Scientists use x-ray lasers to map out water's fluctuations between two liquid states as it cools. Water behaves strangely compared to other substances, with density and specific heat responding oppositely to pressure and temperature changes.
A research team led by Tanya Prozorov has demonstrated the first high-resolution mapping of magnetic fields in bacterial cells and magnetic nano-objects in liquid. This capability has vast potential for scientific breakthroughs in physics, nanotechnology, biofuels conversion, biomedical engineering, catalysis, batteries, and pharmacology.
Scientists at UTHealth and UT Health San Antonio are developing an innovative antibody-based drug to stem the spread of breast cancer to bone, linked to reduced survival rates. The goal is to create a less toxic treatment and reduce deaths tied to breast cancer's spread.
A team of MGH investigators has developed an approach to convert autoantibodies into anti-inflammatory antibodies using enzymes, which showed promise in treating two autoimmune diseases. The researchers hope this method will provide a more effective and efficient alternative to IVIG treatment.
Researchers propose a new term, mapranosis, to describe the interaction between gut microbiota and brain proteins that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. The process involves amyloid protein misfolding and inflammation in the nervous system.
A new study found that adolescents who experienced frequent psychosocial risks are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior and report unprotected sex. The longitudinal study of 850 African-American students from age 14 to 32 revealed a higher risk of HIV infection for those with co-occurring psychological and social risk factors.
Researchers estimate that vampire bat rabies causes between 505-724 cattle deaths annually in Peru, with significant financial losses for farming communities. Enhancing vaccination programs can reduce the disease burden and increase awareness can encourage preventative measures.
A new technique uses interactive software to analyze digital images of giant panda footprints, identifying individual animals and their sex with high accuracy. The system's ease of use makes it suitable for studying elusive species like the giant panda.
The University of Texas at Arlington has extended its partnership with Apache Corporation to study the Alpine High region's surface and groundwater quality. The project aims to provide baseline data for ongoing monitoring efforts and evaluate stimulation additives to optimize oil and gas well efficiency.
Researchers at Ural Federal University and Institute of Chemistry of Solids created a new compound that converts UV radiation into visible light. The compound has potential uses in medical and optical devices, as well as air pollution analysis.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a multifunctional role for the protein nup98 in blood cell development, enabling immature stem cells to differentiate into specialized mature cell types. The findings also shed light on the mechanism of leukemia formation and its potential treatment.
A team of experts has identified a gene that triggers resistance in wheat to the devastating fungal pathogen Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt). The breakthrough allows for DNA testing to identify whether a rust strain can overcome a resistance gene, enabling targeted treatment and reducing crop devastation.
A study by Nanyang Technological University found that oil palm production in Malaysia leads to a surge in wild boar population, damaging forest trees and preventing regeneration. The researchers suggest larger buffer areas around forest reserves to limit wildlife access to oil palm fruits.
A new study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers suggests that medications alone may not be effective in helping smokers quit. Despite promising results in clinical trials, the study found no evidence that pharmaceutical cessation aids improved smoking cessation rates in real-world settings.
New research suggests that varenicline, a commonly prescribed smoking cessation drug, may be associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The study found that patients taking varenicline were 34% more likely to experience a cardiovascular event compared to those who did not take the drug.
A new study analyzing heart attack care and spending in America since the turn of the century shows increased survival rates and growing costs, with variation between hospitals on both scores. Early stenting treatment has been found to be cost-effective, particularly for high-volume hospitals.
A recent study in NeuroRehabilitation highlights the need for better addressing neurosexuality in patients with neurodisabilities, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The research provides guidance for healthcare providers and caregivers to improve sexual function and quality of life.
Scientists have successfully packaged a cancer drug into sperm cells, which were then guided to cervical cancer cells using magnetic forces. The loaded sperm killed over 80% of the cancerous tumor with minimal payload loss.
Scientists developed a model to estimate the maximum magnitude of an earthquake caused by wastewater injection from hydraulic fracturing. The model takes into account the energy stored on nearby faults and predicts the distance an earthquake can propagate beyond an injection site.
Scientists have discovered that blueberry vinegar can restore cognitive function in mice with induced amnesia by reducing the breakdown of acetylcholine and boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The treatment improved short-term memory performance in maze tests and avoidance tests.
