Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to create nanoparticles with dysprosium atoms that can be magnetised and maintain their magnetic information. The scientists are now looking to stabilise the magnetisation at higher temperatures and longer periods of time.
Researchers created a genome-wide map of genes switched on and off in aggressive uterine cancer tumors, revealing a 'signature' of these switches throughout the genome. This discovery supports the idea that cancer cells suffer from an 'identity crisis', switching off specific genes to spread quickly.
Researchers have discovered the evolutionary history of cyanobacteria, the microorganisms responsible for 'inventing' oxygen-producing photosynthesis. The study found that Oxyphobacteria were the only group to evolve this process, with oxygenic photosynthesis arising around 2.3 billion years ago.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that learning a new task involving the hands can also improve performance with the foot, as measured by changes in brain activity between the motor cortex and cerebellum. This study demonstrates the brain's ability to adapt and transfer motor knowledge across body parts.
Researchers found that a transient increase in intracellular calcium ions causes cell deformation and contributes to neural tube formation in African clawed frogs. The pattern of fluctuation in calcium ions is complex, with local and transient rises causing morphological changes.
Researchers found that melt ponds in Arctic waters provide a nutrient-rich environment for algae and bacteria to grow, supporting marine life. This increase in productivity could lead to more food available for creatures such as seals, sea cucumbers, and fish in the polar seas.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel lonely experience worse cold symptoms than those who don't, regardless of their social network size. The researchers studied 159 participants and discovered that feeling lonely had a greater impact on symptoms than actual loneliness.
The PREDIMED study reveals a protective association between legume consumption, especially lentils, and the risk of developing subsequent type 2 diabetes. Legumes rich in B vitamins and fibre help improve human health and lower blood glucose levels slowly after consumption.
A new study analyzing over 50,000 patients with prostate cancer reveals a significant link between androgen deprivation therapy and dementia risk, suggesting that long-term use of this therapy may impact brain function. The findings also hint at a possible association between the treatment and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining five simple tests provides a broader and more accurate assessment of heart-disease risk. The tests, including an EKG, blood tests, and imaging, better predict who will develop heart disease compared to standard strategies.
A study analyzing data from three national databases found significant racial gaps in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy, with white patients having the highest rate of IBR. The disparities were similar among women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and were up to 50% in California.
A Hungarian-American team suggests that standard models of the universe fail to account for its changing structure, eliminating the need for dark energy. The new model shows how the formation of complex structures affects the expansion, providing an alternative explanation for the acceleration.
International research effort has advanced agriculture in space and led to Earth-based advances, including LED lighting and new seed potato propagation techniques. Plants will be a major component of proposed regenerative life-support systems for human space exploration, providing food, oxygen, and aiding water recycling.
A recent study found that group meditation using the Transcendental Meditation program significantly reduced urban murder rates in large US cities, with an estimated 4,136 murders averted between 2007-2010. The reductions were consistent with the hypothesis that a sufficiently large group practice creates a positive effect on society.
A new computational model simulates the role of the brain in Tourette syndrome, suggesting that motor tics arise from interactions between multiple brain areas. The model predicts how dysfunctions in neural circuits can lead to an increased number of tics, which could aid in identifying new treatment targets.
A UMD study found fruit flies taking naps had strongest resistance to fungal infection and bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a major human disease-causing agent. The research identified genes that contribute to overall immune system resistance, providing new insights into human health.
A new imaging tool can rapidly diagnose bacterial lung infections, helping prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reducing the emergence of resistant bacteria. The bedside technology has received £2million in funding and aims to revolutionize the assessment and treatment of critically ill patients and those with long-term lung conditions.
New measurements reveal that 66% of Mars' argon has disappeared from its thin atmosphere since formation, leading to huge climate changes. The research suggests that Mars once had a thicker atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, which was largely lost due to solar wind bombardment.
A collaborative study reveals the molecular details of the relationship between Brugia malayi and its endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia. The researchers found that Wolbachia plays a critical role in worm reproduction and survival, making it an essential target for novel drug development.
A new sensor system can continuously monitor the quality of engine oil in combined heat and power plants, providing reliable feedback on its condition and detecting potential deterioration. This enables operators to schedule maintenance more conveniently and reduce the risk of costly engine damage.
