The NIH has increased its investment in the BRAIN Initiative to over $150 million, supporting 170 researchers at 60 institutions. This funding will help develop new tools and technologies to understand neural circuit function and capture brain activity.
A team of researchers has successfully isolated Zika virus from a semen sample, obtaining the first complete genome sequence of the virus in humans. The study provides valuable insights into potential sexual transmission of Zika virus, which was previously poorly understood.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection provides excellent protection against reinfection, offering potential relief from future epidemics. The study also revealed the virus remains in some tissues for an extended period, but clears from blood plasma and urine within 10 days.
An educational and outreach program increased rates of referral for kidney transplant evaluation, especially among African American patients. The program reduced racial disparities in referral, with a significant increase in African Americans referred for transplant from 10% to 16%.
A brain implant has restored touch in a paralyzed man's hand, allowing him to sense sensations like warmth and pressure from his fingers. The study suggests that electrical brain stimulation can reestablish realistic touch in paralyzed patients, guiding the design of better neuroprosthetic limbs.
Researchers from the Repurposing Drugs in Oncology project found that propranolol has significant anti-cancer properties, particularly in angiosarcoma. The study highlights the potential of propranolol to act on multiple points of the metastatic cascade, reducing metastatic spread and saving lives.
A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics found that federal school lunch guidelines led to improved health outcomes for students. The research showed a reduction in calories from fat and sodium, but varying responses across socioeconomic and demographic groups.
A new study from North Carolina State University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Michigan found that women college students are more active in racial justice movements. The research also showed that what drives Black students to engage is different from what drives Latino students. Key findings include: Black women we...
Researchers discovered that jumping spiders can detect sounds at distances of over three meters, a finding that changes scientists' understanding of the world spiders live in. The spiders' hearing is most sensitive to frequencies associated with the wingbeats of parasitoid wasp enemies, prompting a startle response.
A Japanese research team has identified a hormone that limits liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Administering growth hormone alleviated NASH conditions caused by adult growth hormone deficiency, and treatments were effective on model animals.
A new study found that androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer may be associated with an increased risk of dementia, particularly among older men. The study analyzed electronic medical records data and found a significant association between ADT use and dementia development.
Researchers at Ibaraki University used ALMA to observe the disk around TW Hydrae, finding multiple gaps that match theoretical predictions for planet formation. The team estimates a massive, icy giant planet similar in size to Neptune, with a mass likely more than that of Neptune.
A study using genetically altered female mice found that a mutation in the histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) gene causes feeding and behavior abnormalities similar to those seen in patients with eating disorders. The research also identified a biological pathway associated with the risk of developing an eating disorder, which could lead to...
Researchers found that wind patterns in the lowest 500 meters of supercell thunderstorms can help predict whether a storm will generate a tornado. This discovery may lead to better predictions and fewer false alarms during tornado season.
The Endocrine Society recommends treating hypopituitarism by replacing hormones at natural patterns, with accurate hormone measurements crucial for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The guideline also addresses special circumstances like pregnancy care and post-surgical care.
Researchers discovered factors secreted by gut bacteria, Oxalobacter formigenes, can stimulate oxalate transport and reduce urinary excretion in mice by 32.5%, potentially aiding in preventing or treating kidney stones.
Researchers have discovered tiny glass droplets in New Jersey sediment layers that could be linked to an extraterrestrial object hitting Earth. The finding is consistent with previous work suggesting an impact triggered the PETM, a period of rapid warming comparable to modern human-induced climate change.
Huntington's disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by the loss of medium spiny neurons and motor control problems. A new award will support research to develop a stem cell-based therapy that swaps sick brain cells for healthy ones.
Researchers at UVA have created a new imaging method that combines the advantages of MRI and gamma-ray imaging, enabling high-resolution medical diagnostics with minimal tracer material. The technique uses radioactive xenon isotopes to produce images with increased sensitivity and diagnostic power.
Researchers at Rice University have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a library of programmed bacteria that can produce therapeutic drugs on-site in response to dietary triggers. The project aims to advance the development of a biological control system for safely and effectively turning bacteria on and off.
