Researchers discover how tau prevents synaptic transmission in nerve cells, even before forming tangles, which disrupts brain cell function. This mechanism may pave the way for a treatment to prevent death of nerve cells.
B.J. Fregly, a mechanical engineering researcher, will work with oncologists at Rice University to optimize pelvic surgery outcomes using personalized computer models. The goal is to predict surgical outcomes and improve recovery times for cancer patients undergoing difficult pelvic surgeries.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals with a larger striatum in their brain may struggle with uncertainty, leading to anxiety disorders. The research suggests a relationship between an individual's ability to cope with uncertainty and the volume of gray matter within the brain.
Scientists at the University of Seville have found that adult carotid body mother cells can transform into both blood vessels and neurons. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for pediatric tumors and Parkinson's disease, as these stem cells may contribute to tumor growth.
A genetic mutation contributing to childhood blindness has been identified in patients with ocular coloboma, a condition resulting in part of the eye being missing at birth. The study revealed mutations in 10 genes linked to actin activity, affecting eye development.
Researchers from the Universities of Cape Town and Bonn suggest that warm-bloodedness may have originated 20-30 million years ago in land animals. This is based on analysis of long-extinct animal fossils, which show signs of fibrolamellar bone structure indicative of warm-bloodedness.
Two randomized trials found that zinc lozenges reduced common cold duration by an average of 4.0 days and 1.77 days, but applying these effects to placebo groups resulted in impossible durations when using absolute scales. In contrast, percentage effects of 43% and 25% were realistic and more informative for communicating findings.
A new study suggests that being overweight in childhood substantially increases the lifetime risk of major depression. Carrying excess weight over a lifetime quadrupled the chance of developing depression compared to only being overweight as an adult.
Researchers have developed a new framework to study osmosis and diffusio-osmotic flow, which can accurately predict behavior in various industrial and medical applications. The findings provide a unified approach to understanding these phenomena, enabling the estimation of effects on liquid transport across nano-porous membranes.
Scientists have observed a surprising competition between electromagnetic and neutron decay modes in a tin-133 nucleus. The discovery suggests that nuclear structure effects play a more significant role than previously thought, potentially altering our understanding of nuclear synthesis and the creation of heavy elements.
Researchers found that RIPK3 acts as part of the brain's anti-viral inflammation response, placing an order for chemokines to attract infection-fighting white blood cells. This approach restricts viral pathogenesis without directly stopping virus reproduction within brain cells.
A Penn State researcher has been awarded nearly $8 million by DARPA, the US Navy, and Lockheed Martin to continue his work on engineered metamaterials. The project aims to develop new algorithms and simulation tools for designing optical materials, with potential applications in electromagnetic cloaking technology.
Scientists have developed a high-throughput protocol to derive human microglia from stem cells, which can be used to investigate the role of microglia in neurological disorders. This new method enables researchers to generate microglia from individual patients' samples and advance complex disease modeling in a dish.
Researchers at Kobe University have developed a new photocatalyst that increases hydrogen production tenfold. By deliberately creating a lack of uniformity in size and arrangement of crystals, the team was able to spatially separate electrons and holes, preventing recombination and increasing conversion efficiency.
Research highlights the importance of non-visual factors like voice and scent in social perception, which can influence attractiveness. Studies have shown that people can accurately guess characteristics like gender, age, and body size from a voice or scent.
A team of MIT researchers created a system that allows directors to specify a shot's framing and generate control signals for a camera-equipped autonomous drone, preserving the framing as actors move. The system guarantees safe collision avoidance with obstacles.
A new study from FSU's College of Medicine projects that 18 states can eliminate racial disparities in infant mortality by 2050, saving over 4,000 lives annually. This encouraging trend is a rare bit of news on infant mortality, which persistently affects black babies more than white babies.
A team of researchers from Université Laval has created a smart T-shirt that can monitor a person's breathing rate in real time. The innovative design uses an antenna sewn into the chest level to detect changes in thorax circumference and air volume, allowing for reliable data capture.
A nationwide analysis reveals rural areas are falling behind in water efficiency, while urban centers show significant improvements. The study attributes this to lack of resources and political will in rural counties.