Researchers found that low-dose X-ray treatment does not induce genome instability or DNA damage in stem cells. Instead, these cells proliferate and maintain their health, contradicting previous assumptions about the harm caused by ionizing radiation.
A study by Queen Mary University of London researchers found that robot drummer Mortimer's social media posts sparked significant human interaction, particularly when accompanied by photos and comments. Music proved to be a key factor in establishing believability and long-term engagement with the robot.
A Houston Methodist research team has identified a critical switch controlling T-cell function and discovered a pathway to target it, potentially solving autoimmune diseases and organ transplant rejection. By inhibiting IRF4 expression in activated T-cells, the researchers found they could render them irreversibly dysfunctional.
New research reveals exercise during nicotine exposure decreases withdrawal symptoms by activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This protective effect may aid smoking cessation by reducing withdrawal severity and promoting recovery.
Researchers at USC found that automated Twitter accounts promoting the idea that e-cigarettes help people stop smoking are more likely to be hazardous to users' health. These 'social bots' were two times more likely than humans to promote both new products and the idea that e-cigarettes empower people to quit smoking.
A randomized trial showed that an alternative, potentially one-time operation called endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC) is as good for infant brain development as placing a shunt. The study found no significant difference in cognitive scores between the two groups after 12 months.
A new study reveals that inflammatory mechanisms in the brain drive Alzheimer's disease progression. The research found a molecular complex of the immune system promotes aberrant aggregation of proteins, including Amyloid-beta, which accumulates in the brain and harms neurons.
Researchers at University of Zurich discovered how pollen tubes interact with female plant tissue, using extracellular signals to regulate growth and respond to changes in the cell wall. This knowledge opens up potential applications for plant breeding, including influencing pollination and seed formation.
Detergent chemistry significantly impacts the removal of silver nanoparticles from laundry wastewater, with ion-exchange technology recovering up to 99% of the metal. The study's findings could help improve wastewater treatment and reduce aquatic harm.
A study by Ca' Foscari University and CNR found that autumn leaves in Italian woods can contaminate soil with high levels of hydrocarbons, up to four times the legal limit. The researchers identified natural sources of these hydrocarbons, including plant origin, but emphasized that even low concentrations may pose a toxicity risk.
A national survey experiment reveals that 53% of respondents supported denying service to same-sex couples, while 39% favored it for interracial couples. Support for service refusal extends beyond religious reasons, with many citing individual rights and libertarianism.
Researchers directly observed microbial activity in Antarctic and Arctic snow, revealing metabolically active bacteria that remain active in compressed ice. This discovery could lower estimated CO2 levels before human impact, expanding the search for habitable planets.
A new study found that Hookpod devices can effectively reduce seabird bycatch in pelagic longline fishing. By reducing bird deaths, these devices may help save threatened albatross species from extinction.
Researchers found that most dog treats contain undefined ingredients, including sugars, and often exceed the recommended daily energy allowance. Treat labels should be more explicit and provide detailed information on ingredients and energy content to prevent obesity and related health issues.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered a genetic variation that predicts how well people perform certain mental tasks when sleep-deprived. Individuals with a specific variation of the DRD2 gene are resilient to the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive flexibility.
Researchers developed an algorithm to improve the control of series elastic actuators in robots, enabling better handling of unknown payload parameters and external disturbances. The new method allows for more flexible and precise robotic movements, improving human-robot interaction safety.
A study by UBC Sauder School of Business found that price-conscious consumers perceive customer service workers as less human. This dehumanization can lead to poorer treatment and higher job dissatisfaction among employees. The research highlights the importance of recognizing human needs in customers, even when focusing on saving money.
Scientists at Bonn University have found that plants use minute spines of extremely hard calcium phosphate to defend against herbivorous insects, such as aphids. This unique biomineral is widespread in plant species and can deter many types of insects from damaging the plants.
Scientists have obtained detailed snapshots of the structure of a membrane pore that enables epithelial cells to absorb calcium. This finding could accelerate the development of drugs to correct abnormalities in calcium uptake, which are linked to various types of cancer.
Thomas Fire contained to 60% thanks to improving weather conditions, with satellite images showing reduced hot spots and smoke. However, forecasted strong north winds may reignite the fire, prompting concern for continued spread.
