A new study reveals that mutations in 'Ras' genes, which drive 25% of human cancers, can also suppress the immune system around tumors by increasing PD-L1 levels. This understanding will help offer patients more precise and effective treatments.
A diabetes drug has been found to significantly reverse memory loss in mice with Alzheimer's disease through a triple method of action. The research, published in Brain Research, could bring substantial improvements in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
A team led by Dr. Marcus Conrad showed that selenium-containing GPX4 protects specialized neurons from oxidative stress and ferroptotic cell death. This study explains why selenium is essential for mammals, but not dispensable in other organisms.
Using streams as sensors near headwaters can help diagnose a watershed's sensitivity to changes in land use practices. By analyzing the chemistry of small streams, researchers can identify areas that can be sustainably developed for food production and target restoration efforts.
Researchers have identified a common phospholipid pathway in plants and parasites, including malaria-causing Plasmodium. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies for parasitic infections. The study also revealed that plant enzymes with similar structures can play different roles in the plant.
The mmMAGIC project has developed a radio interface for mm-wave communication, addressing challenges in capacity, throughput, latency, and energy efficiency required for 5G services. The project has demonstrated the feasibility and practicality of its technical solutions, contributing to the development of 5G mm-wave systems.
Researchers found combining blueberry extract with radiation increases treatment effectiveness for late-stage cervical cancer, reducing healthy cell damage by up to 70%. The study's lead author suggests blueberries as a potential radiosensitizer, a non-toxic chemical that enhances cancer cells' responsiveness to radiation therapy.
A recent study found that smokers who use e-cigarettes tend to smoke less and have increased quit attempts, making them a potentially valuable tool for quitting smoking. The study also showed that higher-dose e-cigarettes had stronger outcomes, with participants smoking an average of 37% fewer cigarettes.
Researchers at Nagoya University and Tsinghua University have analyzed the crystal structure of LURE bound to its receptor protein PRK6, revealing a unique binding scheme that controls pollen tube growth. The study provides insights into the precise mechanism of direction control in fertilization.
Researchers have discovered a way to prevent the Ebola virus from spreading by inhibiting a specific enzyme that allows it to copy itself. By blocking this enzyme, the virus's ability to produce more infection is reduced, suggesting potential breakthrough in treatment.
Researchers have developed a novel MOF shell-derived surface modification of Li-rich layered oxide cathode, enhancing its electrochemical performance. The LLO@C&NiCo cathode retains up to 95% capacity after 100 cycles and exhibits high rate capability.
Researchers propose a mechanism for ancient culture evolution tied to environment change and technological development, with varying influences at local, regional, and global scales. The study suggests that sudden disasters, climate change, and technological innovations drove social evolution.
The new guidelines provide strategies for including patients with brain metastases in clinical trials, addressing the lack of data on drug effects in the brain. The approach includes three specific strategies based on initial understanding of a drug's possible activity in the brain.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that taking topiramate in early pregnancy increases the risk of oral clefts, particularly at high doses. The risk is approximately three times higher for women who took topiramate compared to those who did not take anti-epileptic medications.
Researchers found that nearly half of neuroblastoma samples had gene loss or imbalance in DNA damage response-associated molecules located on chromosome 11. PARP inhibitors, commonly used for ovarian cancer treatment, showed promise as a potential therapeutic approach for targeting childhood cancer.
Researchers at Kumamoto University found that abnormalities in ion channels ENaC and CFTR reduce zinc delivery to lung epithelial cells, leading to excessive mucus production. This discovery sheds light on the role of zinc in pulmonary diseases and highlights the need for a therapeutic approach that considers transport mechanisms.
The study found that expanded Medicaid coverage led to a 2.3% decrease in uninsured rates among pregnant women who already had a child, and a 7.9% decrease in the number of uninsured mothers during pregnancy. Additionally, lower-educated mothers were 1.7% more likely to receive adequate prenatal care due to the expansions.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that ophthalmologists' perceptions of financial and clinical productivity declined as they adopted electronic health records, while overall practice costs increased. Only one-third of surveyed ophthalmologists said they would return to paper records if possible.
