A non-coding RNA, PNUTS lncRNA, encourages cancer growth and metastasis by soaking up microRNA-205 that prevents epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In breast and lung cancer cell lines, PNUTS lncRNA promotes tumor development.
A USC study found that the Zika virus targets specific white blood cells in pregnant women, handicapping their immune system and increasing the chances an unborn baby will be harmed. The virus exploits this weakness to infect and replicate, particularly during the first and second trimesters.
Researchers create a packaging film coated with clay nanotubes and antibacterial essential oil to prevent microbial growth and over-ripening. The new technology shows promise in preserving fruits, vegetables, and meats, reducing food waste and economic losses.
A recent study published in the Journal of Virology has pinpointed how a tiny protein speeds up Ebola's contagiousness. The researchers identified that the delta peptide weakens protective membranes in gastrointestinal cells, allowing viruses to enter and wreak havoc.
A new study found that annual screening starting at age 40 reduces breast cancer-specific deaths by nearly 40%, compared to 23-31% reductions with other recommendations. The findings suggest that women starting annual mammography at age 40 may benefit from a significant reduction in breast cancer-related deaths.
A QUT study found that writing about a destination as if it were human can boost its appeal as a travel destination. Participants who saw a personified advertisement for Paris or Rome reported higher levels of positive emotions and had a more favorable view of the city.
A team of researchers from Northeastern University has discovered a new mechanism that causes cracks to behave strangely in brittle materials, leading to catastrophic failure. The study's findings have the potential to help designers create stronger materials by understanding how fragile materials like glass and bone break.
A new study investigates how different blood pressure targets affect cognitive function in older adults and finds racial disparities. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, suggests that lower blood pressure targets may offer greater protection for black patients with hypertension.
Ouyang aims to decipher RNA structure's role in post-transcriptional regulation, providing insights into health and diseases. He plans to develop a precise genomic blueprint for clinical diagnoses and prognoses, as well as new therapies for cancer and other diseases.
Respondents showed stronger correlations between scientific beliefs and political/religious identity for topics like human evolution and stem cell research. However, this correlation weakened for non-polarized topics such as nanotechnology.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic mutation in Ureaplasma parvum that renders it resistant to levofloxacin, a commonly used antibiotic for treating urinary tract infections. This mutation limits treatment options for women with UTIs caused by this pathogen.
Researchers develop model using zebrafish larvae to predict personalized treatment of cancer, offering faster and safer option than current methods. The study confirms that zebrafish and mice react similarly to treatments, enabling timely answers in under two weeks.
Fish are expected to shrink by 20-30% in size as ocean temperatures rise due to climate change. This decline is caused by gill-oxygen limitation theory, where the surface area of gills cannot supply enough oxygen for a larger body.
A new portable sensor developed by American Chemical Society researchers can detect food spoilage, contaminants and authenticate products. The sensor uses nanostructures to bind to compounds of interest, changing color with intensity indicating concentration.
Researchers have developed and validated a nomogram that can predict overall survival and progression-free survival for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiation-based therapy. The nomograms were derived from clinical trials NRG Oncology/RTOG 0129 and 0522.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Clostridium, can predict brain metabolites like serotonin and myo-inositol, which are altered in individuals with autism. The study suggests a potential mechanism by which the gut microbiome communicates with the brain through cortisol.
Researchers have solved a decades-long puzzle by using synchrotron radiation X-ray source to probe the structural changes in TMTTF PF6. The team found that the transition involves the formation of a two-dimensional Wigner crystal based on electron distribution pattern changes.
Researchers have discovered that stressed plants need to quickly produce new proteins to survive heat stress. This rapid protein synthesis is crucial for optimal growth and reproduction, as delaying it can severely impair plant development.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute are developing a modified TB vaccine that could provide longer-lasting immunity. The team has shown promising results in mouse models, increasing the bacteria-killing power tenfold and protection by threefold.
Duke scientists discovered a gene variant linked to susceptibility to typhoid fever and found that cholesterol-lowering drug ezetimibe protected zebrafish against Salmonella Typhi. The study provides insight into human susceptibility to infectious disease and potential avenues for protection.
