University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers create a cost-effective method to harness footstep energy using wood pulp cellulose nanofibers. The technology has the potential to rival solar power and provide renewable energy even on cloudy days.
A recent study found that employees who are a poor cultural fit can remain engaged and productive through job crafting and enhanced leisure activities. Job crafting allows workers to modify their duties to better match personal abilities, while leisure activities can improve job satisfaction and performance.
Researchers found HIV in brain, kidney, spleen & other tissues of treated patients with undetectable viral loads, suggesting continued disease progression. The study suggests that strategies to 'cure' HIV infection must consider targeting tissue-based sites of HIV.
Newly developed transistors harness near-off-state current to operate, reducing power consumption to below a billionth of a watt. This enables long-term operation without batteries, ideal for wearable and implantable devices in the Internet of Things.
Caspase inhibitors may trigger necrotic cell death, despite preventing apoptosis, according to a new study. Researchers found that blocking apoptosis can lead to alternative necrotic cell death in cultured hepatocytes and mouse livers.
Studies suggest inflammatory cytokines are associated with increased rates of depression and psychosis. Anti-cytokine treatment has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression in clinical trials, regardless of physical illness improvement.
Researchers discovered damage to RNA-binding protein hnRNP A2/B1 contributes to ALS by scrambling cellular messaging systems. The study provides a new therapeutic target for treating the disease.
Researchers found that manipulating macrophages' metabolism can prevent tumor cells from spreading by stealing glucose, leading to a structured vessel barrier. The study's findings may lead to new cancer therapies targeting mTOR inhibitors and improving treatment outcomes for patients.
New research from Duke University found that RNA viruses like hepatitis, Zika, and dengue are littered with N6-methyladenosine tags which slow down their ability to infect cells. The study suggests that these chemical tags might regulate the life cycle of these viruses and provide new targets for antiviral drug development.
Researchers discovered that muscle tissue has a built-in clock controlling energy efficiency, with optimal performance during the day. The finding suggests that humans may be able to respond better to exercise during daylight hours.
A comprehensive rat brain atlas has been created to guide stereotaxic surgery procedures, combining high-resolution MRI images with histological sections. The atlas features a standardized reference grid and precise coordinates, enabling accurate targeting of surgical targets.
Researchers developed a nomogram to predict early ICU readmission for surgical patients using seven common variables. The tool helps clinicians identify high-risk patients and prevent unnecessary readmissions by assessing their readiness to leave the SICU.
A Phase 1 clinical trial demonstrated the long-term safety of gene transfer in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The therapy produced therapeutic proteins encoded by genes for at least 2.5 years in patients with advanced NVAMD.
A 24-week behavioral study found that combining fitness apps with social support and accountability helps teens maintain weight loss. However, when smartphones were the only tool, teens lost initial weight but couldn't sustain it.
A study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles reveals Rac1 is crucial for proper lung development. The protein regulates the Wnt signaling pathway, essential for lung branching morphogenesis. Inhibition of Rac1 disrupts lung formation and leads to cell death in mouse lungs.
A new compound, S63845, has been shown to block a protein essential for the sustained growth of up to a quarter of all cancers. This research holds promise for treating blood and solid cancers, including acute myeloid leukaemia and melanoma.
New fossil discovery in China reveals that the jaw bones of modern humans and bony fishes are linked to the ancient armoured fish placoderms. The findings provide a significant clue on how our jaws evolved, suggesting substantial parts of human anatomy can be traced back to these early creatures.
The new research framework lays out two sets of options for support: curative measures to address unavoidable risks, and transformative risk management to build resilience against climate-related impacts. This analysis provides a way to work towards consensus and principled action for dealing with critical climate-related risks.
Female meerkats can produce up to twice as much testosterone as males, which may lead to a trade-off in their immune system, making them more prone to infections. Dominant females tend to live longer and give birth to more litters than subordinate females.
A Rice University-led team demonstrates how to improve the quality of simulations run on supercomputers by using inexact computing methods, which can reduce energy costs and maintain accuracy levels. The approach allows for significant improvements in solution quality within a fixed energy budget.
Researchers found a genetic mutation responsible for the loss of limb formation instructions in snakes, which are unable to form limbs. By restoring the missing DNA sequence in mice, scientists demonstrated that snakes' inability to form limbs is due to a critical stretch of DNA involved in limb growth.
