A Korean research team has published two papers detailing the crystal structure of PHA synthase from Ralstonia eutropha and its reaction mechanisms. The study reveals that PHA synthase exists as a dimer with two distinct domains, enabling independent polymerization reactions at each site.
Researchers use zebrafish to investigate spinal cord repair after injury, exploring mechanisms to trigger in other animals and human cells. They hope to identify new therapies for neurodegenerative conditions like motor neuron disease and multiple sclerosis.
A new platform, Microreact, combines real-time global data sharing and visualization to track and understand outbreaks of diseases like Ebola and antibiotic-resistant microbes. This tool democratizes genomic data, allowing researchers and public health professionals to access and build upon each other's work.
A new computer model developed by Columbia University researchers predicts influenza outbreaks with 82% accuracy at a week's notice, particularly for small upticks. The model also forecasts outbreak duration and magnitude, but its accuracy varies depending on the severity of the outbreak.
A new RAND Corporation study found that community college students participating in the Single Stop U.S.A. Community College Initiative were more likely to persist in attending college. The initiative provides a comprehensive range of support services, including financial assistance and wraparound services for essential needs like hous...
The discovery of EphA2 as a receptor for progranulin sheds light on its role in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Progranulin binding activates cellular pathways that promote cancer cell aggression, while also triggering a positive feedback loop that increases progranulin secretion.
A new optical fiber probe can distinguish between cancer and normal tissues in real-time, allowing for more precise removal of cancerous tissue during surgery. This technology has the potential to reduce the need for additional surgeries to remove leftover cancer.
A new urine test has been developed to detect biochemical changes associated with fatigue in workers, which could reduce errors and prevent accidents.
A team of scientists has discovered that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulates gene expression to determine the sex of fruit flies by controlling the Sex-lethal (Sxl) gene. Alternative splicing allows only female mRNA to be made into a functional protein.
Researchers developed a new coating method using physical vapor deposition to coat large volumes of granular material evenly. The method enables precise control of film thickness and opens up possibilities for surface treatment and modification, with applications in hydrogen storage systems.
A new ASU study suggests that parents should focus on promoting kindness and decency in their children, rather than just academic achievement. Children who perceived their parents as valuing kindness equally or more highly performed better academically and had fewer psychological issues.
Scientists have discovered fossils of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in ancient rocks from South Africa and Western Australia, dating back to the Neoarchean Eon, 2.8 to 2.5 billion years ago. These findings suggest that life existed on Earth before the Great Oxidation Event, which led to a significant increase in oxygen levels.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using cross-assembly phage (crAssphage) as an indicator of fecal contamination in water, which can help prevent disease outbreaks and improve public safety. The study aims to establish a correlation between crAssphage presence and pathogens in irrigation water.
A new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment has produced a map of farming households across the world. The map highlights the distribution of average farm sizes at subnational scales and reveals the contribution of smallholder farming to global food production.
Researchers have developed a new minimally invasive approach using gold nanoparticles encapsulated by gum Arabic to target and destroy precancerous tumor cells in the livers of mice. The study shows that this 'green' nanotechnology approach can suppress liver preneoplastic lesions with minimal damage to healthy tissue.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that subsidized housing significantly influences young people's standardized test scores and behavior. High-achieving children who lived in subsidized housing scored 8% higher on tests than similar peers, while low-performing students saw their scores drop. The study suggests th...
Dr. Jean-Sébastien Delisle's research uncovers the unexpected role of Neuropilin-1 and dendritic cell maturation in the immune response to infection and disease. His discovery is timely, helping improve cancer treatment and potentially enhancing responses in unfavourable conditions.
A UBC study shows that targeted email messages can increase calcium intake among Canadians, with participants consuming an extra 200mg of calcium per day. The research highlights the effectiveness of providing salient information and relevant strategies to promote healthy habits on a limited budget.
Researchers have successfully elucidated the crystal structure of PHA synthase, a key enzyme in producing polyhydroxyalkanoates. This breakthrough enables the development of tailor-made biodegradable polymers that could potentially replace environmentally unfriendly petroleum-based products.