A survey of 348 US ophthalmologists found that EHR adoption has more than doubled since 2011 to 72 percent. Despite this growth, most ophthalmologists reported a decrease in productivity as a result of EHR use. This study emphasizes the need for improving the efficiency and usability of EHR systems to mitigate negative perceptions.
Researchers found that transcranial alternating current stimulation at 20 Hz increased voluntary risky decision-making, suggesting a link between reward processing and beta oscillatory activity. This discovery provides insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of risky decision-making.
Researchers identified a cluster of genes associated with antidepressant response in a mouse model, which were validated in human patients. The study suggests that molecular signatures can predict individual responses to treatment, potentially improving the quality of care for depressed patients.
The CARICOMP program found significant decreases in water quality at 42% of the monitoring stations across the Caribbean basin. Despite expected increases in water temperature due to global warming, no such changes were detected in the data set.
A PSU researcher has discovered that small inland ponds account for a significant portion of carbon dioxide and methane emissions from inland waters. Her study, published in Nature Geoscience, revealed that these small ponds, despite being only 9% of the total surface area, contribute 15% of CO2 emissions and 41% of methane emissions.
For the first time, researchers have captured detailed information on human sleep cycles over long periods of time while individuals slumber at home. The wrist-worn gadget, called an actimeter, records data on wrist movement to assess rest/activity cycles during sleep.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute use nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study the A2a adenosine receptor, revealing its dynamic structure and a
Researchers discovered a new protein, CTL1, essential for ion homeostasis in plants. It regulates vesicle trafficking and affects plant growth and development by controlling auxin transporters.
UC San Francisco bioengineers develop a method to create complex tissue shapes, such as bowls and coils, by patterning cells on thin layers of extracellular matrix fibers. This approach mimics natural developmental processes and offers new insights into the fundamental biology of tissue assembly.
A survey of residents near two national parks in Panama found that jaguars deserve increased protection due to human-jaguar conflict. The study suggests that educating stakeholders about the connection between healthy ecosystems and jaguar survival is crucial for effective park management.
Researchers developed a gene therapy approach using CAR T-cells to target and destroy HIV-infected cells, achieving sustained immunity of over two years in test animals. The engineered cells effectively attacked and killed HIV-infected cells without adverse effects.
Researchers from Ural Federal University and Karaganda State Technical University developed a mathematical model to optimize the operation of an autonomous heat supply unit. The study found that adjusting parameters such as blade size in the Cavitator increased cavitation intensity and temperature, improving efficiency.
Researchers found that estrogen treatment exerts positive effects on immune cells in the brain and oligodendrocytes, providing complementary actions that protect against MS damage. Estrogen's protective effect is mediated by protein ERb, targeting both cell types for disease prevention.
Researchers analyzed medical records of 487,104 black women and found that those with CCCA had a significantly higher prevalence of uterine fibroids compared to controls. The findings suggest a possible link between the two conditions, warranting increased awareness among physicians and patients.
The Genes in Space-3 team achieved the first-ever sample-to-sequence process entirely aboard the International Space Station, identifying two previously unknown microorganisms. The breakthrough could aid in diagnosing astronaut ailments, identifying DNA-based life on other planets, and benefiting other experiments.
Researchers Ryosuke Omori and Jianhong Wu develop an inductive algorithm to study site-specific nucleotide frequencies using a multi-strain SIR model. The algorithm calculates Tajima's D, a statistical test that measures natural selection at a specific site.
Researchers have identified 22 high-risk districts in Uganda where cholera outbreaks are more likely due to proximity to international borders and bodies of water. These districts are recommended for strengthened collaboration with neighboring countries to control the spread of cholera.
Tropical Cyclone Hilda formed near Australia's northwest coast, with NASA's GPM satellite detecting heavy precipitation. The storm intensified to a tropical storm before dissipating over land, bringing a Tropical Cyclone Warning to the region.
A new micro-needle patch has shown promise in laboratory trials for reducing bulging tummy fats by turning energy-storing white fat into energy-burning brown fat. The patch reduces weight gain and fat mass in mice on a high-fat diet over four weeks.
Research identifies missense mutations in NF1 gene as risk factor for severe neurofibromatosis symptoms. Patients with these mutations show high incidence of benign tumors and malignancies.
