association between shape and mobility.
The study found that fly larvae contribute to nest sanitation, leading to heavier and larger nestlings. The presence of more fly larvae had a positive effect on nestling development, while fewer larvae resulted in smaller and lighter nestlings.
The Journal of X-Ray Science and Technology has added embedded 3D image videos to its articles, enhancing the value of five papers on kidney injuries, tumor diagnoses, and dental medicine. The videos allow readers to examine rotating 3D images in detail, gaining a deeper understanding of diagnoses, prognoses, and treatments.
Researchers discover that Calcium/Calmodlin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is the main effector behind the adaptation of the circadian clock to geographical environment in marine midges. This protein, also found in humans, may play a role in human chronotypes and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Studies reveal genes respond differently to high insulin levels and sustained low levels, with some expressing quickly and others repressing themselves. Researchers developed a method to control gene expression using temporal patterns and doses of insulin.
A new study finds that Detroit's poverty rate has increased, unemployment remains high, and public education is declining, highlighting the gap between the city's core and neighborhoods.
Researchers developed a machine-learning model that can distinguish between pathological hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and physiological changes in athletes' hearts, enabling easier diagnoses. The model demonstrated superior diagnostic ability comparable to conventional 2D echocardiographic and Doppler-derived parameters.
Heavy smokers with diabetes are at increased risk of death from causes other than lung cancer, according to a study published in the Radiological Society of North America. The study found that participants with diabetes had a doubled risk of all-cause mortality and non-lung cancer mortality compared to those without diabetes.
A study by CSIC researchers has discovered that volatile biostimulant compounds emitted by phytopathogenic microorganisms boost plant growth and flowering. The findings could lead to sustainable improvements in crop yields and encourage plant interactions.
A new, ultrathin film made of fused silver nanowires offers high conductivity and transparency, with potential applications in flexible displays and wearable electronics. The film can be bent repeatedly and stretched without losing its functionality.
Researchers discovered eight locations in the genome with copy number variants associated with schizophrenia risk, affecting dozens of genes or disrupting single genes. These ultra-rare variants occurred more frequently in genes involved in synapse function and carried a four- to 60-fold increased risk for psychiatric illness.
A global-scale survey of 100 snake species has found a larger number of snakes with a mutation that protects them from the deadly toxins stored in toad skin. The research reveals these mutations occur in a wider range of species than previously believed, challenging the initial assumption they were limited to toad-eating snakes.
A study is examining the impact of a music-based play intervention on shared distress experienced by children with cancer and their parents during chemotherapy. Up to 75% of young children and 50% of parents experience significant emotional distress, highlighting the need for effective interventions.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis isolated an enzyme GH3.5 that regulates the levels of two plant hormones, auxin and salicylic acid, simultaneously. The study reveals how this single enzyme controls distinct classes of hormones, providing new insights into the molecular pathways for growth and defense.
Elizabeth King, a Mizzou biologist, has received a $1.6m NIH grant to study the impact of genes on diet-induced health problems like obesity and diabetes. She will use fruit flies to investigate how nutritional resources affect life history and reproduction.
Researchers propose an integrated strategy for managing and analyzing global neuroscience data to maximize return on investments. The plan includes standardizing data descriptions, developing hardware and software ecosystems for archiving and sharing data, and collaborating with mathematicians to develop new approaches for data analysis.
A team of researchers has captured the first direct observation of diplonemids, a diverse group of single-celled hunters in the ocean. These microbes are found to be abundant, diverse and hunt both bacteria and larger algae.
A recent study found that individuals experiencing stress and strain are more likely to engage in deviant behavior such as gambling and substance abuse. The research, conducted by Romy Greco and Antonietta Curci, analyzed the effects of family influences on younger people's coping strategies.
A survey of 1,976 adult radiology outpatients found that most patients want to meet with a radiologist and have limited understanding of their role. Radiologists should make themselves available to address patient concerns and improve communication.