A new study found that higher body fat was linked with increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Waist circumference and BMI were shown to provide similar information on risk as more direct measures of different types of body fat, indicating these simple measures may be reliable for assessing an individual's risk.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that smokers who received customized, frequent emails with quitting tips and social support had higher cessation rates than those who received non-tailored emails or no email support. The success rate was highest among those receiving daily or near-daily guidance.
In a breakthrough study, Johns Hopkins researchers identified a new way that the brain communicates with the immune system, using vesicles and small fat-like molecules to send signals. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for brain injuries by targeting the inflammatory response.
Positive trends in creating open and reproducible environments are underway, with more researchers sharing data and software. Technology is also improving, with new web-based management tools and data depositories being developed.
Scientists developed an automated approach to track neurons in the brain of freely crawling worms, enabling researchers to correlate neural activity with specific movements and behaviors. The new algorithm, dubbed Neuron Registration Vector Encoding, improves upon previous methods by assigning a unique identity to each neuron it detects.
Researchers identified two genes that contribute to extreme branching in tomatoes, but found a way to use these genes to create improved plants with increased fruit yields. The study's findings could have implications for other crops in the same genus as tomatoes.
A study tracking body mass index over 16 years found that women who are divorced, separated, or widowed and smokers are at high risk of becoming overweight or obese. Measuring rates of weight gain between 18-23 years old could help identify those who need assistance with prevention.
A study in mice and humans suggests that intestinal bacteria can influence the structure of brain blood vessels, leading to stroke or epilepsy. Researchers found that eliminating bacteria reduced lesion formation, while a drug blocking TLR4 also showed therapeutic potential.
A new research study presented at the European Congress on Obesity suggests using a mindfulness approach is an effective way to aid weight loss. Participants who completed the online program 'Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less' lost more weight than those in the waitlist control group.
A study published by PCR found that TAVI significantly lowers the incidence of early stroke at 30 days and two years compared to surgical aortic valve replacement. The procedure also showed similar one-year mortality rates for both groups with stroke or encephalopathy at 30 days.
A three-year study found that invasive species like Japanese stiltgrass can leave lasting impacts on local ecosystems, including altered soil nutrient levels and changes to vegetation communities. Early eradication is crucial to prevent these long-term effects.
A neural explanation for 'monkey see, monkey do' involves a specialized circuit in primates analyzing social interactions like grooming and fighting. The study found that brain networks associated with visual features are highly active when observing these interactions, similar to the human brain's social interaction systems.
A new study found a positive association between father's pre-conception vitamin D intake and child height and weight at 5 years old. Maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy has previously been shown to have an impact on offspring health, but this is the first investigation into paternal vitamin D intake.
A three-month contemplative training course improved participants' ability to identify and understand their own inner parts and those of others. The more negative inner parts identified, the better awareness of other people's frame of mind became.
Researchers analyzed drainage patterns on three planets, revealing that long-wavelength features dominate the layout of river networks. The study suggests that short-wavelength features like mountains can divert rivers, leading to poor correlation between river flow directions and large-scale landscape topography.
A Drexel University team developed a new concrete mix using fly ash, slag, and silica fume to resist chemical erosion from road salt. The research found that these supplementary cement materials can be substituted into the mix with better results when exposed to calcium chloride deicing salt.
Research found that eating three or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily can reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) by 18 percent. The study, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, also highlighted the importance of public health awareness and dietary assessments for PAD patients.
Research finds that tulip bulbs from the Netherlands are carrying a fungal pathogen resistant to key antifungal therapy, Voriconazole. The discovery raises concerns for immunocompromised patients and highlights the need for vigilance in preventing the spread of resistance.
A global study reveals significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among countries, with the US scoring poorly due to preventable causes. The study uses a novel analysis of mortality rates from 32 amenable causes, providing insights into gaps in healthcare systems worldwide.
The MMS mission has discovered a hybrid motion exhibited by electrons in intermediate strength magnetic fields, characterized by spiraling and bouncing motions. This phenomenon plays a key role in magnetic reconnection, a process that can explosively release large amounts of stored magnetic energy.
Researchers aim to use Zika virus to target glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of brain tumour. The virus can cross the blood-brain barrier, sparing healthy tissue and opening a potential new way to attack the disease.
