Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a genetic 'switch' called ATF4 that plays a key role in Parkinson's disease. By targeting this gene, they hope to develop tailored interventions that can prevent or delay neuronal loss.
Researchers found that participants' brains responded positively to sentences conforming to traditional Welsh poetry rules, even when they couldn't explicitly identify the correct form. This suggests an innate appreciation for poetic structure in the human brain.
Researchers aim to develop novel treatments and preventative medicines to assist with malaria eradication and elimination, replacing ineffective current drugs that are losing efficacy.
Genome editing enables precise genetic changes in livestock, boosting productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers aim to apply this technology to improve animal welfare and potentially produce single-gender offspring.
NASA used its Terra satellite to track the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Dineo, which generated heavy rainfall in southern Mozambique. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured detailed images of the storm's intense rain bands, revealing precipitation rates over 86 mm per hour.
A Saint Louis University researcher is using a $363,000 grant to test two molecules as potential biomarkers for four debilitating health conditions: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and vulvodynia. The goal is to develop new painkillers that target these pathways.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered that the Asian lineage of the Zika virus halts brain stem cell proliferation and hinders their ability to develop into brain nerve cells. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms behind Zika-induced microcephaly, a serious birth defect characterized by small brain and head development.
Cosmic rays generated by particles from outside the solar system can alter individual bits of data stored in memory, causing single-event upsets (SEUs) that can be difficult to characterize. The problem is becoming increasingly serious as computer chip technology advances and becomes smaller.
A study published by University of Konstanz researchers found that praise from peers can motivate students to perform better, particularly those who are already high-achievers. However, this positive effect is limited for students whose grades fall just below the top threshold.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology develop DNA computer capable of detecting several antibodies in blood and performing subsequent calculations. This system allows for controlled drug delivery into the bloodstream, a key step towards intelligent drugs with fewer side effects and lower costs.
A study published in Cell Reports found that genetic variation in mice shapes their gut microbiome, which regulates insulin secretion and contributes to the onset of metabolic disease. The researchers observed a correlation between specific bacteria in the microbiome and metabolic traits such as body weight and glucose levels.
Researchers created a new membrane that improves the cycle life of lithium-sulfur batteries by reducing the shuttling of dissolved polysulfides. The MCM layer preserves energy density without losing capacity over time, leading to 100% capacity retention and up to four times longer life compared to batteries without it.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania identified circulating helper immune cells in blood after an annual flu vaccine, tracking their contribution to antibody strength. The study found that these cells play a crucial role in antibody development and could inform future vaccine design.
A study led by Emory University found that contact tracing combined with targeted indoor residual spraying reduced dengue transmission by 86-96% during an outbreak in Cairns, Australia. This approach is more effective than traditional vaccines, which offer only 30-70% effectiveness.
A new study has found that walking can significantly improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients with advanced cancer. Researchers discovered that participants who walked for at least 30 minutes on alternate days reported improvements in their quality of life, including reduced weight and increased morale.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technology that sees DNA naturally fluoresce, allowing for the study of individual biomolecules and global patterns of gene expression. This breakthrough could yield insights into cancer and other diseases.
Researchers at Rockefeller University Press discovered that tumor suppressor protein RUNX1 can promote AML in some cases, particularly when combined with mutant FLT3. Targeting RUNX1 may be an effective treatment for certain AML patients, potentially offering a promising therapeutic strategy.
Research reveals large-scale thaw-induced slope disturbances and mobilization of primary glacial sediments, leading to cascading effects on fluvial, lacustrine, and coastal systems. The study's findings have major implications for predicting northern landscape change and downstream impacts.
A large storm system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to southern California, with rainfall totals reaching up to 6 inches in coastal areas and 10 inches in mountain locations. A second storm system is also heading towards the east, bringing flash flood risks and rapid runoff to fire-scarred areas.
A Northwestern University and Los Alamos National Laboratory team developed a novel workflow to design new materials with useful electronic properties. By combining machine learning and density functional theory calculations, they created design guidelines for ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity.
Researchers discovered that disruption in Schwann cells, which make myelin, leads to hidden hearing loss. This finding may help diagnose and treat the condition, which affects individuals exposed to high levels of noise. The discovery could lead to new treatments for hidden hearing loss.
Brown University researchers demonstrate the efficacy of using herbaceous plant specimens from the late 19th century to track changes in heavy metal concentrations over time. Despite challenges, including mercury contamination, they show significant reductions in lead concentrations and highlight broader trends in heavy metal accumulat...
Rhoda Au's e-cognitive health initiative collects data from over 2,200 participants using wearable devices, smartphone apps, and in-home devices to detect subtle changes in daily behavior that may indicate cognitive decline. The goal is to identify early signs of Alzheimer's and dementia, improving diagnosis and treatment options.
