A new study suggests that high-fat diets can change gut fungi and potentially contribute to the development of obesity. The research shows significant differences in fungal and bacterial communities between mice fed standard and high-fat diets.
The National Institutes of Health has completed a detailed atlas documenting the stretches of human DNA that influence gene expression across various tissues and cell types. This resource will aid researchers in understanding how individual genomic variation leads to biological differences, such as healthy and diseased states.
A new study published in Nature and Nature Genetics describes a comprehensive atlas of gene expression across 42 tissue types, providing insights into the molecular origins of human disease. The study's findings allow researchers to identify genetic factors that cause changes in gene expression and relate them to human disease risk.
A team of scientists has demonstrated entanglement swapping with two independent sources 12.5 km apart using a 103-km optical fiber, increasing the experimental distance from metropolitan to inter-city levels.
A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves sleep quality and reduces depressive symptoms in menopausal women. The four-session intervention led to clinically meaningful improvements, regardless of the severity of depression.
Researchers found that maternal fever increases the risk of heart defects and facial deformities, with fever itself interfering with heart and jaw development. Acetaminophen may help reduce this risk if taken judiciously during pregnancy.
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a metal complex catalyst that mimics two natural energy processes, hydrogenase and photosystem II. The catalyst produces electrical power by accepting electrons from hydrogen and generates power from sunlight through oxidation of water.
Researchers found that adding nanoparticles to liquid crystals improves their mechanical performance by increasing their lubricating properties. The study used a formula to approximate mobility of dislocations and performed numerical simulations to understand how Cottrell clouds erode when dislocations move at high speed.
A new study suggests that transdermal estradiol therapy can effectively treat and prevent perimenopausal depression. Women experiencing more stressful life events showed the greatest improvements in mood. The study's findings highlight the potential of transdermal estradiol as a preventive measure for perimenopausal depression.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a new software called MERLIN to simulate origami behavior, allowing for faster design process and better understanding of structural performance. The software predicts how structures will bend, twist, and snap under compression forces.
A genetic mutation has been identified as a key factor in the development of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in short-legged dog breeds, including dachshunds and French bulldogs. The discovery provides a valuable tool for owners, breeders, and veterinarians to mitigate the risk of IVDD and related spinal cord disease.
Researchers studied dive patterns of five toothed whale species in the Bahamas and found that two beaked whale species took exceptionally long, deep dives for their size. This suggests that these whales may extend their foraging dives by shifting from aerobic to anaerobic respiration.
Researchers at Jefferson Lab lead development of next-generation software to benefit nuclear physics computation. The project aims to optimize calculations on future supercomputers, enabling better prediction and understanding of QCD at extreme temperatures and densities.
Researchers found that every captive orca examined had damaged teeth, with over 65% displaying moderate to extreme tooth wear. The study suggests that daily flushing of chemicals can lead to chronic antibiotic therapy compromising the whale's immune system. The findings raise serious concerns for the health and welfare of captive orcas.
A new study by University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna researchers reveals that Kune Kune piglets possess highly developed social learning abilities through observation. The piglets attentively observed and replicated tasks demonstrated by their mother or aunt, showcasing exceptional memory capabilities.
A group of inflammatory proteins called 'IL-36' play a significant role in the development of psoriasis and can be blocked without posing a risk to patients. The findings open up the possibility for new drugs to tackle this debilitating condition.
A new study confirms that postmenopausal women prefer less proven options to hormone therapy for treating debilitating symptoms like hot flashes. Women are more willing to use exercise and herbal supplements over hormone therapy, despite acknowledging its effectiveness.
A new study compares celebrities from People magazine's World's Most Beautiful lists in 1990 and 2017, revealing increased representation of darker skin types and older age groups. The researchers found that traditional beauty standards are evolving as people become more exposed to diverse cultures and media influences.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a protein called Bclw that protects nerves from degeneration. Adding Bclw to nerve axons before exposure to chemotherapy drugs may prevent peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
A team of WSU researchers has documented one of the Earth's largest known volcanic eruptions, which occurred in the Pacific Northwest and released massive amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The eruption is estimated to have been equivalent to a Mount Tambora-style eruption every day for 11-16 years.
