A large-scale study of ancient human DNA from sub-Saharan Africa has shed light on the identity of prehistoric populations, their movements and genetic adaptations. The research found evidence of a population replacement in Malawi and identified a mysterious group that spanned from southern Africa to the equator.
A potent gene immunotherapy strategy induces robust immune tolerance in mice with multiple sclerosis, reversing symptoms and stabilizing brain function. The treatment, using a viral vector to deliver myelin sheath protein, protects against disease progression and restores mobility.
A new study by the University of Utah and CDC estimates that employer-sponsored health plans spent $6 billion on premature infants in 2013. Infants born prematurely are at increased risk for developing lifelong physical, cognitive, and social challenges, with birth defects accounting for a substantial portion of expenses.
Infants who observe adults pushing through failure are more likely to try again, a study found. Babies as young as 15 months old absorb abstract concepts about behavior by watching tenacious grown-ups.
Researchers have created a way to control the sequence of molecules in polymer chains, enabling the creation of well-defined polymers with predictable properties. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of new materials with tailored characteristics.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a novel approach to prevent ice build-up by cracking it. By adding inner pillars and holes to surfaces, they can create macro-cracks that allow ice to fall off, reducing adhesion strengths by up to 50%. This method has the potential to revolutionize anti-icing technology in various industries.
A study analyzing 137 YouTube videos found that nearly all promote the 'fun' side of drinking, often featuring traditional advertisements or showcasing alcohol's social benefits. Researchers suggest parents help their kids develop media literacy to become more critical thinkers about alcohol ads.
A team of scientists has discovered a new species of cave-adapted animal in Eastern Turkmenistan, specifically in the Kaptarhana cave. The newly described genus and species, Turkmenocampa mirabilis, is a pale and eyeless insect-like creature that represents a unique adaptation to underground environments in Central Asia.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Harvard University made a breakthrough in understanding how cells store and manage DNA during cell division. Their study revealed the importance of careful timing in organizing genetic material, which may help shed light on Cornelia de Lange syndrome.
A study on a Neanderthal child's fossil remains found that both species regulate their growth differently to adapt energy consumption. The child's brain growth was slower than expected, while its body grew at a similar rate to modern humans.
A new experiment demonstrates that photons' nature is pre-existing, as described by wavefunctions. This finding clarifies the role of wavefunctions in quantum entities' evolution, confirming physical reality and nonlocality of wavefunctions.
A new imaging technique enables precise digitization of clear objects and their surroundings, useful for movie production, virtual reality, and material design. The method uses a robotic arm to record camera locations and combine photographs with CT scans, allowing for pixel-by-pixel comparison and accurate material properties analysis.
The grant will create the Engineered nanoBIO Hub at IU, focusing on simulating interactions between nanoscale devices and biological cells and tissues. Researchers aim to develop medical devices that operate at the intersection of nanotechnology and biotechnology, with the ultimate goal of supporting human health.
According to a new study by CDC researchers, three-quarters of US counties are suitable for Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which transmit Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses. The mosquito species thrive in regions with mild winters and high humidity, with the eastern and southern US being most at risk.
A study of Peruvian populations reveals genetic adaptations to high altitude living and chronic mountain sickness. The researchers identified 11 regions containing 38 genes that were under positive selection, suggesting a molecular adaptation mechanism that regulates gene expression in response to environmental challenges.
A new study found that smoking at the time of diagnosis and changes in smoking within five years after diagnosis are associated with long-term breast cancer mortality. Quitting smoking after diagnosis may improve survival among women with breast cancer, but continued smoking increases risk of death.
Researchers found that pigs fed a high-calorie diet supplemented with purple-fleshed potatoes had lower levels of inflammation-linked protein IL-6, compared to those on a standard diet. This study suggests that whole foods containing macronutrients and phytonutrients may be effective in preventing colon cancer.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of large Tropical Storm Jose south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, showing a defined center of circulation. The storm is expected to continue meandering off the coast of southeast New England for several days.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that some large plant-eating dinosaurs in present-day Utah ate crustaceans on purpose, possibly for protein and calcium sources. The evidence comes from fossilized feces samples containing thick bits of fossilized shell, indicating the crustaceans were living in decaying wood.