Researchers at TUM and Harvard University discovered a substance that interferes with the formation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis' mycomembrane. Combining this beta-lactone inhibitor with known antibiotics increases effectiveness by up to 100-fold, making it a promising new therapy for TB.
A recent study by UPV/EHU researchers shows that the interaction between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) controls forestry productivity in the Iberian Peninsula. The research reveals how these climate modes affect droughts, winters, and ecosystem productivity.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that female students outperform male students on biology courses where exams count for less than half of the total grade. The researchers suggest that instructors can mitigate performance gaps by using a mixed assessment model, incorporating lower-stakes exams and quizzes.
Bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics in small infections, which can drive superbug development; alternative treatments for these small infections could preserve antibiotic effectiveness
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found that cancer cells use the unfolded protein response to alter their circadian rhythm, contributing to tumor growth. Misfolded proteins cause disruptions in this natural clockwork, allowing cancer cells to survive conditions that would kill normal cells.
Researchers found charcoal accelerates fine roots decomposition, leading to increased CO2 emissions in boreal forests. High charcoal concentrations resulted in greater root mass loss over two years.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 18% of multiple myeloma patients experiencing cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE) such as hypertension, heart failure, or arrhythmia. Higher doses of carfilzomib are associated with higher rates of CVAE, and the drug is linked to an elevated risk of CVAE com...
Researchers propose alternative therapies for mild infections to slow antibiotic resistance development, maintaining effectiveness for severe infections. This approach involves targeting milder bugs that can indirectly hinder the spread of resistant strains.
Researchers at University of the Basque Country analyzed wave energy farm performance and found a capacity factor of 0.11, lower than wind and solar facilities. To improve efficiency, they suggest regulating turbine speed in relation to advancing waves.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women taking topiramate during the first trimester had a three times greater risk of giving birth to a baby with cleft lip or palate. The risk was higher for those taking high doses of the drug, and was comparable to lamotrigine.
A social dilemma experiment found that punishment is ineffective in promoting cooperation among players, with players instead replacing defection with punishment. The study suggests that punishment has a demoralizing effect and reduces the incentive to choose cooperation over competition.
A new guideline from Mayo Clinic suggests that exercise can help people with mild cognitive impairment, which is an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia. Twice-weekly workouts of 30 minutes or less may slow down the progression of symptoms.
A multimodal approach to peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) insertion in the emergency department has been shown to reduce unnecessary PIVC placements while increasing their utilization. This program benefits both patients and healthcare services, potentially leading to significant cost savings.
The study provides a quantitative picture of how surface conditions control the growth of palladium nanocrystals. Researchers designed experiments to assess energy barriers on various facets, using seeds with different surface configurations chosen to have only one type of facet.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can inject toxic proteins into their competitors, causing cell lysis and death, and then acquire antibiotic resistance by incorporating the released genetic material. This ability allows bacteria to rapidly develop resistance to antibiotics, posing a significant threat to patients in hospitals.
A multidisciplinary approach to identify and care for young women with ischemic stroke may lead to improved outcomes. The study proposes creating clinical decision rules, educational campaigns, and preventive strategies to address the unique challenges in this population.
A recent study led by Harvard University researchers found that coral restoration efforts can have a positive impact on fish communities in the short term and over time. The study showed that even after just one week, significantly more fish and a greater diversity of species were present at experimental coral beds.
New research reveals obesity causes durable and harmful changes to hematopoietic stem cell compartment, potentially impacting blood cancer development. The study also suggests lifestyle choices like diet may durably impact blood formation.
A randomized controlled trial found nearly doubling of STI testing in a group using internet-accessed testing compared to face-to-face appointments. E-STI testing should be considered as a complement to existing services, increasing uptake and treatment rates.
Researchers at Tokyo Tech have developed a new Langevin model that predicts low-energy fission more accurately by accounting for the deformation of nuclear fragments. The four-dimensional model fits empirical data better than previous models and has potential applications in radioactive waste containment and nuclear power generation.
A study found that private emergency departments refer patients to public hospitals with public options, resulting in duplicate testing and increased costs. This practice also strains hospital resources and poses risks to patients.
The PLOS Medicine collection addresses diverse topics in the field of STI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Researchers investigate vaccine development, online testing services, healthcare provider perspectives, and antibiotic shortages.