A world-first study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that basic mental health training for managers can significantly improve workers' mental wellbeing. The study found a 18% decrease in work-related sickness absence amongst those whose manager received the training, with a return on investment of $9.98 for each dollar spent.
A UTSA researcher has been awarded a grant to study microbial contaminants in southeast and south central Texas waterways following Hurricane Harvey. The research aims to provide critical information on microbiological water quality, human health risk, and remediation strategies.
Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in dry preservation of mammalian sperm cells, allowing for the possibility of preserving feline reproductive cells and expanding conservation efforts. The new method uses rapid microwave dehydration, enabling minimal DNA damage and viability.
EnterUp's AI-driven system uses spatial collaborative filtering to personalize online searches, resulting in a 25% increase in property sales conversions. The technology also extends the range of offerings by suggesting areas with similar characteristics, such as nearby shopping malls.
Researchers found that a lack of CLOCK protein is associated with excessive brain cell excitation and stronger seizures during sleep. Delivering a drug that compensates for the lack of CLOCK or its affected proteins directly in the brain may offer a new treatment approach for severe epilepsy cases.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire found that resilient children are less likely to be bullied at school or online, and experience less negative impact when bullied. The study suggests that resilience can serve as a buffer against bullying, insulating youth from its effects.
Basal progenitor cells have been identified as the 'cell of origin' for Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The discovery promises to accelerate the development of precise screening tools and therapies.
Researchers at MIT have developed an 'air-breathing' battery that can store electricity for months, reducing costs to around $20-$30 per kilowatt hour. The battery uses sulfur and oxygen to generate charge, making it a potential solution for widespread renewable energy integration.
Recent research finds that Obamacare has reversed the trend of declining social trust in the US, as worsening health no longer negatively impacts citizens' generalized trust. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, is based on two consecutive panel studies from the US General Social Survey.
Global scientific articles are being produced in fewer major cities, while emerging countries like China and India are gaining impact. The share of top global cities in citations has decreased, while new hubs are emerging with high-quality research.
The Columbia team will use machine learning and advanced techniques to filter out extraneous data and aid in the detection of gravitational waves. With a $1 million NSF grant, they aim to contribute to LIGO's historic breakthroughs and advance understanding of the cosmos.
A new study confirms vaginal estrogen is effective in managing sexual and urinary problems of menopause without increasing risk of serious health issues like heart disease and cancer. The WHI data review also clears the use of vaginal estrogen for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
A new virtual reality opera experience has been created using the latest motion capture technology, allowing viewers to interact with performances in 3D. The Magic Butterfly VR Experience combines high-quality imagery and sounds from Welsh National Opera's production of Madam Butterfly and The Magic Flute.
Researchers created Expanded Potential Stem Cells (EPSCs) with greater development potential than current stem cell lines, shedding light on miscarriage and developmental disorders. The EPSCs can develop into any type of cell, offering a platform to study early embryo cells in detail.
Tropical Storm Ophelia was observed as a comma-like shape in NASA's infrared imagery, with cold cloud tops reaching -63°C. The storm is moving eastward at 3 mph and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane within the next 12 hours.
Researchers have discovered that the virus used in the early smallpox vaccine was closely related to horsepox, contradicting centuries-long assumptions that cowpox was used. The finding has significant implications for our understanding of vaccine development and its applications in modern medicine.
A review of geological evidence in the Mediterranean Sea suggests that up to 90% of tsunami events may have been misinterpreted as storm activity. The study, published in Science Advances, reevaluates 135 past events and finds that most dates for tsunamis peaked every 1500 years, coinciding with severe storms.
Research suggests that ketone salts enhance fat burning but inhibit high-intensity exercise performance. The study found that power output decreased by seven percent when participants consumed ketone salts during a cycling time trial. The long-term impacts of artificially increasing blood ketone levels are unknown.
A study found that playing a game called 'Hello' encourages people with chronic illness and their caregivers to engage in advance care planning. Three months after playing the game, 75 percent of participants had completed some form of advance care planning.
Scientists developed a machine-learning method to predict molecular behavior, which can aid in developing new pharmaceuticals and enhancing emerging battery technologies. The method combines physics, chemistry, and machine learning, allowing it to simulate complex chemical behavior within molecules.
