Researchers have identified a new virus as the cause of congenital tremors in newborn piglets, a potentially life-threatening disease. The discovery represents a significant diagnostic breakthrough, enabling detection through molecular methods and highlighting the risk of sexual transmission.
Researchers found that clean-burning ethanol stoves reduced the incidence of hypertension and increased diastolic blood pressure in pregnant Nigerian women. The study suggests that switching to clean fuels could have significant health benefits for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women.
A new TB vaccine using biobeads to present antigens from the tuberculosis bacterium has shown promising results in mice. The vaccine is designed to induce cell-mediated immune responses and could potentially provide protective immunity against TB.
Scientists have found a way to reprogram mouse embryonic stem cells to mimic the developmental characteristics of fertilized eggs, also known as zygotes. This breakthrough reveals a novel mechanism regulating totipotency and provides a powerful cell-culture system to further study early embryo development.
Researchers found that livestock can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on rare wildlife, such as argali and wolves. While livestock reduces available pasturage for argali, it also serves as an alternative prey source for wolves, relieving predatory pressure. In contrast, herding dogs pose a threat to argali populations.
The study establishes the prevalence of bloodstream infections as the most common type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in children, with a high mortality rate associated with these infections. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to prevent and reduce HAIs in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units.
NASA used its Global Precipitation Measurement mission to analyze heavy rainfall in southern Thailand, which resulted in record-breaking totals. The analysis showed extreme rainfall of over 700 mm over the Gulf of Thailand and greater than 500 mm on land., Rainfall has increased significantly over Thailand during this La Nina year.
NUS researchers have made a breakthrough in developing conducting polymer films that can provide unprecedented ohmic contacts, enabling superior performance in plastic electronics. The breakthrough allows for the creation of high-performance devices such as organic light-emitting diodes, solar cells and transistors.
Analysis by Carnegie's Marion Le Voyer and Erik Hauri has doubled the world's known finds of mantle carbon, revealing a more complex distribution than previously thought. The team studied tiny magmatic inclusions trapped inside solid crystals that protected them from degassing during magma ascent and eruption.
The release of the Arabica coffee genome sequence by UC Davis holds promise for developing disease-resistant varieties and understanding flavor profiles. The sequencing was conducted through a collaboration between researchers and farmer Jay Ruskey, who is growing commercial coffee plants in California's Central Coast region.
The researchers developed a multifunctional composite material that can remove inorganic, organic, radioactive, and microbial impurities from water. The material, called SILP, uses polyoxometallates and tetraalkylammonium cations to effectively remove heavy metals and other contaminants.
A new study reveals that soil fungi play a crucial role in protecting tree seedlings from pathogens, with different fungal groups offering varying levels of protection. This has significant implications for forest community patterns and overall biodiversity.
ICIQ researchers develop a method to convert cyclic carbonates from CO2 into chiral amino-alcohols, used in drugs like Tamiflu and analgesics. The process uses a palladium catalyst and releases CO2, which can be reused.
Researchers emphasize the need for continued study of Zika virus due to its serious complications and the importance of developing effective vaccines and treatments. Lessons learned from other arboviruses like West Nile and Chikungunya highlight the risks of fading interest in diseases that transition to endemicity.
The USDA is providing $3 million in funding to support Alaska Native- and Native Hawaiian-Serving colleges and universities. The grant program aims to enhance educational equity and develop the local workforce, resulting in increased employment, new business launches, and improved agricultural production.
Researchers developed a multiregional brain-on-a-chip to study how diseases impact different regions of the brain. The model characterized differences between neurons from distinct brain regions and mimicked system connectivity.
A large study found that consuming hot red chili peppers is associated with a 13% reduction in total mortality, primarily due to heart disease and stroke. The study analyzed data from over 16,000 Americans who were followed for up to 23 years.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a Processing Speed Training Game (PSTG) that significantly improved processing speed and inhibition among healthy older adults. Regular playing of PSTG also reduced depressive moods compared to a Knowledge Quiz Training Game (KQTG).
Talking or texting on a cell phone while exercising can lower the intensity of a workout by 45% and affect balance. Listening to music on a cell phone has no notable impact on postural stability during exercise, according to a recent study.
Researchers found that duckweeds, particularly Wolffia globosa, have comparable protein content to lupins, rape, or peas. They also contain valuable omega-3 fatty acids like stearidonic acid and alpha-linolenic acid.