Researchers developed a fractional order model to estimate Lithium-ion battery charge, reducing errors of up to 1% compared to traditional methods. The model replicated the battery's performance and provided accurate results, promising to reduce drivers' anxiety on the road.
A recent study by University of Tennessee professors found that most consumers skim over risk warnings on drug websites, ignoring important information about potential side effects. The researchers suggest presenting risks before benefits and highlighting unique risks with graphics to increase attention.
A new study published in Nature reveals that the visual cortex is involved in promoting plasticity of innate eye movements. Researchers used optogenetics to silence the visual cortex and observed a significant reduction in the activity of the optokinetic reflex, suggesting its role in mediating plasticity between the two reflexes.
Typhoon Songda transforms into an extra-tropical storm with a ragged eye, 23 nautical miles wide, and winds near 120.8 mph as it moves through the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The storm's energy source shifts from latent heat to baroclinic processes.
A study of over 1.2 million UK women found that lower education levels and living in deprived areas increased the risk of coronary heart disease due to smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Lifestyle factors accounted for most of the social inequalities in heart disease risk, with smoking being the most significant factor.
The US Food and Drug Administration is making surprise visits to heparin plants in China to verify animal origins. Researchers are also working on developing a synthetic version of the drug to diversify sources.
Researchers have successfully corrected the mutated gene responsible for sickle cell disease in stem cells using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. The study holds promise for a new treatment by re-infusing edited stem cells into patients, potentially alleviating symptoms and improving lifespan.
Researchers documented the killing of millions of animals in Brazil's Amazon Basin for their hides following the collapse of the Rubber Boom. Despite this, most land-based species appear to have survived the carnage, while aquatic species were more severely impacted.
A new method of micron-scale surface chemical patterning was developed at UCSB, allowing for the creation of engineered surfaces with patterned polymer brushes. This technology reduces processing time and adds versatility to design, making it suitable for industrial applications.
A new clinical trial confirms that general practitioner-prescribed treatments can significantly help women with heavy periods. The trial found that most women avoid surgical interventions and experience similar improvement in period heaviness regardless of treatment type.
Researchers found that framing spatial tests as social tasks eliminated the gender gap in performance, with women performing just as well as men. The study suggests that traditional measures of spatial ability may be underestimating women's abilities and limiting their accessibility to STEM fields.
A new study published in International Journal of Cancer found that men with prostate cancer who used snus were at increased risk of premature death. Snus users had higher levels of nicotine and exposure to carcinogens compared to never-users, suggesting a potential link between snus use and prostate cancer progression.
A randomized controlled trial found ZMapp to be safe and well-tolerated, with a 40% lower risk of death for those who received the treatment. However, the trial was conducted during a public health emergency and enrolled too few participants to determine definitively whether ZMapp is superior to standard care alone.
Researchers discovered vitamins A and C enhance epigenetic memory erasure by increasing TET enzyme activity, a crucial step for regenerative medicine. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of vitamin A and C action, with potential implications for treating vitamin A-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Researchers found that alemtuzumab improved disability scores by at least one point in nearly 28% of participants, compared to 15% of those receiving interferon. The treatment also showed significant improvements in thinking skills and mobility without tremor or clumsy movements.
A common nerve protein, neuropeptide Y (NPY), is elevated in the blood of patients with aggressive neuroblastoma, associated with poor survival rates and disease relapse. NPY's release from tumors into the bloodstream may also serve as a marker for metastatic disease.
Researchers at USDA-Agricultural Research Service found that using less chicken litter than needed for maximum crop yields can increase farmer profits. The study aimed to calculate the optimal amount of chicken litter for cotton crops to balance yield and profitability.
Researchers found that golden eagles killed at a wind farm in California came from up to hundreds of miles away, posing a threat to global populations. The study's findings suggest that environmental assessments should consider bird populations across entire regions, not just local areas.
A study published by Oregon State University found that preschoolers' fine and gross motor skills are indicative of later performance on two key measures of kindergarten readiness. Children with strong motor skills showed better executive function skills and social behavior.
Research suggests that increasing plant diversity can limit the nutrient supply for insect pests, reducing their populations. By introducing different genotypes of the same crop species with varying nutrient levels, farmers may be able to control insects while maintaining consistent production.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that unvaccinated adults contribute to $7.1 billion in healthcare costs, accounting for 80% of vaccine-preventable disease expenses in 2015.