Colorado State University researchers Lucas Argueso, Tai Montgomery, and Tim Stasevich have been awarded $5.4 million in NIH grants to explore various research topics, including genome structure variation, microRNA functions, and histone modification dynamics.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded $6.7 million to research agroecosystems to improve food security and sustainability. The grants will focus on understanding the interactions between soil, water, plants, animals, and people in agricultural systems.
A new study found that well-trained women do not experience autonomic heat responses during exercise, despite common misconceptions. The research also revealed that humid heat reduces sweat effectiveness, leading to impaired performance.
Researchers found disrupted brain circuitry in service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who developed depression symptoms, linking physical foundation to emotional processing and rumination. This study may lead to personalized treatment strategies for future care.
Researchers from DTU Physics demonstrated how quantum-engineered states of light can improve the efficiency of feedback cooling beyond classical bounds. They successfully cooled a mechanical oscillator's temperature by more than 140 degrees below room temperature using a novel technique involving squeezed light.
Cycads' seed storage tissue contains 70% carbohydrates, including starch and sugars, which aid in embryo health during arduous oceanic journeys. The study highlights the importance of published research for informing plant conservation decisions.
Using the Stampede supercomputer, researchers have developed a new method to study protein-ligand interactions without introducing disturbances. This technique, called Transient Induced Molecular Electronic Spectroscopy (TIMES), provides valuable information and insight for drug discovery, desalination, and bacterial energy production.
A new study reveals that cancer patients find emotional support in personal stories from peers on online forums, not television entertainment. The researchers found that women make more use of these resources than men, providing a safe space for comfort and community.
A team of experts from Sam Houston State University is developing a novel investigative tool using micro Raman spectroscopy to analyze inkjet printer signatures. The goal is to provide reliable leads in counterfeit cases while being time-effective and non-destructive.
Researchers at Nagoya University have successfully visualized asymmetric cell division in fertilized plant cells using live cell imaging. The study reveals how the direction of this division determines the body axis of flowering plants, with a small cell forming on top and a large cell at the bottom.
Researchers have found that C2H2-zinc finger proteins control genes in new and surprising ways, interacting with multiple other proteins to regulate gene expression. This discovery could lead to more accurate interpretation of individual genomes and improve our understanding of disease.
A study published in Social Neuroscience found that devout Mormons' spiritual experiences are associated with activation in the nucleus accumbens, a critical brain region for processing reward. The researchers also found that spiritual feelings activate regions linked to focused attention and moral reasoning.
A new forecasting system called WhaleWatch has been developed to predict locations of blue whales off the West Coast. The system produces monthly maps of blue whale 'hotspots' to alert ships where there may be an increased risk of encountering these endangered whales.
A University of Kansas study suggests that China's one-child policy led to an underreported number of births, rather than a large-scale sex-selective abortion. The researchers found that local government officials made agreements with farmers to allow extra children in exchange for social stability, resulting in a significant number of...
The DFG is establishing 14 new Collaborative Research Centres to investigate topics such as the practices of comparison, neutrinos, dark matter, and the robustness of vision. The CRCs will receive a total of €117.4 million in funding over an initial four-year period.
Researchers have successfully reactivated oscillations in insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells using mathematical models and microfluidic devices. By delivering controlled glucose levels to dormant cells, scientists can test how insulin-producing cells get turned off and whether they can be reactivated.
A study by University of Sydney found that cycling, swimming, and racquet sports reduce risk of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Participation in these activities lowered the risk of death from CVD by 56% for racquet sports, 41% for swimmers, and 36% for aerobics.
Australian researchers have discovered that the platypus and echidna have evolved changes in the hormone GLP-1, making it resistant to rapid degradation. This finding has potential for developing new type 2 diabetes treatments with a long-lasting form of insulin.
Researchers found that closely bonded mongooses are more likely to help attack snakes, improving survival chances for friends. Strong social bonds provide key anti-predator benefits, increasing the likelihood of being helped in the future.
Increased physical activity for residents with intellectual disabilities is crucial due to rising obesity rates and chronic conditions. A study found that policy-level change in the group home setting is needed to promote active lifestyles.
A University of Houston team has developed a behavior-based educational toolkit system to improve safe food handling practices for restaurant and grocery store employees. The augmented reality technology streamlines food cleanliness practices for smaller operations, with the goal of enhancing food safety behavior.