A global map of alien bird species shows that human activities are the main determinants of their presence, but also highlights areas with rich native bird species as hotspots for alien species. The study found a significant increase in bird introductions since World War II and suggests that economic factors contribute to the spread of...
A new study by Yale University suggests that two sets of neurons deep in the forebrain control hunting behavior, enabling precise muscle control and increased efficiency. The central amygdala region is preserved in almost all vertebrates, suggesting its importance in evolution.
The Caltech instrument, KCWI, will map gas flowing into and out of forming galaxies, revealing dominant modes of galaxy formation. KCWI is a versatile general-purpose instrument that can study cosmic objects in ways not possible before.
Researchers at the University of Bath explore the potential of 3D printing in membrane fabrication, enabling controlled complex pore structures, integrated surface patterns, and membranes based on nature. This breakthrough has significant implications for reducing energy and costs in industries worldwide.
Researchers at Uppsala University identified a new mechanism that could explain the tumor-promoting role of EZH2 in multiple myeloma. Inhibiting EZH2 reduces the survival of tumor cells by downregulating oncogenes and upregulating microRNAs with potential tumor suppressor functions.
Researchers genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to resist dengue fever virus by altering the JAK/STAT pathway, resulting in a 78-83% reduction in viral copies. The modified mosquitos had normal lifespans but produced fewer eggs.
Researchers developed a novel-machine learning method to distinguish people with common names, focusing on relational features, text features, and venue features. The new approach is an improvement over existing methods, enabling the identification of previously unencountered individuals.
New studies reveal how soil biota affects plant diversity, with arbuscular mycorrhizas and ectomycorrhizas playing key roles in tree species recruitment and survival. The presence of certain fungi can increase or decrease local diversity, depending on the type of plant.
Researchers found that a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir greater than 0.5 ng/mL following radiation and androgen deprivation therapy identifies men prior to PSA failure who are at high risk for dying early. This marker can help identify men in need of more aggressive treatment, potentially making it curable.
A new study found that viewing vape pen use increases the urge to smoke in young adults, similar to watching someone smoke a cigarette. The study's results suggest that vape pens can be a potent trigger for smoking, despite their design differences from traditional cigarettes.
Researchers at the Earlham Institute have developed a new method for improving wheat crop yield quality using bioinformatics tools. The w2rap pipeline enables robust and efficient genome assembly, which will aid in precision breeding and increase global food security.
The American Geriatrics Society has emphasized the importance of strengthening clinical care and workforce development to support older Americans. The society outlines its vision for person-centered care, focusing on expanding healthcare options, ensuring quality in healthcare, and addressing geriatrician shortages.
The 2016 Center for Collegiate Mental Health Annual Report reveals that college students' mental health needs have increased due to national prevention and awareness efforts. Counseling centers are adapting by providing more rapid-access services, but routine treatment capacities may be impacted.
New research found that concussions accelerate brain atrophy and cognitive decline in people with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in the journal Brain, suggests that even mild traumatic brain injuries may increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have identified a subpopulation of neurons that represent navigational goals in the bat brain. These 'tuners' vary their activity based on the angled directionality of flight paths toward specific locations, suggesting goal-directed memory is essential for navigation.
Researchers have developed an image analysis technique called Hyper-Spectral Phasor (HySP) that can track multiple molecules in living organisms, making it easier to diagnose diseases and identify therapeutic targets. The new technology uses cell phone images and is faster and less expensive than current methods.
Researchers at Yale University have isolated the brain circuitry that coordinates predatory hunting in mice, revealing two distinct modules controlling pursuit and kill behaviors. The study found that activating specific neurons in the amygdala can drive aggressive behavior, including biting and killing, in response to prey.
A study has identified mutations in the HYAL2 gene as responsible for cleft lip and cleft palate defects, which slows hyaluronan turnover, impacting development of the hard palate and other body parts. This finding highlights a new molecular cause for orofacial clefting and may contribute to the development of new treatments.
A study published in Current Biology found that killer whales are one of only three known species to go through menopause due to reproductive conflict with their daughters. Older mothers suffer higher costs competing to reproduce alongside their daughters, leading to a mortality rate 1.7 times higher for younger mothers' offspring.