Researchers have tracked 48 volcanic hotspots on Io's surface over a 29-month period, capturing heat coming off active eruptions and lava flows. The observations reveal that most eruptions occur on the trailing face of Io, with some appearing to progress across the surface over time.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a park ranger was recently killed while defending Grauer's gorillas, highlighting the increasing threats to rangers and their families. The WCS Senior Conservation Scientist for Africa expresses concern over these increased threats to animal protection.
Glacial lakes in Bolivia are increasing in size, posing a threat to communities and infrastructure downstream. The study found that glacier recession could lead to glacial lake outburst floods, which have already occurred in the region, causing devastating effects on villages and farmland.
A large Danish cohort study found that substance abuse increases schizophrenia risk by 6 times, with specific associations for cannabis, alcohol, and other substances. The study suggests a complex relationship between schizophrenia and substance abuse, with second-hand exposure to cannabis linked to increased risk.
The new CaPSuLe system calculates locations in under 2 seconds with over 92% accuracy, consuming less than 4 joules of energy. It uses machine learning and inexact computing to address issues of privacy, computations, and energy.
A new treatment plan combining multiple targeted drugs for CML has the potential to increase life expectancy and reduce relapse risk. Mathematical modeling predicts optimal combination schedules based on tumor mutations, offering a personalized approach to cancer treatment.
Research finds that people of African ancestry generally show stronger immune responses than Europeans, who display reduced immune responses due to selective pressure. The discovery suggests that European populations were partly shaped by the introduction of new genetic variants through interbreeding with Neanderthals.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a small molecule called TASIN-1 that selectively kills cells with a mutation precursor to colon cancer while sparing normal cells. The findings could eventually help with both prevention and intervention efforts for colon cancer.
A new estimator developed by geneticists suggests that the population in Africa was likely 50% larger than previously thought and that an archaic-modern human separation date of 440,000 years ago is the best fit. The study also found that ancient populations interbred less than previously believed throughout Eurasia.
Research on sand lizards found that populations at the edge of their range exhibit lower genetic diversity compared to those in the center, making them more susceptible to climate change, parasites, and other challenges. This study highlights the importance of conservation efforts for species living on the periphery of their habitats.
A multidisciplinary team has developed a new method to automate the screening of breast cancer histopathology images, improving detection rates. The technique uses image-processing methods to identify cancerous cells, overcoming challenges posed by clustered and vague boundaries.
Researchers at Monash University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how T cells recognize viruses, challenging decades-old immunological concepts. By using the National Synchrotron, they gained key molecular insights into the T cell-virus interaction, revealing a new way T cells 'see' viruses and triggering an immune response.
Researchers discovered that Zika virus infection leads to modifications of both viral and human genetic material, including the addition of methyl groups. This alteration affects viral replication and the human immune response, highlighting the importance of methylation in vaccine and therapy development.
Researchers found striations on a Homo habilis fossil, indicating the ancient human was likely right-handed. The discovery sheds light on brain lateralization and its relationship with handedness and language.
Researchers mapped character relationships in Scottish epics and found close similarities to Irish texts, challenging the authenticity of Macpherson's works. The study also reveals distinct distance from classical Greek literature.
A new measurement system, HDQLIFE, captures the effect of Huntington's disease on physical, mental and social health through patient-centered 'smart tests'. These tests allow clinicians to evaluate specific quality of life concerns for individuals with the disease.
The Observation, Prediction and Analysis of Severe Convection of China (OPACC) project aims to improve the prediction skills of convective storms. Researchers have published 224 papers on convective weather in peer-reviewed journals since 2013.
Researchers identified a characteristic feature of oligodendrocyte myelination, which selectively targets axons from specific brain regions. This discovery may provide insights into neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and suggest new avenues for understanding higher brain function.
The Stanford team has built an Ising machine, a non-traditional computer that uses optical and electrical processing to solve combinatorial optimization problems. The machine has been tested on thousands of scenarios and shows promise in solving hard optimization problems that traditional computers struggle with.
Researchers at Allina Health present findings from the LifeCourse study, which shows that a whole-person approach to care can reduce health care utilization in late-life. The study found that patients who received care from lay health workers experienced improved quality of life and resilience in the face of decline.