AVN-322 is a highly selective 5-HT6R antagonist that displays high binding affinity to the receptor and potency in blocking functional cell responses. In preclinical studies, AVN-322 showed improved cognition-enhancing effects and demonstrated antipsychotic potential.
Researchers have successfully protected mice against Zika by injecting synthetic messenger RNA that encodes for virus proteins into the animals. The vaccine triggers an immune response and prevents viral replication in 95% of the mice.
Researchers found a faster way for six-legged robots to move on flat ground without adhesive pads, dubbed the 'bipod' gait. This locomotor strategy is more efficient than traditional tripod gait used by insects.
A new study found that lower vitamin D levels in blood increase the risk of clinical relapse in UC patients. Patients with higher vitamin D levels when in remission were less likely to experience a relapse.
A new automated system, called CRAQ, detects cracks in the steel components of nuclear power plants using an advanced algorithm and machine learning technique. The system outperformed two others under development, providing more robust results by processing multiple video frames and filtering out falsely detected cracks.
A new study on environmental modeling reveals that climate change is only one of many inter-related threats to natural systems supporting human societies. The research argues that incorporating inequality, consumption, and population into climate models would provide a more realistic guide for policymaking and sustainable development.
A study analyzing over 1.5 million Medicare records found that ICU care for COPD, heart failure, and heart attack patients may not be more beneficial than regular hospital care, with significant differences in cost of care.
Researchers sequenced over 1,000 stick insect genomes to study early phases of speciation, finding that genetic differences across the genome are crucial for distinguishing between species. The study suggests that rapid reversals of speciation can occur when distinct species cross paths again.
Most US radiologists receive favorable satisfaction scores from their patients, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The study analyzed over 1,800 reviews and found that patients tend to have either strongly positive or strongly negative opinions about their radiologists.
Researchers have developed a new method to characterise internal structures of natural materials and replicate their interaction with light using 3D printing of ceramics. This technique enables the design of new materials with different functionalities dependent on need.
A systematic review of existing literature suggests that antibiotics are an effective alternative to surgery for acute non-complicated appendicitis in children. No safety concerns were reported, but a recurrence rate of 14% was noted.
A new study found that fathers' brain activity increases when viewing photos of their toddlers, suggesting a link between the hormone oxytocin and paternal nurturing. The research also suggests that oxytocin may be used to normalize deficits in paternal motivation, such as in men suffering from post-partum depression.
Researchers at KFU's bionanotechnology lab used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to create 3D images of nematode cuticles. The study revealed new insights into the surface anatomy of Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely used model organism in genetics and biology research.
Digital fabrication in architecture promises substantial contributions to sustainability and productivity, enabling new forms of architectural expression. Researchers are developing interdisciplinary research connections to form a digital building culture, leveraging domain-specific robotic technology and advanced materials.
The study examines the impact of ultrafast laser pulses on ferromagnetic La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 thin films with epitaxial grown BiFeO3 coating layers. Researchers observe distinct oscillations in magnetization precession, which are attributed to the suppression of anisotropy by BFO coating layers and exchange interaction across the interface.
A study by the University of Central Florida found that peer milk-sharing parents take precautions to keep their children safe, with 35.4% using all five safe practices and 40.6% using at least four. Despite this, researchers suggest more study is needed, particularly for online classifieds where milk is exchanged for money.
The study found that when a gun is used in domestic disputes, women are less likely to incur injury but substantially more likely to be frightened. This highlights the coercive control aspect of using a gun to intimidate and maintain power dynamics.
Regulatory agencies struggle to balance public concerns with their authority, as society demands clearer guidelines for advanced technologies like gene editing. Arizona State University expert Gary Marchant proposes incorporating ethical and social aspects into regulations.
A University of Missouri-Columbia professor developed a mandatory medical school curriculum focusing on indigenous health, addressing significant health inequalities among Native Americans. The curriculum was implemented in 2014 and has been recognized as a model for other universities to follow.
Researchers have successfully delivered a gold catalyst to a target organ in a mouse, enabling in vivo metal-complex catalysis. This innovation paves the way for potential biomedical applications, including therapy and diagnostics.
A new framework developed by the University of Queensland has improved the accuracy of biodiversity models in ecology, conservation biology, and global change research. The framework assesses species interactions and detects higher-order interactions that were previously overlooked.
The NIST study identified 27 low-GWP fluids, but all are at least slightly flammable, posing a challenge for replacing current refrigerants. The findings highlight the need for trade-offs in selecting replacement refrigerants, considering factors like safety codes and environmental impact.
A new study confirms PAK4's role in enabling pancreatic cancer cells to grow and spread, highlighting potential new targets for therapy. Researchers found a close relationship between PAK4 and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway, which could lead to combination therapies targeting both.
A study published in eLife found that differences in gene activity between the left and right hemispheres are responsible for handedness. The researchers also discovered that environmental influences during pregnancy can affect the development of precursors to handedness.