Researchers have identified a non-addictive pathway to pain relief by targeting endocannabinoid receptors in the brain. The study suggests that selective activation of CB2 receptors can contribute to the medicinal benefits of cannabis while minimizing the risk of tolerance and withdrawal.
Researchers discover Ruby Seadragons lack ornate leaf-like appendages, a feature previously considered distinguishing to all seadragon species. They also found that the fish have prehensile, curled tails, similar to those of seahorses and pipefish, which may aid in holding on to objects in high-surge waters.
A study by the University of Southern Denmark reveals that Thurøbund's protected and productive bay stores a record amount of carbon, with an average of 27,000 grams per square meter. This exceeds global estimates of seagrass meadow storage, highlighting the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that enhancer RNAs play a crucial role in regulating CBP activity and gene expression. The researchers identified eRNAs as the most common type of RNA binding to CBP, suggesting their importance in guiding protein production.
Researchers at The University of Manchester developed a braiding technique to create tighter and more complex molecular knots, leading to potential breakthroughs in material strength and elasticity. This achievement has the possibility of generating new types of materials, such as lighter and more flexible polymers.
The £4.4 million BBSRC BRAVO project will support the training of young scientists and raise industry stakeholder awareness through workshops in Brassica genetics, genomics, phenotyping and modelling. This knowledge will help develop new, more resilient varieties of Brassica crops.
Researchers found that rudeness from a patient's family member negatively impacts medical team performance, leading to reduced diagnostic accuracy and communication. Interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral training, may help mitigate these effects, suggesting teaching medical professionals how to handle rudeness is crucial.
A $1.5m grant has been awarded by Edwards Lifesciences to investigate the impact of cardiac output-guided fluid therapy on patients undergoing major gut surgery, with 2,502 patients expected to participate in the trial.
The Winter 2016 issue features three original research articles, two review articles, a commentary article, a narrative analysis article, and two China Focus articles addressing sociocultural challenges in engaging black sub-Saharan African communities in HIV prevention programs. Other articles discuss the relationship between mothers'...
Research from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds depression in pregnancy associated with lower BDNF levels, which also predict low birth weight. The study suggests that increasing BDNF through exercise may be a beneficial way to address the issue.
Overlapping surgeries showed improved patient recovery factors, such as shorter hospital stays and lower mortality rates. However, researchers caution that younger and healthier patients were more likely to benefit from this type of procedure.
A recent study found that coral reef food webs are altered when fishing impacts on valued species, leading to potential collapse of top-tier predators. Lightly fished reefs can support these valuable fish, while moderate fishing levels cause a decline in mid-tier predators, ultimately affecting the ecosystem.
A University of California, Riverside researcher is leading a team studying the life cycles of harmful viruses. The goal is to understand viral capsid dynamics to develop new approaches to curb infections.
Astrophysicist Hai Fu aims to study the late stages of merging galaxies and observe supermassive black holes' accretion using a large chunk of the night sky. The research project will use radio-emission maps and optical observations to confirm findings.
The Gerontological Society of America has released a new publication to help healthcare professionals overcome common heuristics and cognitive biases that can lead to poor decision making. Awareness of these biases is key to making informed decisions, according to the report.
Researchers find that decapitation of primary cilia, a process linked to cellular duplication, is triggered by the presence of Inpp5e protein, which helps stabilize cilia. The study also reveals that wire-like structures formed in cilia contribute to decapitation, and that this process is essential for full cilia disassembly.
Lutetium-177-Dotatate has shown improved progression-free survival and response rates compared to octreotide alone in patients with advanced disease. The treatment also experienced higher risk of adverse events, but these were manageable and reversible.
A new study found that 12% of offenders exhibited homicidal ideation, responsible for most severe crimes like murder and assault. Identifying these chronic offenders can help protect the public and inform policy implications for criminal justice and sentencing reform.
People with early schizophrenia are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. The researchers found that patients showed higher levels of fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance compared to healthy controls.
Researchers found similar judgements across nationalities on violent act severity, enabling better crime classification for international organisations. The study highlights the need for a nuanced approach to classifying violence, taking into account differences in severity.
A new study led by Colorado State University suggests that a shift in the Southern Annular Mode, similar to El Nino, can lead to stronger ocean waves and the collapse of ice shelves. The research found that reduced sea ice cover allows ocean waves to directly impact ice shelves, enhancing surface melting and weakening ice shelves.