Qilian Liang, a UTA electrical engineering professor, has been named an IEEE Fellow for his groundbreaking work in fuzzy logic systems. His research has led to applications in military product development and knowledge processing within sensor networks.
Scientists propose a novel plate tectonic scenario for the genesis of major Mesozoic oil fields. The model suggests that rapid continental movement and changes in latitude could have led to the emplacement of organic carbon at equatorial latitudes, eventually sealing it with sediments deposited at sub-tropical latitudes.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to manipulate light using metamaterials, allowing it to follow any predetermined path along a surface. This innovation has vast applications in optical chips for reliable data delivery and faster routers.
Researchers using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) found no association between light to moderate alcohol consumption and coronary artery disease (CAD). The study analyzed 1,925 consecutive patients and characterized plaques, but no relationship was found between atherosclerosis, clinical risk factors, and patient drinki...
A research team at the University of Luxembourg has developed a computer model of the human gut microbiome, capturing the metabolic processes of 773 bacterial strains. The model, called AGORA, can simulate metabolic processes and investigate how they affect other microbes and the human host.
Researchers found that disrupting the brain's internal clock causes depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. The study provides new evidence on the relationship between circadian rhythms and mood regulation, suggesting a causal link between functioning internal clocks and mood disorders.
A new study reveals that young children's ability to describe spatial relationships is more important than the number of spatial words they know. Children who can adapt to different images and supply relevant information tend to perform better in spatial skills tests.
A study analyzing brain region connectivity found that people with more flexible brain states perform better on executive-function tasks. The researchers discovered five general brain patterns, with those in the most flexible states excelling in high-level cognition.
Scientists have developed a new, controllable CRISPR genome editing platform called sOPTiKO that can be used in every cell type and at every stage of development. This allows researchers to rapidly investigate the changing role of genes as cells develop into different tissues.
Researchers can now analyze biological signaling pathways with unprecedented accuracy thanks to OmniPath, combining 27 public databases on signalling interactions. The tool provides a comprehensive and unified collection of literature-curated signalling pathways based on an analysis of 41,000 scientific papers.
A new study by an international team of researchers highlights how manipulation of 2D materials can improve device speed, size, and efficiency. The findings could unlock new possibilities for electronic and photonic devices, enabling applications such as sensing, fingerprinting minute amounts of biomolecules, and energy harvesting.
Russian scientists have developed a new technique for antibiotic efficiency testing, which measures antimicrobial activity and determines the mode of action. The system allows for the analysis of thousands of compounds per day and provides insights into the efficacy of new germicides.
A new study highlights the importance of medical evaluations in refugee asylum cases, but notes a shortage of doctors to conduct them. Lawyers say independent, thorough exams can provide corroboration and reveal additional details, strengthening cases.
EDGE brings genomics expertise to everyone with a user-friendly web-based platform that integrates cutting-edge tools and reduces data analysis times from days to minutes. The platform has already helped streamline data analysis for groups worldwide, including those in Thailand, Georgia, Peru, and Egypt.
Achieving the SDGs would lead to a global population of between 8.2 and 8.7 billion by 2100, peaking by 2060, according to a new study. The study highlights the impact of increasing female education and universal access to reproductive health services on reducing fertility rates and population growth.
Researchers discovered that Huntington's disease affects muscle maturation, leading to disrupted skeletal muscle function and potentially improving motor symptoms. The study suggests targeting skeletal muscle tissue may provide a new opportunity to improve patient care.
Researchers identified a molecule called AXL which triggers the spread of an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Blocking AXL may be an effective treatment option for patients with Mes subtype ovarian cancer.
Tiny, glowing crystals can selectively capture heavy-metal toxins like lead and mercury from water sources, making them a promising tool for cleaning up contaminated drinking water. The LMOFs' open framework allows them to take in large amounts of contaminants, and they can be reused multiple times.
A new study estimates that the CYD-TDV vaccine can reduce dengue disease burden by 6-25% in areas with moderate to high transmission intensity. However, it may increase hospitalizations for dengue disease in low-transmission settings. The vaccine is potentially cost-effective if priced competitively.
A UTSA professor has developed an underwater virtual reality game that helps relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The 'Shark Punch' game uses smart phones and dive masks to create a immersive experience, while also providing a form of aquatic therapy.