Researchers discovered that solar flares accelerate sunspot rotation speeds, revealing a complex relationship between the Sun's magnetic fields. This phenomenon challenges current theories on solar flares and has significant implications for understanding energy transport in eruptions.
Research suggests strenuous exercise has no significant impact on labor duration or risk of premature birth. Exercise is found to reduce excessive birthweight and lower the risk of C-section births. However, more research is needed in elite athletes to fully understand its effects during pregnancy.
A Purdue University study of an indigenous group of Maya people reinforces the link between Cesarean births and obesity. The study found that mothers who have high BMI and had a cesarean are going to have the fattest children in the village, with differences in child sizes suggesting birth method plays a role in development.
A smartphone app combined with a hand-held ECG monitor can detect atrial fibrillation with a high degree of accuracy. The condition affects nearly one in 10 people and is associated with a heightened risk of stroke and death.
Researchers used Real-time intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (RT-IMRI) to guide the transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons into brains modeled with Parkinson's disease. The study found that RT-IMRI guidance enhances cell survival and improves procedure efficacy and safety.
Research shows that excess nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, causes overactivity of the TRPV ion channel, leading to cell death and behavioral changes in Caenorhabditis elegans. The study provides clues to the mechanism causing cell death and links it to behavior.
A team of scientists identified how amyloid beta, associated with Alzheimer's, can induce cellular changes leading to Parkinson's. This discovery may provide an explanation for the co-occurrence of these neurodegenerative conditions and help researchers find ways to prevent such cases.
Despite major advances in molecular biology, genomics and CRISPR gene-editing technology, many details of plant stress signaling pathways remain a mystery. The Zhu lab has made significant contributions to understanding SOS, the first abiotic stress signaling pathway identified in plants, but identifying similar drought response pathwa...
Mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy had a 37-percent increased risk of speech and/or language disorders in their offspring compared to mothers with depression but no treatment. The study, published online in JAMA Psychiatry, used a large sample population and followed children beyond age 3.
Researchers at ORNL developed a nanoscale catalyst that converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol with high selectivity. The process uses low-cost materials and operates at room temperature in water, making it suitable for industrially relevant applications.
A phylogenetic analysis supports transoceanic dispersal of Amaurobioides genus across Southern Hemisphere continents. The study suggests that an ancestral population existed on ancient supercontinent Gondwana and dispersed eastward during the Miocene era.
Researchers found that salty snow and sea ice can increase nitrogen oxide levels in the air, affecting ozone formation. The study suggests incorporating these factors into future models to better predict Arctic air pollution.
Researchers found a dozen previously unknown RR Lyrae stars at the center of the Milky Way, indicating that galactic bulges may have formed through merging ancient globular clusters. The discovery provides strong evidence for an important theory of galactic evolution.
Tropical Depression 24W has formed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots. The storm is forecasted to strengthen into a typhoon and make landfall in Luzon, northern Philippines by October 15.
A team of researchers found that widely accepted atrial fibrillation risk prediction algorithms do not accurately predict incidence when applied to electronic medical records. The study suggests that existing models may be incompatible with EMR data, leading to inconsistent predictions and potential misdiagnosis.
A MGH team found that treating metastatic colorectal cancer with antiangiogenic drugs increases extracellular matrix components and stiffness, contributing to treatment resistance. Antiangiogenic therapy also attracts suppressor immune cells, reducing the immune response against tumors.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found variable accuracy of wrist-worn heart rate monitors, particularly during moderate exercise. The results suggest that these devices should be used with caution for individuals relying on them to track fitness or stay within safe heart rate thresholds.
Scientists have developed a more reliable method for detecting gluten in purified wheat starch, a common ingredient in gluten-free foods. The new technique identified higher amounts of gluten in 19 out of 26 starch samples than current testing methods.
RTI International is studying Appalachian states' opioid prevention and treatment policies to develop evidence-based recommendations. The study will analyze existing public health policies, identify best practices, and inform practical strategies for improving opioid-related programs and services.