Researchers discovered that yeast breaks down amino acids to create a pool of nitrogen for use in protein synthesis, contrary to conventional wisdom. This finding could lead to better control of fermentation and improved wine quality.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 23, 2017
The MacKinnon lab has reconstructed the three-dimensional architecture of three molecular channels using cryo-electron microscopy. The findings reveal intricate details about how these channels function, with implications for understanding muscle contraction, heart rhythm, and other physiological processes.
Researchers have found that heat-dissipating compression clothing offers no temperature-controlling benefits during exercise in physically active young people. However, for older individuals, the use of these garments can increase body temperature and cardiovascular stress. The study suggests that athletes should avoid using heat-dissi...
SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·DateJan 23, 2017
A RAND Corporation study found that convincing low-cost lunch truck operators to provide healthier meals is possible with proper training and support. The study showed that healthier meals can be profitable for food trucks, especially those targeting white-collar or residential areas, and that consumers give them high ratings.
SourceRAND Corporation·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJan 23, 2017
Researchers evaluated the effects of laser tissue welding on simulated spina bifida repair in rabbits, finding that it did not cause damage to spinal cord or skin tissue. The study suggests a potential breakthrough in fetal surgical repair procedures, offering a possible solution for reducing complications and improving outcomes.
Researchers found that fetal genomic sequencing increased the detection rate of genetic findings by 10-30% in women with pregnancies complicated by major fetal congenital anomalies. The study also revealed new associations with genes and intolerant OMIM disease-associated mutations, improving patient counseling and neonatal treatment.
A new species of crab has been discovered in coral rubble off the coast of Guam, with a genus name inspired by 'Harry Potter' character Harry Conley. The species features reduced eyes and well-developed antennae to survive in dark depths.
The Lomonosov Moscow State University has launched the world's largest digital herbarium, featuring over 786,000 scanned images of plant samples. The database is part of the 'Noah's Ark' project and provides a valuable resource for studying and conserving biological diversity.
SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhytotaxa·DateJan 23, 2017
A Tel Aviv University study finds that the influx of non-indigenous species through the Suez Canal is causing irreversible damage to Mediterranean marine ecosystems, including the decline of native species and habitats. The researchers call for effective management measures to prevent further degradation and loss of ecosystem services.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalManagement of Biological Invasions·DateJan 23, 2017
Researchers found that people prefer large, widespread species for basic needs like food and medicine due to their ability to produce large quantities. In contrast, smaller palm species are often used for psychological and self-actualization needs with less dependency on biological traits.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 23, 2017
A small group of children with autism and moderate to severe gastrointestinal problems showed significant improvements in behavioral and gastrointestinal symptoms after receiving a fecal transplant. Parents reported positive changes that lasted at least eight weeks after treatment, while doctor-reported symptoms decreased by 22-24%.
SourceOhio State University·JournalMicrobiome·DateJan 23, 2017
A study published in the journal Microbiome shows that fecal microbial transplants can improve gastrointestinal symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders by 80%, while also improving social skills and sleep habits by 20-25%. The treatment, which involves transferring live gut bacteria from a healthy donor to a recipient, has s...
SourceArizona State University·JournalMicrobiome·DateJan 23, 2017
A new study found that genetic differences significantly affect engagement with online media, including games for entertainment and education, and social networking. Heritability estimates suggest that genetics account for up to 39% of time spent on online gaming.
SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 2017
Scientists have found that toroidal magnets can be used to detect axions, one of the dark matter particle candidates. The CAPPuccino submarine, a type of toroidal magnet, has been designed to amplify the energy of photons generated from the axion-photon interaction.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJan 23, 2017
A study across 10 countries found that aluminum cookware made from scrap metal contaminates food with high levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The investigation reveals a significant risk to public health, particularly for children, who may experience IQ reduction, brain damage, and cardiovascular disease.
SourceOK International·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 23, 2017
A new study suggests that a 'psychological vaccine' can help build tolerance to climate change misinformation, shifting opinions closer to the truth. Researchers found that pre-exposing people to small amounts of misinformation can provide resistance against subsequent exposure.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGlobal Challenges·DateJan 22, 2017
A new study found that sepsis accounts for the highest rate of hospital readmissions and associated costs among four tracked conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, COPD, and pneumonia. The study highlights the need to improve sepsis outcomes and reduce readmissions.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateJan 22, 2017
The new inverse algorithm stabilizes CO2 retrieval iterations using Levenberg-Marquardt parameters and a scale factor. Preliminary validations show improved quality of the MDNM-based retrieval results.