Researchers found plasmids, small DNA molecules that replicate independently, in Antarctic haloarchaea microbes. These plasmids can masquerade as viruses and infect other cells, potentially evolving into protective coats for successful virus invasion.
A new study across Austria, England, and Romania finds that both public and private schemes can improve risk reduction behaviors and reduce losses in future disasters. The study suggests that insurers and governments need to better coordinate their efforts to design efficient, socially just, and politically feasible solutions.
Researchers found that nectar attracts herbivores like sawflies, which eat petals and nectaries, away from critical flower parts. This 'decoy' strategy allows flowers to protect their reproductive tissues, enhancing pollination success.
A new meta-analysis finds that having friends who smoke doubles the risk of adolescents starting and continuing to smoke. The study also reveals that peer influence is stronger in collectivist cultures, where adolescents are 4.3 times more likely to pick up smoking if their peers smoke.
Researchers have created a new national map of seismic hazards for Brazil, highlighting regions prone to tremors. The survey found that the Northeast, Mato Grosso, and Pantanal biome are at higher risk, with low-intensity tremors capable of causing significant damage.
The Harvard-Osher Center for Integrative Medicine has partnered with The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM) to showcase cutting-edge mind-body research. Recent studies explored the impact on telomere length, group-based clinical interventions, and electronic apps for veterans' mental health.
A new study published in PNAS identifies two key compounds that can reduce the severity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by regulating inflammatory immune cells. The findings have significant therapeutic implications for AMD and other conditions involving angiogenesis and inflammation.
A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory reveals the intricate interactions between chandelier cells and pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex. The research shows that these inhibitory cells can receive information from hundreds of excitatory cells, influencing their firing patterns and local circuit activity.
A collaborative project is underway to develop non-animal test methods to replace the Rabbit Vaginal Irritation test for personal lubricants. Human in vitro tissue models may be used as a replacement, reducing animal testing and promoting more accurate assessments of product safety.
New cold-tolerant yeast strains enable fermentation at lower and higher temperatures, improving product quality and reducing contamination risks. The strains, developed by VTT, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and facilitate large-scale production in active dry yeast form.
Recent research by University of Colorado Boulder professor Patrick Ferrucci reveals that racial stereotypes continue to shape public perception of NFL quarterbacks, with black players often being described in terms of physical strength and natural ability. The studies found that social identity theory and implicit racial bias contribu...
UCSB researchers developed a new type of dental composite inspired by mussel mechanisms to adhere to surfaces. The material provides an extra layer of durability, potentially leading to longer-lasting fillings and crowns.
Researchers at the University of York discovered that ancient Engaruka's irrigation systems and terraces were built to capture eroded sediments, benefiting farming practices for centuries. The study highlights the importance of this method of farming in sub-Saharan Africa and its potential applicability to modern day farming techniques.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered a virus that can reprogram ocean plankton to absorb certain nutrients, potentially affecting carbon storage in the ocean. The study found that infected phytoplankton cells become more competitive and grow faster before being killed by the virus.
A study analyzing tree-ring fire scars reveals a strong connection between drought driven by the Southern Annular Mode and regional fire activity. The research suggests that SAM-mediated droughts may drive widespread wildfire activity in southern South America during the 21st century.
Agricultural land use has led to significant soil carbon loss over the past 12,000 years. Major cropping or grazing regions show high hotspots of soil carbon loss, indicating potential areas for restoration.
Research finds that indoles produced by intestinal bacteria enhance mobility, resistance to stress, and reproductive span in worms, flies, and mice. Indoles may help maintain the intestinal barrier and limit systemic inflammatory effects, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for improving healthspan.
A new method using molecular spectroscopy enables researchers to extract biochemical profiles containing information about disease progression. The method facilitates improved understanding of the mechanistic processes on molecular and cellular levels that are key to developing diabetes.
Researchers report that indole reduces age-related infirmities and alters AHR-regulated gene expression. Indole exposure is linked to increased healthspan in animals with functional AHR.
A study has identified a genetic signature linked to defects in the DNA damage repair-genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast cancer. The researchers found that this signature is not exclusive to BRCA mutations but also indicates other ways of deactivating the DNA repair mechanism, offering new insights into breast cancer treatment decisions.
