Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered how a potential treatment for Huntington disease produces its effects, but found impaired NRF2-mediated activity in neural stem cells from HD patients. This limits the therapeutic potential of NRF2 signaling.
A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology identified a small RNA molecule, miR-199a, that helps maintain the activity of stem cells in both healthy and cancerous breast tissue. The microRNA promotes particularly deadly forms of breast cancer and inhibiting its effects could improve existing breast cancer therapies.
A new study from Aarhus University found that mindfulness practice at home is related to reduced stress, pain, and better well-being. Although the 45-minute daily home practice may seem short, it still has a statistically significant positive impact on participants.
Researchers at Monash University have identified a new concept called 'orphan memory,' which challenges current understanding of gravitational waves. They found that high-frequency waves leave behind a signature that LIGO can detect.
Academics at the University of Sheffield are collaborating with Egyptian partners to develop a system that could provide fresh and safe water to poor and rural communities. The hybrid system uses biogas and solar energy, which offers an alternative source of water production without high energy costs.
Researchers have demonstrated a causal connection between deep sleep and learning efficiency in the human brain. By manipulating deep sleep in targeted brain regions, they found that learning efficiency was blocked when synapses remained maximally excited without recovery.
Researchers developed a new protocol to improve information flow between emergency responders and decision-makers, reducing delays by seconds. The Multi Node Label Routing (MNLR) protocol helps detect failures and reroute data quickly, making it more reliable for emergency situations.
A team has introduced a controlled delivery system for micronutrients based on biohybrid microgels. The system adheres selectively to leaves and slowly releases nutrients, minimizing environmental problems and plant damage.
Researchers from the Bristol BioDesign Institute created a miniprotein with a stripped-down structure to investigate molecular forces that assemble and stabilize protein structures. They discovered subtle forces beyond hydrophobic interactions, which could lead to new drug targets.
A University of Washington study questions the natural thermostat related to rock weathering, suggesting a weaker link between temperature and chemical weathering rates. Researchers suggest alternative mechanisms controlling weathering, such as land exposure and surface steepness, may be more significant.
Researchers have created a human pulmonary thrombosis model on a chip, allowing for the study of blood clot formation in the lung. The Thrombosis-on-a-Chip technology replicates human lung capillaries and perfuses whole human blood through it, enabling the testing of potential drugs to treat or prevent pulmonary thrombosis.
A recent study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers has challenged traditional views of human papilloma virus (HPV) in HPV-related head and neck cancers. The study found that most HPV-related head and neck cancers have episomal HPV, not integrated HPV, which is associated with better treatment outcomes.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology pinpoint TWEAK as a common driver of skin inflammation in both diseases. The protein plays a major role in inducing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to the skin.
Researchers discovered laser-induced graphene is highly effective against bacteria and resists biofouling. When electrified, LIG kills bacteria through a combination of contact with its rough surface, electrical charge, and toxicity from hydrogen peroxide production.
Research by University of Arizona professor Jake Harwood and collaborators found that listening to music from other cultures improves intergroup attitudes. The study showed that individuals who listen to music produced by outgroup members experience a humanizing effect and reduce negative feelings towards those groups.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed data from a clinical trial and found no benefit of statins for all-cause mortality or coronary heart disease events when started for primary prevention in older adults. The authors concluded that treatment recommendations should be individualized for this population.
A recent study found that a cancer drug called ibrutinib can reduce allergic skin test reactivity by 80-90% in patients with certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. The treatment also showed promise in preventing reactions to common airborne allergens, such as cat dander and ragweed.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method to measure proteins in dry blood samples, allowing for easier and cheaper healthcare. The study found that this method has great potential to save resources and enable early diagnostics, with minimal changes to protein levels over time.
A global research team has identified a new gene behind autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a rare form of childhood kidney disease. The discovery uses whole exome sequencing to analyze genes simultaneously, revealing errors in the DZIP1L gene that cause kidney defects.
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can switch off the specific genes that make listeria bacteria dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acids took about half an hour to neutralize the bacteria, according to the study published in Research in Microbiology.