African American women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a form of heart failure that occurs during or after pregnancy. They also present with worse symptoms and take longer to recover compared to women of other ethnic backgrounds.
A new study analyzing Women's Health Initiative (WHI) data found no significant association between migraines and cardiovascular disease events, or an increased risk of heart disease with hormone therapy. Hormone therapy remains a viable treatment option for menopause symptoms in women with migraines.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine discovered that calcium flow into cells controls the activation of genes involved in glucose metabolism, enabling T cells to multiply. The study's findings have implications for autoimmune diseases and may lead to new treatments.
Scientists developed a hydrogel that detects nitric oxide and absorbs excess fluids, delivering drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The gel uses acrylamide as a base material and NOCCL crosslinker to trap drug molecules.
Frailty increases odds of serious complications after outpatient operations like hernia and breast surgery. Patients with 2-3 frailty traits have more than twice the risk of serious complications compared to those with fewer traits.
Researchers found that Rapamycin significantly reduces heterotopic ossification (HO) in rats, mimicking blast-related limb injury, and decreases progenitor cells and gene expression associated with abnormal bone formation. The treatment has potential as a prophylactic strategy to prevent HO in combat casualties and civilians.
A study found that pumas in developed areas are more active at night, expending 10-11% more energy daily. This increased activity affects their ability to hunt and feed their young, highlighting the importance of conservation strategies in human-dominated landscapes.
Scientists have discovered that axon damage leads to shrinking dendritic spines and rising excitability in neurons, but also found that blocking gene activity with netrin-1 can reverse these changes. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for brain injury patients.
Researchers have found that essential oils extracted from citrus fruit peels are highly effective in killing mosquito larvae, suggesting a potential eco-friendly alternative for mosquito control programs. The study, believed to be the first of its kind, uses three citrus species and has shown promising results.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering have developed a human lung-on-a-chip technology that models the growth and metastatic behaviors of non-small cell lung cancer. The study found that tumor cells grow rampantly in the alveolar microenvironment but remain quiescent in the airway chip, and that cyclic...
NASA's Aqua satellite found strongest storms in Tropical Depression 23W near northern Vietnam and northeastern Laos. Cloud top temperatures reached as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms with heavy rain capability.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that fever in early pregnancy can cause heart and facial birth defects, but using a fever reducer like acetaminophen may help prevent these defects. The study used zebrafish and chicken embryos to demonstrate the impact of fever on development.
A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that women veterans with mental health conditions like depression are at a higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). The research team analyzed data from 157,000 women veterans over 45 and discovered a significant correlation between CAD and multiple mental health diagnoses.
Researchers found that abnormalities in the brain's blood-brain barrier may play a critical role in schizophrenia development. This discovery could lead to novel treatment strategies targeting abnormal brain blood vessels, complementing existing treatments.
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology has found that epidural analgesia does not affect the duration of the second stage of labor, contrary to long-held beliefs. The research compared catheter-infused epidural anesthetic with a saline placebo and found no significant difference in duration or other outcomes.
A new growth-accommodating implant designed for cardiac repair in children can reduce the number of surgeries needed over time. The implant, developed by researchers at Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, uses a biopolymer core that degrades predictably, allowing it to grow with the child.
A new DNA study has revealed a 2000% increase in our knowledge of seafloor molluscs in the Pacific Clarion Clipperton Zone. This includes the discovery of 21 previously unknown species, including one considered a living fossil.
A multi-center study funded by the NIH will test silver diamine fluoride's effectiveness in stopping cavities in young children. The trial aims to provide data for a cavity arrest drug claim and expand access to a simple, non-invasive treatment.
Researchers found that new mutations in iPS cells are concentrated in non-transcriptional regions of the genome, which are sensitive to oxidative stress. This suggests that these mutations may not lead to cancer-related adverse effects.
Scientists at Osaka University used scanning tunneling microscopy to create images of atomically flat side-surfaces of 3D silicon crystals, a crucial step towards designing smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient computer chips. The achievement paves the way for innovation in semiconductor manufacturing.