The aCar is an electric off-road capable vehicle designed to strengthen rural structures and drive the economy in Africa. Its modular structure allows for various applications, including water treatment, medical care, and cargo transportation.
Japanese researchers investigated the effects of charged group spacer length on hydration state in polymer brushes, revealing a clearer picture of the relationship between structure and properties. The results show that hydration states are independent of chain spacer length, with water uptake not affected by this parameter.
Researchers created high-pressure conditions to simulate the interior of icy giant planets and observe the formation of solid diamonds. The team used X-ray pulses to measure the chemical reaction, providing unambiguous evidence of diamond rain in real-time for the first time.
Researchers found that licorice extracts from three species can inhibit certain liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism, potentially causing interactions with medications. The team plans to develop a safe and effective licorice therapy using a specific species, G. glabra, for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
A new tool developed by Kaiser Permanente researchers can identify diabetes patients at high risk of severe hypoglycemia-related emergency department or hospital visits. The tool categorizes patients into three risk levels based on six variables, and has been validated with data from over 1.3 million members.
Researchers have made progress toward a vaccine against fentanyl and heroin combinations, showing efficacy in monkeys. The vaccine stimulates production of antibodies that bind to the heroin molecule itself and prevent it from reaching the opioid receptor.
The University of California, Davis, will develop online teaching and learning resources for K-12 history-social science curriculum, fostering better understanding of California's history and improving student literacy. The program, Teaching California, aims to provide accessible and engaging resources for teachers and students.
Researchers demonstrate a universal probe for exotic states of matter by heating up quantum systems. This phenomenon is linked to the topological nature of the system and can be quantized in terms of a unique physical observable: the heating rate.
Researchers have discovered that Australian tiger snake venom is highly conserved across species, making the corresponding antivenom effective against many other snake bites. This finding has significant human medical benefits and upends a long-held theory on venom evolution.
Researchers estimate that climate change increased overlap between sockeye salmon spawning and red elderberry ripening seasons on Kodiak Island, Alaska. This shift in food resources can alter food webs among Kodiak brown bears.
The global prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is estimated to be about 8 per 1,000 in the general population, with 1 in every 13 pregnant women delivering a child with FASD. Higher prevalence rates are observed in special populations, such as Aboriginal populations and children in care.
Large soot injections at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary could have prevented photosynthesis and reduced global temperatures by up to 16C for several years. The effects likely contributed to mass extinction through ozone layer depletion and stratospheric warming.
Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria causing severe infections, has developed mechanisms to evade the human immune system. Researchers have identified various tactics used by S. aureus to slow down neutrophil migration, impede priming, and even kill neutrophils. Understanding these strategies can lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered a novel combination of aztreonam, amikacin, and polymyxin B that is capable of eradicating the deadly E. coli bacterium carrying mcr-1 and ndm-5 genes. The triple combination was found to eliminate the bacteria within 24 hours and prevent regrowth.
A new study published in CMAJ found that sedentary time increases the risk of death for middle-aged and older people who are frail and inactive. However, this association was not observed among nonfrail adults who were inactive. The study suggests that physicians should stress the harms of inactivity with patients to encourage movement.
Researchers have identified a potential method to screen for Zika virus exposure using proteomics in saliva. The study found that specific protein signatures can be detected in the saliva of infected individuals, allowing for earlier detection and treatment of the virus.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has received two highly competitive post-doctoral Institutional Training Grants for genomic science. The grants will support training programs in translational medicine and informatics, as well as the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics and genomics.
A team of researchers found a new quorum-sensing molecule that increases the virulence of P. aeruginosa by activating RhlR independently of C4-HSL. This discovery offers potential for developing novel antimicrobial drugs to treat serious infections caused by this bacterium.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people's beliefs about scientifically-associated topics become increasingly polarized with education. Education was correlated with both political and religious identity for some issues, while others showed a correlation only with political identity.
Scientists develop silver nanowire-coated textiles that provide multiple protection capabilities against extreme cold weather. These fabrics can capture sweat and maintain a consistent temperature, improving soldier comfort during missions.