Scientists have discovered a 508-million-year-old sea predator with a unique 'jackknife' head, shedding light on the evolution of spiders, scorpions, and horseshoe crabs. The fossil's anatomy reveals a complex apparatus of appendages and jaws that made it an efficient predator.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered a specific subset of pluripotent embryonic stem cells that can transform into totipotent-like cells in culture. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments and therapies for various diseases, including diabetes and lung conditions.
Astronomers have imaged the surface of a red giant star, π1 Gruis, in unprecedented detail. The star's photosphere features just a few convective cells, or granules, which are much larger than those on our Sun.
Researchers develop CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing therapy to prevent hearing loss in a mouse model of human genetic progressive deafness. The therapy delivers the protein complex directly into sound-sensing cells, disrupting the mutation that causes cell death and preserving some hearing.
Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a way to prevent fat cells from growing larger, leading to weight gain and obesity. By activating a specific protein pathway in mice, they found that high-fat diets did not lead to obesity.
Researchers created a nanomedicine platform that uses near-infrared imaging to detect tumors and kill residual cancer cells using phototherapy. The platform has shown great precision and thoroughness in cancer treatment, with promising results in mouse models.
A recent study published in Oncotarget found that cancer drug affordability is correlated with wealth, with the US having the highest average monthly price per patented drug. This has led to a financial burden on both society and patients, with individuals diagnosed with cancer being 2.7 times more likely to declare bankruptcy.
A new medical school curriculum aims to educate healthcare professionals on recognizing the signs of human trafficking, a public health crisis in the US. The M-SIGHT program utilizes patient simulation training to prepare students to identify victims and intervene on their behalf.
A team of researchers from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals proposed a control design for the I-PENTAR wheeled inverted pendulum assistant robot to tackle stability issues and uncertainty. The algorithm improved the robot's ability to maintain balance even in uncertain environments.
Research on 555 sets of twins found that aggression in children is influenced by both genetics and the environment. At age 6, genetic factors contribute equally to proactive and reactive aggression, while environmental factors take over after age 12.
Experts warn of a significant peak in chocolate poisoning risk for dogs during Christmas and Easter, due to increased accessibility of festive treats. Researchers analyzed 386 cases of dog intoxication from UK veterinary practices between 2012-2017, finding vomiting, heart rate increases, and agitation were common symptoms.
Researchers have identified 'sleeper cells' that can survive antibiotics and lie in a dormant state. These cells can evade detection using traditional methods, making them a significant public health concern.
Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a new detection system that can detect single protein biomarkers directly in human serum, allowing for earlier treatment of diseases. The system uses synthetic DNA molecules to bind to specific target biomarkers and measure changes in electrical current through nanopores.
A new study suggests that replacing one to two animal proteins with plant proteins daily can reduce three main cholesterol markers for heart disease prevention by about 5%. Combining this with other cholesterol-lowering foods like viscous fibers and sterols may yield even greater health benefits.
The Science Bridge project aims to promote cooperative projects in neuroscience and medical sciences through conferences, exchange programs, and joint funding bids. Twin Institutes will be established, fostering the free exchange of ideas between Western and Middle Eastern/South Asian research institutions.
The study found that ancient Andean societies developed specific environmental knowledge to conserve water and avoid frost, enabling them to flourish in an arid region. The discovery of micro-terraces and non-centralized agrarian systems suggests a resilient approach to agriculture that continues to inspire indigenous communities today.
Researchers discovered that a medication used to treat joint and skin conditions can help people with cancer survive by increasing the survival of transplanted blood stem cells. The drug etanercept blocks TNF-a, which kills healthy cells, allowing human blood stem cells to thrive in new hosts.
Tropical Storm Kai-Tak has strengthened over the South China Sea with powerful thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures reaching as low as -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to move southwesterly and approach the Malay Peninsula by Dec. 22, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
A national survey found that many Americans support denying service to same-sex couples, but not necessarily due to religious reasons. The study also discovered surprising strong support for denying service to interracial couples, highlighting a disconnect between public views and anti-discrimination laws.
Ecologist Cathy Pfister used WWI-era maps to study kelp forest changes in the Pacific Northwest. The abundance of kelp beds remained constant despite climate change, except for areas closest to Puget Sound and Seattle.