Rice researchers develop a graphene-nanotube hybrid anode that stores 3,351 milliamp hours per gram of lithium, close to the theoretical maximum and 10 times that of lithium-ion batteries. The anode material suppresses dendrite growth, allowing for efficient lithium storage.
A new study published in Prevention Science found that Charlie Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure on November 17, 2015, corresponded with record levels of HIV testing, including a near-doubling in at-home rapid test sales. The study also suggests that public health leaders should consider embracing big media data for decision-making.
The RMIT team has developed a nano-hologram that is simple to make, can be seen without 3D goggles and is 1000 times thinner than a human hair. The discovery could transform industries such as medical diagnostics, education, data storage, defence and cyber security with the potential to display a wealth of data.
A Canadian researcher has received a $3.99 million grant to develop an HIV vaccine candidate in partnership with IAVI. The team aims to improve upon a promising candidate and advance it to clinical testing in human volunteers.
Astronomers have discovered a moon orbiting the third largest dwarf planet in our solar system using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The discovery provides key insights into how moons formed in the young solar system.
A Los Alamos research team used neutron crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of a protein that breaks down cellulose, a key step in creating biofuels. The findings suggest that understanding the mechanism of this enzyme could lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of ethanol.
A Phase 3 clinical trial found that adding mepolizumab to standard treatment for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) significantly improved remission rates, with 28% of participants achieving remission after one year. The disease was in remission at weeks 36 and 48 in 32% of participants who received mepolizumab.
A new study reveals a global pattern of caterpillar predation driven by tiny arthropod predators like ants, contrary to expectations. The trends show that caterpillars near the Equator are eight times more likely to be eaten than those at the poles.
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that Chagas disease significantly increases the risk of death, especially among those with cardiac complications. The study suggests that deaths from Chagas have been under-reported due to misdiagnosis and highlights the need for further research into new therapeutic options.
A global pattern in predation on insect herbivores has been discovered using 'dummy caterpillars', revealing that tiny arthropod predators like ants drive the increase in predation risk towards the Equator. The study found a significant decrease in predation risk near the poles, with a corresponding increase near the Equator.
Researchers discovered that stretching and compressing ceria increases its oxygen storage capacity, overturning conventional wisdom on oxide materials. This finding has significant implications for developing solid oxide fuel cells and green-energy technologies.
Scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München demonstrate that tiny spots of silver can significantly reduce energy consumption in light-based computation. By exploiting the properties of plasmon oscillations, they achieve a balance between nanometer-scale dimensions and low energy loss.
Scientists have identified two natural human antibodies that can neutralize all five known ebolaviruses, offering a breakthrough in the fight against these deadly viruses. The antibodies work by interfering with the virus's ability to infect cells, preventing it from multiplying and causing disease.
A study published at European Congress on Obesity found that people with higher levels of visceral fat (internal fat around organs) and thigh muscle fat spend more nights in hospital. Visceral fat was significantly associated with healthcare burden, while thigh muscle fat infiltration had mixed results.
Researchers have identified a key process that contributes to chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriages in older women, offering new hope for improving fertility treatments. The discovery focuses on the regulation of securin levels in egg development, which can help prevent chromosomal abnormalities.
A new study models herbivore arthropods across six continents and finds that predation rates decrease with increasing latitude and elevation. The research suggests that caterpillars may have evolved shorter development times to counteract increased predation at lower latitudes.
A recent study challenges GIS credibility in assessing shoreline erosion to archaeological sites, highlighting the need for more current imagery sources and semi-regular updates. The research suggests that while GIS can be useful in identifying areas at risk, its limitations due to volatile weather conditions must be acknowledged.
A comprehensive national database of state firearms laws has been developed to gauge the impact of laws intended to reduce firearm-related violence. The study found a significant increase in enacted state firearm provisions nationwide, but also identified disparities and inconsistencies between states.
Researchers identified neural circuits behind sensory deficits in Parkinson's disease by studying mice with dopamine-depleted brains. The study found that treating mice with L-DOPA restored their ability to distinguish between left and right whiskers, offering new avenues for earlier diagnosis.
Researchers at Duke University have developed new algorithms that enable analysis of sensitive data while guaranteeing individual privacy. The tools use a customized definition of privacy similar to differential privacy, injecting just enough noise to satisfy regulations and uphold the law.