The frequency of meteorological disasters has increased due to global warming, causing severe social and economic losses in China and globally. The Collaborative Innovation Center on the Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters aims to resolve key issues related to these phenomena through joint research.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 21, 2017
Research by Sarah Arpin found that supportive partners provide a buffer to loneliness and sleep deficits in military couples. Sharing good news with partners can improve overall health and workplace success.
SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 21, 2017
Researchers explore how educated individuals resist scientific messages by cherry-picking information to support their beliefs. To change minds, it's essential to understand underlying motivations and tailor messages that align with these roots.
SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 21, 2017
Astronomers have discovered one of the brightest non-active galaxies in the early universe, BG1429+1202, located 11.4 billion light-years away. The galaxy's high luminosity was made possible by a gravitational lensing effect caused by a massive elliptical galaxy along the line of sight.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers at UC San Diego are working on developing new treatments for Zika virus infections and ovarian cancer using stem cell-derived natural killer cells. They have already reported promising results, suggesting that some FDA-approved drugs may be effective against the virus.
Researchers developed a new mouse model that faithfully reproduces the pathologies of COPD and CF, revealing two key pathways: oxidative stress and protease-antiprotease imbalance. The model shows promise for developing new medication therapies.
SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 20, 2017
Scientists propose a theory that large-scale vegetation patterns in arid ecosystems result from local interactions among plants and animals, rather than a single cause. Insect nests create visible clues for territory boundaries, influencing vegetation patterns.
Xia emphasizes that big data is about more than just numbers and requires new mathematical methods to analyze. Researchers in mathematics, signal processing, and computer science must develop these new tools to unlock the full potential of big data.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalIEEE Signal Processing Magazine·DateJan 20, 2017
Pre-operative liquid feeding is associated with reduced post-operative abscesses and intestinal leakage by nine-fold, with only one of 38 patients developing these complications. This study suggests exclusive enteral nutrition as a bridge to safer semi-elective surgery for complicated Crohn's disease patients.
SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers used buoys' trajectories to simulate debris motion, finding areas with high probability for MH370 crash. The analysis is consistent with recently confirmed aircraft debris finds, highlighting the importance of sustained ocean observations.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers at Tohoku University identified two new types of microRNA that improved hyperglycemia in a mouse model of diabetes. These miRNAs were shown to promote insulin-producing cell proliferation and regeneration, offering potential for therapeutic beta-cell regenerative therapies.
SourceTohoku University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJan 20, 2017
SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrate renoprotective effects by reducing intraglomerular pressure, hyperfiltration, and improving renal function in patients with diabetes. Additionally, these drugs modulate the renin-angiotensin axis, which may contribute to their observed benefits.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Vascular Pharmacology·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Tech found that the yeast protein Lsb2 forms a 'metastable' prion in response to elevated temperatures as a protective mechanism against stress. This discovery suggests that prions may play an adaptive role in cell survival.
SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 20, 2017
A new technique allows scientists to precisely regulate protein production from genes, enabling the design and study of biological systems. This breakthrough can be used to produce desired products, such as medicines, or study disease-related genes, including those implicated in cancer.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2017
Children with asthma were 51% more likely to become obese due to respiratory problems and potential weight gain from medication. Using asthma inhalers reduced this risk by 43%. The study suggests early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent childhood obesity.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 2017
The Venus flytrap captures insects to extract nutrients and energy. Researchers found that the plant produces additional energy by oxidizing amino acids from its prey.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 20, 2017
A survey of over 1,000 participants found strong evidence that individuals with depression and psychopathy are attracted to satanic practices for magical power. This correlation yields new perspectives on early-onset depression and highlights the need for verification in psychiatric hospitals.
Researchers at UPV and NUP-UPNA develop a new invisibility cloak that can make objects invisible in diffusive environments, such as fog or cloudy water. The device uses transformation optics to manipulate light and conceal the object from view.
SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers used imaging technology to track immune cells in living animals and identified a molecule required for their entry into the joint, which sets off inflammation. This discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory arthritis.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 20, 2017
A study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that 44% of patients were under-treated, while only 19% received recommended medication regimens. Patients who were under-treated had fewer exacerbations, indicating that ignoring guidelines may be beneficial in certain cases.
SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalInternational Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers use genetic correlation to link disease risks, including heart health and diabetes, using data from a long-standing cohort and electronic health records. The method provides opportunities to answer epidemiological questions in weeks rather than decades.
A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that humans, not climate change, led to the extinction of Australian megafauna around 45,000 years ago. The researchers analyzed ancient poop and sediment cores, finding a significant decline in megafaunal populations during this period.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2017
A UMass Amherst researcher argues that a historical investigation error led to the adoption of the LNT model, which challenged fundamental beliefs about ionizing radiation effects. The corrected research supports a threshold rather than linear dose response for carcinogens.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that mice with reduced brain cholesterol suffer neurological damage and behavioral abnormalities. The study suggests that cholesterol may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease in people with diabetes.
SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a program to help student-athletes improve their sleep habits. The study found that 68% of surveyed athletes reported poor sleep quality, with many getting less than seven hours of sleep per night.
Researchers found that successful quitters had a considerable improvement in their depression and 66.3% described no or minimal symptoms during a one-year follow-up. Stop smoking services can be effective in supporting people with depression, particularly with increased visits.
SourceCancer Research UK·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 20, 2017
A study of over 2,000 children found that those with asthma were 51% more likely to become obese than their non-asthmatic peers. The use of asthma rescue medications was shown to reduce the risk of obesity by 43%.
SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers identified specific neural pathways controlling temporal and spatial aspects of episodic memory in rats, revealing the brain's intricate communication between regions.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers explore electrocatalysis to transform atmospheric molecules into useful products, such as hydrogen and chemicals, for a sustainable future. Effective catalysts are needed to drive the process, but advancements in theory and experiments hold promise.
SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers found disruptions in brain network communication affect memory regions in individuals with PTSD, linked to avoidance symptoms. The study suggests treatments targeting enhanced communication may improve PTSD symptoms.
A new study by The Dartmouth Institute finds that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) with a high proportion of minority patients tend to perform worse on quality-of-care measures. ACOs serving these populations often struggle to offer essential services like routine specialty care and palliative care.
SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers at Uppsala University have found a new principle for epigenetic changes, involving the tryptase enzyme that cleaves histone tails. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining cellular identity and preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation.
SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 20, 2017
A new system was presented at the Association for Computing Machinery's Symposium on Principles of Programming Languages that automatically handles database caching in web applications written in Ur/Web. This system offers twofold to 30-fold speedups in experiments involving two websites.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 20, 2017
A positive relationship between counselor and patient is key to successful alcohol treatment, according to a new study. Patients with stronger alliances reported fewer days of drinking and heavier drinking between sessions.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateJan 20, 2017
Children living in slums in Brazil and East Lubbock, Texas, experience similar cognitive and behavioral effects due to toxic stress. The research project aims to identify chronic toxic factors common to both regions and promote cross-border scientific partnerships.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed an efficient iron-catalysed C-C bond-forming spirocyclization cascade, providing access to new 3D heterocyclic frameworks. This breakthrough could lead to huge economic gains in pharmaceuticals and agrichemicals.
SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered how peroxisomes and endoplasmic reticulum interact at the molecular level, crucial for lipid production and cell survival. Loss of this interaction leads to severe disorders, prompting hope for diagnosis and treatment.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 20, 2017
A fatty molecule thought to be unique to flowering plants has been found in bacteria from the Adriatic Sea, solving a 20-year-old paleontological mystery. The discovery challenges the assumption that isoarborinol's presence indicates land and flowering plant life.
SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2017
Two new articles emphasize the need for comprehensive approach to geriatric care, focusing on person-centered care and evidence-based changes. AGS prioritizes programs supporting high-quality care for older Americans, aiming to improve clinical care and workforce skills.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 20, 2017
Researchers found that smaller liposomes elicited higher levels of IgG and IgA antibodies in mice, while larger liposomes produced lower antibody titers. The study suggests that a mix of different liposome sizes can achieve similar results as the smallest liposomes.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalMedicinal Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2017
New studies by researchers at UCSF suggest that genetic variants affecting physical traits in men and women are linked to different disease risks. Autism risk is associated with genetic variants known to contribute differently to physical traits in boys and girls.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalGenetics·DateJan 20, 2017
A new computational design strategy identifies promising cathode coatings to protect lithium-ion batteries from degradation, extending device lifespan. Northwestern University researchers developed the approach using a massive materials database, ranking top candidates and accelerating experimental testing.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2017