Researchers at Janelia Research Campus have discovered how fruit flies use a specialized nerve cell system to navigate their environment, involving the activation and suppression of neighboring neurons. The discovery sheds light on the fly's internal picture of the outside world and its cognitive processes.
Scientists at UCLA developed a laboratory test to determine the most effective treatment for gonorrhea. The new test led to a significant increase in the use of ciprofloxacin, from 0% to 34%, while reducing the use of ceftriaxone from 100% to 66%. This shift may help slow down the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers confirmed the orbit and temperature of TRAPPIST-1h, which orbits its star every 18.77 days and is frigidly cold. The discovery suggests that TRAPPIST-1h may have been habitable in the past, with a possible rotation period and activity level for its host star.
A new study from NIMBioS explores human social norms and their evolution. The model found that norm internalization readily evolves in both 'us-vs.-nature' and 'us-vs.-them' scenarios, suggesting a genetic variation in humans' ability to internalize norms.
A new study published in Health Communication suggests that mentioning 'repeal' or 'repeal and replace' in survey questions boosts support for the Affordable Care Act. The research analyzed hundreds of national opinion polls and found that people tend to oppose repeal, leading to increased support for the existing law.
A new study suggests that 'light' cigarettes have no health benefits and may contribute to the rise of lung adenocarcinoma. The FDA should regulate the use of ventilation holes on cigarettes to reduce the risk of this type of cancer, according to experts.
Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam identified 52 genes associated with intelligence, including 40 previously unknown discoveries. The study reveals a correlation between genetic influences on intelligence and educational attainment, as well as traits like autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.
Women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at greater risk for serious pregnancy complications, including ICU admission and increased risk of rare but severe complications such as hysterectomy and congestive heart failure. OSA also increases the risk of hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes.
Women who become caregivers after intimate partner violence experience increased depressive symptoms and stress. They also have worse physical health than other women, with nearly one in 20 middle-aged women in this position.
A study led by Bernd Schnabl found that chronic alcohol intake increases fungal populations in the intestine and levels of β-glucan in the bloodstream, leading to liver inflammation. Treating mice with anti-fungal agents prevented liver disease, supporting further research into the fungal microbiome's role in alcohol-related liver damage.
A new study found that intensive lowering of blood pressure reduced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and prevented cardiovascular events. Lowering systolic blood pressure to less than120 mmHg improved heart muscle, but did not correlate with fewer incidents.
A new investigational biologic, benralizumab, has shown promise in reducing the need for adults with severe asthma to take oral corticosteroids. The study found that patients enrolled in either of the benralizumab arms had a significant reduction in prednisone use and annual exacerbation rates compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers found that viral acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in infants may lead to oxidative stress and recurrent wheezing in early childhood. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, and measuring it in urine samples during a viral ARI may predict the development of recurrent wheeze.
Researchers at the University of Basel and Paul Scherrer Institute have produced a wafer-thin ferrimagnet by arranging phthalocyanine molecules on a gold surface in a checkerboard pattern. The material exhibits two-dimensional magnetic properties, making it suitable for applications such as sensors and quantum computing.
Research shows that blood cancer patients are less likely to enroll in hospice care compared to solid cancer patients. However, a survey of hematologic oncologists found that 68% agree that hospice care is helpful for blood cancer patients, and most would refer patients if red blood cell transfusions were available.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a lightweight, porous crystal with unprecedented structural complexity using uranium and organic linkers. The new material has a high surface area, pore volume, and water stability, making it suitable for separating small molecules and enzymes.
A registry-based study of 2.6 million individuals found that children born preterm are 17 times more likely to suffer heart failure than those born at full term. The study also suggests that the risk may remain in early adulthood.
A national study of college and university administrators has found that female department chairs, deans, and provosts have different attitudes and beliefs than their male counterparts about how to retain women professors in STEM fields. Female administrators gave higher ratings to policies and strategies designed to improve the lives ...
A new study found that health insurance reimbursement for complementary healthcare services is significantly lower than for primary care physicians. The likelihood of reimbursement was 69% lower for acupuncturists, 71% lower for chiropractors, and 62% lower for doctors of naturopathic medicine.
A new study found that children exposed to high levels of outdoor particulate air pollution during pregnancy and high maternal stress were more likely to develop asthma by age six. Boys were particularly affected, possibly due to slower lung maturation and increased risk of oxidative stress.