A study by the University of Cincinnati found that higher manganese levels in children are associated with lower IQ scores and cognitive decline. The research analyzed blood and hair samples from 106 children aged 7-9 and found significant declines in full-scale IQ, processing speed, and working memory.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators reveals how staph bacteria trick the body's immune system, allowing repeated infections throughout life. The study sheds light on how to develop an effective vaccine harnessing T cells to combat the superbug MRSA.
The Pelvic Floor Society issues a consensus statement on the use of mesh surgeries for treating constipation and rectal prolapse. The statement emphasizes proper training, accreditation, and tracking of complications to ensure patient safety.
A study confirms that blood metal ion levels can predict patients with low risk of ARMD (Adverse Reactions to Metal Debris) after metal-on-metal hip replacement. Using implant-specific cutoff points identifies all but 2.8% of ARMD cases, outperforming fixed regulatory authority thresholds.
A team of scientists has sequenced the genome of an asexual tiny worm, Diploscapter pachys, which originated 18 million years ago. The study reveals how it maintains genetic variation and overcomes the disadvantages of asexual reproduction by skipping recombination.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed a drug combination that doubles down on immunotherapy's effectiveness in treating head and neck cancer. The combination of toll-like receptors agonists and other immunotherapies injected directly into tumors suppresses tumor growth throughout the body.
Researchers reconstructed African population structure using ancient DNA from 15 individuals, revealing a more complex history than previously thought. The findings show that populations related to indigenous people of southern Africa had a wider distribution in the past, contributing to ancestry of modern-day populations.
Exceptionally preserved trilobite fossils reveal that at least two species evolved a stomach structure 20 million years earlier than thought. This discovery contradicts previous assumptions about trilobite digestive systems and evolution, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history.
Scientists have successfully teleported patterns of light over a virtual link using entanglement swapping, paving the way for high-bit-rate secure long-distance quantum communication. This breakthrough uses orbital angular momentum to transmit information without physical photon travel.
The Vanderbilt team will create tissue chip systems to test novel epilepsy drugs on human cells, potentially leading to more accurate platforms and improved drug efficacy. This technology may also address rare diseases with limited animal models and patient populations.
A new study reveals that ultra-high-energy cosmic rays come from galaxies far beyond our own Milky Way galaxy. The Pierre Auger Observatory's data analysis shows that these particles favor a specific direction, suggesting an extragalactic origin.
NASA used a fleet of satellites to measure Hurricane Maria's rainfall, estimating totals greater than 10 inches (254 mm) along its track. The storm caused catastrophic flooding in Puerto Rico, with extreme flooding reported in San Juan and the capital city.
Asteroid impact led to rapid genetic evolution in surviving birds, potentially influencing modern bird diversity. Human activities may accelerate similar 'Lilliput Effect', impacting evolution across species.
A recent international multi-centre weight study found that overweight dogs can lose up to 11% of their bodyweight through specially-formulated diets. The study, published in PLOS ONE, also revealed improvements in activity and quality of life among dog owners.
Researchers argue that acellular vaccines' inability to prevent infections contributes to the disease's resurgence. The study highlights differences in mucosal immunity between whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines, which may have led to the increase in cases.
Researchers recommend expanding flu vaccine recommendation to middle-aged adults with chronic health conditions due to modest effectiveness of standard-dose vaccine. High-dose and recombinant trivalent vaccines show promise in providing better protection for high-risk patients.
Researchers found that neurons fire in both cases of noticing and non-noticing, but differently, supporting a nuanced view of consciousness. The study used brain electrodes to record individual neuron activity in awake patients.
A team of researchers, farmers and scientists collaborated to develop a successful control method for African lovegrass. Local knowledge was found to be key in tackling the invasive species.
A novel therapy, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), has been found helpful in reducing widespread pain and symptoms of fibromyalgia. Patients who received EAET showed significant improvements compared to those receiving education or cognitive behavioral therapy.
A new analysis reveals that US dialysis patients are at high risk of early death, discontinuation of dialysis, and hospitalization due to excessive opioid use. The study found that more than 20% of dialysis patients received chronic opioid prescriptions, three times the rate in the general Medicare population.
Researchers propose a 'sociotechnical' framework to accelerate low-carbon transitions by aligning innovations and systems, focusing on socio-technical systems rather than individual elements. This is critical to achieve the goals of decarbonizing and saving energy faster, further, and more flexibly.