Researchers identified a novel rare mutation in the TM2D3 gene associated with an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The variant is approximately 10 times more common in Icelanders than in the European population, yet remains rare and present in fewer than 1% of the Icelandic population.
Researchers developed an imaging technique that creates a 3-D video of serotonin transport, mapping its activity across multiple brain regions. This tool could aid the research and development of antidepressants by analyzing how inhibitors like SSRIs work in different parts of the brain.
A phase 1 study using cells from the nasal septum to repair damaged knee cartilage showed substantial improvements in pain and knee function in 9 of 10 patients two years post operation. However, further studies are needed to assess efficacy and establish its routine clinical use.
The discovery of Qilinyu rostrata expands our understanding of maxillate placoderms and reveals a complex relationship between marginal jaw bones and gnathal plates. The study finds that the maxilla, premaxilla, and dentary are homologous to the gnathal plates of placoderms, suggesting a shared dental arcade.
Scientists at TUM have discovered new mechanisms of action for Imiquimod, a medication used to treat viral skin infections and certain types of skin cancer. The study reveals that Imiquimod activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, which can lead to inflammation and potentially contribute to its efficacy or adverse side effects.
A new study reveals that dozens of dangerous gases are produced by lithium-ion batteries, including carbon monoxide. The researchers identified more than 100 toxic gases and found that fully charged batteries release more toxic gases than those with 50% charge.
Researchers at NIST have developed a method to create visual holograms using neutron beams, which can reveal detailed information about an object's interior. This technique has potential applications in studying solid materials and exploring small structures.
Rice University scientists fire micro-cubes at a target to rearrange their nanoscale structures, creating ultrastrong and tough materials. The technique, known as LIPIT, uses advanced laser-induced projectile impact testing to generate high pressure that far exceeds the material's strength.
A study of patient perceptions by Henry Ford Hospital found that patients overestimate the Medicare reimbursement for knee surgery and ACL reconstruction procedures. Patients believe a surgeon's salary should be compensated more for advanced training and are willing to pay more out-of-pocket costs.
A modified HIV-1 virus can integrate into the genome of the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni, a major species of schistosomiasis-causing flatworm. This finding could aid research into potential new treatments for schistosomiasis and related neglected tropical diseases.
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which cryptochrome 2, a key photoreceptor, is switched on and off in plants. This desensitization mechanism allows plants to maintain homeostasis of their blue light responsiveness in fluctuating light environments.
A new report suggests that well over half of American men with non-aggressive prostate cancer could choose to monitor their disease instead of seeking immediate radiation treatment or surgery. Active surveillance relies on regular blood tests, physical exams, and periodic biopsies to screen for tumor growth before therapy is considered.
A recent editorial highlights the need for reform in mental health services, citing a lack of accurate diagnoses and inadequate treatment. The system is becoming unsustainable, with only the most disturbed cases being admitted to psychiatric wards.
Scientists at Griffith University identified a unique sensory structure in bacteria that binds host-specific sugar and is present on virulent strains of Campylobacter jejuni. Disabling this sensor reduces the ability of campylobacteria to colonize chickens, offering a potential target for antimicrobial drugs.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas offers a different view on entrepreneurial opportunities. The authors propose that opportunities are not pre-existing but rather have potential that can be actualized through effort and creativity. This perspective has significant implications for education, suggesting a shift in how e...
A new discovery by scientists at the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Cardiff has shown that hydrocarbon wax rapidly releases large amounts of hydrogen when activated with catalysts and microwaves. This breakthrough could pave the way for widespread adoption of hydrogen-fuelled cars.
Raychaudhuri's MobilityFirst project aims to rearchitect the internet with name-based routing, improving flexibility, security, and efficiency. The project has underway trials to deliver content closer to users, extend mobile services, and support targeted emergency messaging.
The NYU Tandon School of Engineering has launched a novel summer program that brings together teams of teachers and their students to learn robotics and entrepreneurial education. The program aims to improve teacher practices and student outcomes by combining robotics and entrepreneurship to establish elective courses in STEM subjects.
A new special issue on cardiovascular risk factors has been published in CVIA, highlighting key findings on hypertension management and the role of gut microbiota in atherosclerosis. The issue also explores the global burden of cardiovascular disease and its socio-economic impact.