A 3.3 million-year-old fossil skeleton known as Selam has provided the first glimpse into how early human ancestors' spines were organized. The study found that portions of the human spinal structure enabling efficient walking motions emerged over 3.3 million years ago.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method for early cancer diagnosis that uses DNA barcoding to detect tumor cells in blood. The technique has been shown to increase sensitivity by thousand-fold, making it possible to screen at-risk patient groups and spot relapsing patients more effectively.
Chemists at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new terahertz calorimetry technique to map changes in water molecules around solutes. This method allows for real-time analysis of hydration shells and can be applied to complex systems like enzymes for drug design.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified two genes, Sap130 and Pcdha9, that play a crucial role in causing hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The study reveals that mutations in these genes can cause HLHS by compromising blood flow to the body.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have made a breakthrough in understanding how bacterial biofilms form, suggesting a new approach to preventing these deadly infections. By developing coatings for medical devices that block the trigger mechanism, biofilm-related hospital-borne infections could be sharply reduced.
A recent research review found that moderate drinking has little support for preventing heart disease. In fact, seniors who drink moderately may be healthier due to their age and health status. However, the association between moderate drinking and better health may be misleading due to factors such as age and overall health.
New research at Karolinska Institutet reveals the role of Endoglin protein in vascular formation and malformation, leading to potential treatments for vascular diseases. The study also found that reducing vascular malformation can be achieved by manipulating endothelial cells.
A team of researchers found computer code in Volkswagen vehicles that allowed them to circumvent emissions tests by activating curbing systems. The code, labeled as an 'acoustic condition,' was used on a wide range of models and emitted up to 40 times the allowed nitrogen oxides.
Researchers found that including social determinants of health in readmission rate evaluation improves accuracy. Social factors such as race and ethnicity, public insurance, and median household income impact hospital performance rankings.
A new Finnish study found that nearly half of patients with refractory status epilepticus (RSE) recovered to baseline function within a year. The study analyzed data from a population-based cohort and showed a mortality rate of 25% for RSE patients and 36% for super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) patients.
A recent study found that patients with heart failure may not benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) if they have low predicted risk of death and sudden cardiac death. The researchers identified a subgroup of patients who received significant survival benefits from ICDs, while others did not.
Researchers have identified a neural circuit in flies that updates its internal compass based on the insect's own movements, allowing it to track turns and navigate in the dark. This mechanism is similar to what has been suggested to exist in larger mammalian brains, including humans.
Researchers found that people are more interested in learning about the work of physically attractive and competent-looking scientists. However, attractiveness did not affect perceived competence or quality of research, with competent individuals often being considered less skilled.
Geologists created a computer model that helps understand Earth's interior and predicts tectonic activity, including earthquakes and volcanoes. The team found that the subducting slab is the dominant driving force behind mantle deformation.
A new study finds that severe obstructive sleep apnea is most common among African-American inner-city children from low-income families in Washington D.C. These children are also more likely to have a delayed diagnosis, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education to identify and treat the condition.
The new Phytobiomes journal aims to bridge the gap between basic and applied research in sustainable crop production. The journal publishes high-quality research papers on phytobiomes, exploring interactions between plants and their environment.
A new nanofluidic device enables rapid testing of protein drugs produced by living cells, offering continuous monitoring and automated quality control. The system can analyze small protein samples in 30-40 minutes, with potential future miniaturization for real-time point-of-care checks.
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) has successfully detected its first fast radio burst (FRB), marking a major breakthrough in this elusive field of astronomy. The detection was made using an innovative strategy, allowing the telescope to scan a larger area of the sky and increasing its chances of finding FRBs.
Researchers analyzed 15 studies to investigate the relationship between sexting and sexual behavior. They found a weak statistical correlation, but couldn't determine if sexting influenced behavior. A common definition of sexting is lacking, highlighting the need for better study design.
A study by Nilanjana Dasgupta and Tara C. Dennehy found that female peer mentors increased retention rates among young women in engineering majors, with 100% of mentored students still in the program after one year. The benefits of mentoring lasted for two years and were associated with higher motivation and confidence.