A genomic study in the lower Congo River finds that fishes are evolving into distinct species due to the intense hydraulics of the river's rapids and deep canyons. The researchers discovered that fishes living less than a mile away from their relatives are exchanging few genes, indicating strong genetic separation.
Researchers found that stem cells collected directly from human fat (ASCs) can make more proteins, replicating and maintaining their stability. This discovery holds promise for new therapies against aging-related diseases, with the goal of understanding how ASCs maintain an open chromatin profile with aging.
A new model developed by Georgia Tech professor Eva Lee recommends response strategies for infectious diseases like Zika, with a focus on early intervention and containment methods. The model suggests that 20% compliance rate can reduce total infections by half in Brazil during the Zika outbreak.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a molecular phenomenon where a guanosine derivative changes its supramolecular structure upon transitioning from solution to solid state and vice versa. This defies chemical precedent, suggesting a complex interplay between molecular interactions in different environments.
Researchers created a material that reduces signal losses in photonic devices, boosting the efficiency of lasers and other light-based technologies. The discovery addresses a key challenge in photonics by incorporating a semiconductor material into plasmonic metamaterials.
Chemical engineers and chemists at Pitt and Penn State create a system that utilizes chemical reactions to drive fluid flow, enabling controllable transport of particles and cells. This breakthrough could lead to rapid and efficient chemical assays.
Researchers at MIT have designed a power converter that maintains efficiency across a wide range of current levels, reducing resting power consumption by 50%. The converter uses a variable clock and advanced control circuitry to accommodate high-power transmissions, enabling new possibilities for energy-harvesting devices.
Researchers found that local atmospheric conditions and ocean circulation are the main drivers of ocean temperature changes in the critical depth range, leading to increased melting. The study used a five-year record to track the interactions between ocean and atmosphere, revealing an annual cycle in heat exchange that drives melting.
Researchers have identified 3207 consistent confusions in English listeners, revealing types of word misperceptions in noise. The corpus provides valuable insights into speech perception processes and their technical clinical applications.
Gene drives have the potential to address persistent problems like eradicating mosquito-borne diseases and conserving endangered species. However, they also pose risks to entire ecosystems, highlighting the need for careful public engagement and regulatory policies.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a strong link between yeast in babies' guts and an increased risk of developing asthma. The presence of Pichia, a microscopic fungus or yeast, was more strongly linked to asthma than previously identified gut bacteria.
A new biocompatible 3D tracking system has shown promising results in improving the accuracy of robot-assisted surgery. The system, which uses near-infrared fluorescent markers, enables accurate tracking of tissue and surgical tools with millimeter accuracy.
A team of UA researchers used RFID tags to study bumblebee behavior, discovering that individual workers specialize on one food source per day. The results show vast variations in foraging activity among bees, with the most active foragers making 40 times more trips than less active workers.
A panel of experts will examine the pros and cons of seafloor mining, its engineering feasibility, and legal and societal implications at the AAAS meeting. Current exploration contracts have been signed by 27 countries, with the first project set to begin in 2019.
A new study found that diversity training programs can have immediate positive effects on participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, but long-term results are often inconsistent. The research suggests that training is most effective when it is mandatory, delivered over time, and combined with other initiatives.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute have successfully developed egg-free surrogate chickens using gene-editing techniques. These genetically modified hens can carry and deliver eggs from other breeds, aiming to boost breeding of endangered birds and improve commercial chicken production.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new technique using liquid metals to create ultra-thin electronic chips, paving the way for the next generation of electronics. The process enables the production of large wafers just 1.5 nanometres in depth, increasing processing power and reducing costs.
A new study from the Center for BrainHealth at UT Dallas reveals that a gist reasoning test is more sensitive than traditional tests in identifying cognitive deficits in TBI patients. The test, which requires participants to summarize complex texts, accurately identified 84.7% of chronic TBI cases.
A new study found that international collaboration in scientific research has grown dramatically, with more than doubling of cross-border studies between 1990 and 2015. The fields of soil science and virology saw the highest growth rates, with a 550% increase in collaborating partners in soil science.
A new study by Northeastern University psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett found that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in human bonding. The research, which used a novel technology to scan mothers' brains while interacting with their infants, showed that strong social relationships can improve outcomes for individuals w...
An international team of physicists has made a breakthrough in understanding heat transport at the nanoscale by studying a chain of gold atoms. The study confirms the validity of the Wiedemann-Franz law, which describes the relationship between electric and thermal conductance.
A new study by MIT Professor César Hidalgo and colleagues found that the complexity of a country's exports is a strong predictor of its level of economic equality. The researchers analyzed data from 1996 to 2008 and found that countries with more diverse export portfolios and higher technological infrastructure tend to have greater inc...