A recent study reveals that rearranging nest boxes increases the return of blue orchard bees to managed sites, leading to higher nesting success and potential for sustainable commercial pollination. The experiment found a uniform nest-box distribution resulted in significantly higher nesting by all three factors measured.
Scientists at ORNL and NCSU report growing graphene nanoribbons without a metal substrate, enabling controlled creation of interfaces with different electronic properties. This breakthrough addresses limitations in graphene's application in digital electronics.
A PolyU research team has developed a fast, affordable and accurate 3D fingerprint identification system. The system uses a single camera and LED lights to capture high-frequency information in 3D fingerprints, achieving an accuracy of around 97%.
A new MIT study reveals that 31% of NIH grants contribute to private-sector patents in biomedicine, while 8% generate patents directly. The research shows no significant difference between 'basic' and 'applied' research grants in terms of patent generation.
Scientists at NC State develop technique to convert positively charged rGO into negatively charged material, enabling the creation of rGO-based transistors. The method uses high-powered laser pulses to disrupt chemical groups, creating a p-n junction that's crucial for transistor applications.
The study found that most of the Martian gas has been lost to space due to solar wind and radiation stripping, altering the planet's climate and habitability. The loss of argon and CO2 indicates that the atmosphere was once warm enough to support liquid water and life.
A UK expert argues that by working together, police and health agencies can identify and address violence hotspots, reducing the number of injuries on America's streets. The 'Cardiff Model' has already shown promising results in reducing violence in the UK.
A consortium of UK universities has been awarded £3 million to establish a national high-performance computing facility for machine learning. The Joint Academic Data Science Endeavour (JADE) will provide computational resources for researchers in machine learning and data science.
Research suggests that biodiversity is linked to lower infectious disease prevalence in people, contradicting concerns that intact ecosystems pose a danger. However, animal species do not present an equal threat of disease transmission, and some families like rodents transmit disease more commonly than others.
Astronomers have discovered three young stars that were ejected from an unstable multi-star system, providing new clues to the breakup of such systems. The stars are moving at speeds of up to nearly 30 times faster than most other stars in the same region.
A study found that higher doses of vitamin C, particularly 8g per day, significantly reduced the duration of common cold symptoms. The findings suggest a dose-dependent effect and could lead to improved treatment options for individuals with common colds.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine studied Zika virus-infected cells using light and electron microscopy, revealing dramatic changes in cell architecture. These findings support the development of new therapeutics targeting both Zika and related viruses like Dengue.
Researchers at San Diego Zoo Global discovered that compatible panda personalities play a crucial role in breeding success. The study found that certain traits, such as excitability and aggression, are more effective when paired together.
The Graphene Experience Zone at GSMA Mobile World Congress 2017 featured 20 demonstrators and prototypes showcasing graphene-enhanced mobile technologies. Key highlights included the BAC Mono graphene-enhanced car, which improved fuel efficiency and performance.
Researchers found significant ethnic differences in visual function among Chinese, Malay, and Indian participants with age-related macular degeneration. Visual acuity was poorer in Chinese participants with early or late AMD, while Malay participants showed a trend of worsening visual function with increasing AMD severity.
Exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis, a common vaginal bacterium, awakens dormant E. coli and triggers recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in mice. The study suggests that G. vaginalis damage to bladder tissue can lead to reactivation of E. coli infection.
A new study reveals that a higher risk of transplant failure is associated with a 28% increase in weight compared to the donor, as well as a 35-50% relative risk for opposite-sex kidney transplants. This highlights the importance of considering donor and recipient matching beyond current immunology-based protocols.
Researchers found that short-duration heat waves can prevent coffee plants from producing flowers and fruit. Younger leaves are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, which can exacerbate the effects of drought.
Researchers randomized 345 patients with type 1 reactions to receive either prednisone or prednisone plus azathioprine for varying durations. While all groups showed some improvement in symptoms, azathioprine failed to reduce recurrence rates or improve outcomes for nerve damage compared to standard treatment.
Researchers at UAB have designed triple-threat cancer-fighting polymer capsules that can deliver drugs to tumors while protecting against collateral damage. The capsules show good imaging contrast, stably encapsulate cancer drugs, and can be triggered by low- or high-power ultrasound to release their cargo.