The Technische Universität Dresden has been granted funding for 18 proposed tenure track chairs as part of the Federal and State government programme. This funding approval enables the university to offer career paths that are easier to plan, attracting top talent and retaining them early on.
The European Commission has announced prestigious EU grants for researchers at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Three SUND researchers have received grants totaling EUR 6.4 million to train PhD students in various fields.
A high-manganese diet makes mice susceptible to staph heart infection, inactivating their innate immune system's reactive oxygen burst. This discovery adds to evidence that diet influences infection risk and suggests people with excess tissue manganese may be at higher risk for staph infection of the heart.
A mass immunization campaign against Japanese encephalitis in Nepal resulted in a 78% reduction in JE cases and prevented an estimated 3,011 cases. The vaccine also cut the rate of acute encephalitis syndrome by 59%.
Scientists discovered a small genetic mutation in poison frogs that prevents the toxin epibatidine from binding to their own receptors, rendering them resistant to its lethal effects. This finding has potential consequences for designing better pain relievers and fighting nicotine addiction, as the same receptor is also involved in the...
Woody vegetation cover in Ozark grasslands increased from 8% to 59% over 75 years due to fire reintroduction. Despite prescribed fire efforts, reversal is unlikely once woody plants cover more than 40% of the landscape.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between host animals, their microbial community, and methane production in a study that won the PLOS Genetics Research Prize. The study found that certain microbial profiles can be used to recognize cattle that use feed more efficiently while emitting less methane.
A CWRU researcher led an international team to develop functional materials inspired by nature, including sticky and durable caddisfly silk and sea cucumber skin. The research aims to create materials with wide range of practical uses, such as soft-sided robots for search-and rescue missions.
Researchers used gene therapy to stop the immune response that causes multiple sclerosis in mouse models, producing near-complete remission. The treatment combined a brain-protein gene with an existing medication, showing significant potential for treating multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders.
Researchers discovered a single amino acid replacement underlying the paradox of poisonous frog resistance to their own toxins. This adaptation comes at the expense of reduced acetylcholine receptor function, but is eventually rescued by additional amino acid replacements.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new cattle disease called Facial Dysplasia Syndrome, which causes facial deformations and breathing problems in young calves. The disease is linked to a genetic mutation found in semen from one breeding bull, and its identification could help prevent further cases.
A study published in Science confirms that the highest energy cosmic rays bombard the Earth come from outside the Milky Way Galaxy. The Pierre Auger Observatory collected data from 12 years, revealing an anisotropy in the distribution of arrival directions of cosmic particles.
A study by WWF and UCF found that more than 47% of rangers selected 'I have no other job option' as the most motivating factor, highlighting the need for better work environment and compensation. The research aims to bring policy changes to improve ranger conditions and ultimately protect wildlife and forests.
Physicists observe that electrons emitted from different initial states in a solid material arrive at the surface last, contrary to intuition. Theoretical models are revised to account for intra-atomic interactions, which affect electron motion and lead to a new understanding of photoemission.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine and VA St. Louis Health Care System found that breathing dirty air may harm kidneys. The research analyzed data on nearly 2.5 million people over 8.5 years, concluding that high levels of particulate matter increase the risk of chronic kidney disease and failure.
Perovskite solar cells could generate electricity more efficiently by harnessing the kinetic energy of electrons moving at high speeds. The study found that electrons retain their highest levels of energy for up to 10 quadrillionths of a second, limiting the time frame for extraction.
Researchers propose using the element vanadium to verify microfossils for signs of life on Mars. Vanadium can substitute into biological compounds and is found in known biological sources, such as chlorophyll.
A new analysis of a Neandertal child's skeleton suggests that Neandertals may have experienced an extended period of brain growth compared to modern humans. The study found that the 7-year-old Neandertal had a brain size similar to that of an adult, challenging previous theories on brain development.
The UM Rosenstiel School has received over $14 million in funding to continue research on the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Researchers will focus on analyzing unprecedented data and publishing new findings, while also studying the impacts of crude oil on ecologically and commercially valuable fish in the Gulf of Mexico.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has assembled a world-class research enterprise to develop groundbreaking approaches for treating brain diseases and injuries. Researchers will collaborate on complex projects using expertise in neurodegenerative disease, regenerative medicine, and stem cell therapies.