A recent study published in Science reveals that public funding for biomedical research is essential for driving innovation. The analysis found that 30% of NIH-funded grants generate articles that are subsequently cited by commercial patents, highlighting the importance of publicly-funded research in informing commercial innovation.
A team of scientists used Met Office technology to study climate change and predicted the behavior of proteins within human cells. They discovered that tail-anchored membrane proteins are routed to specific organelles based on their chemical properties, such as charge and hydrophobicity.
NASA analyzed heavy rainfall from ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie using the Terra satellite, finding totals exceeded 500 mm (~ 20 inches) along parts of its track. Rainfall intensities dropped rapidly as the storm moved over land, with the most extreme falls recorded along the coast where it made landfall.
The fang blenny's opioid peptides inhibit pain rather than cause it, making them a potential source of new painkillers. The unique venom also gives the fish an advantage in the wild, allowing it to escape predators or defeat competitors.
Researchers found that certain white blood cells, known as BK virus-specific CD8 killer T lymphocytes, significantly increase in patients who can control the virus. These cells can be propagated in cell cultures and may contribute to developing vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapy.
A study found that adding a question about blood thinner use improves sensitivity for identifying traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Researchers analyzed charts for 2,100 patients and suggested that medication history should be available to EMS providers to ensure timely treatment.
A new study found that a type of vaginal bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis, can trigger recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by damaging bladder cells and allowing E. coli to multiply. The researchers suggest that this may be why some women experience UTIs after having sex.
Researchers at Princeton University found that the brain's hippocampus plays a broader role in memory and learning, involved in both spatial navigation and cognitive tasks. The study used rats to explore sound frequencies and showed similar neural activity patterns as those seen when navigating physical environments.
Researchers have successfully visualized the development of blood vessels in zebrafish embryos without labels or contrast agents, enabling better understanding of brain and cardiovascular diseases. The new study uses optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy to provide three-dimensional images with high spatial resolution.
Teenagers involved in bullying have a higher preoccupation with weight loss than their peers, with 42% of bullies and 55% of victims showing extreme obsession. Clinicians should target emotional wellbeing and self-esteem issues when treating victims of bullying.
A study by University of York researcher Emma K Wallace found that captive chimpanzees did not benefit from being played classical or pop/rock music, nor did they show preferences for specific genres. The research suggests that music may be a uniquely human trait and should not be considered a form of enrichment for these animals.
Carl June, a renowned immunotherapy pioneer, has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research Academy. He designed chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment. June's work has had a significant impact on cancer research and treatment.
A new software package, Causative Classification of Stroke (CCS), provides evidence-based, automated support for diagnosing the cause of ischemic stroke. CCS was validated in a study involving 1,816 patients and showed better correlations between clinical and imaging features than conventional systems.
A Vanderbilt study found that increasing the supply of a natural chemical called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the brain promotes resilience to acute stress exposure. The study suggests that boosting this signaling system could represent a new treatment approach for mood and anxiety disorders, including PTSD.
Researchers developed a standardized protocol for measuring gas-phase and particulate-phase free radicals in cigarette smoke. The study found that levels of these radicals varied widely across cigarette types, with highly ventilated cigarettes producing lower levels.
A new microfluidic platform helps researchers understand how red blood cells recover their shape after deformation, shedding light on diseases like sepsis and malaria. The system reveals that cells hold less fuel under stress, contrary to intuition.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have discovered the key to hMTH1's ability to hydrolyze multiple oxidized dNTPs with high efficiency. The protonation state of specific aspartate residues plays a crucial role in this process, allowing for targeted inhibition of cancer cells.
A recent study conducted by the University of Calgary found that radon gas levels in over 2,300 Calgary and area homes exceeded Health Canada's acceptable limits. The results show that there is no unaffected neighborhood, and homeowners who remediated their homes saw a reduction in radon levels to safe ranges.
Researchers discovered a novel therapeutic target called LPCAT2 that could effectively treat neuropathic pain. The study also identified a platelet alleviating factor (PAF) pain loop that affects neuropathic pain, suggesting potential benefits from PAF-receptor antagonists.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have made significant advancements in liquid biopsies, a non-invasive method for detecting cancer. Studies focus on using fluid in the lungs to test immunotherapy treatments and circulating tumor cells in prostate cancer patients.