A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine has identified two compounds that may be safer alternatives to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to health concerns. The study used an automated microscopy and image analysis-based technology to screen potential BPA substitutes, which could lead to safer plastics in everyday products.
A Danish study found that fermented red clover extract effectively prevents hot flushes, hormonal swings, and bone loss in women with menopause. The extract increases the bioavailability of isoflavones, making them easier to digest, and shows promising results without side effects.
The University of Birmingham has been awarded £7 million by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to establish a global surgical research unit. The unit will focus on developing sustainable international research hubs across low and middle-income countries.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an automated screening test to create all-chemical replacements for traditional stem cell growth materials. This innovation enables wider use of stem cells in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and testing environmental chemicals for vascular toxicity.
Researchers found that climate warming can both increase and decrease biodiversity, with higher diversity providing a buffer against environmental changes. In a study, warming meadows led to more nematode species, but those species were also more similar to each other, limiting the 'insurance' effect of increased diversity.
A recent survey found that adolescent girls seeking medical care in emergency departments are open to receiving information on preventing pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 219 non-pregnant females aged 14-21, revealed that 72% of participants wanted EDs to provide pregnancy prevention and contraception info.
A new study models rural poverty using ecological, economic, and epidemiological factors. The framework highlights disease transmission and recovery rates as key determinants of long-term health and wealth dynamics.
A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution proposes that only 10-15% or up to 25% of the human genome is functional, with the remaining portion consisting of non-functional 'junk DNA'. This finding contradicts previous estimates suggesting 80% of the genome has a biochemical function.
A team of researchers has decoded the complex interplay of three components in a protein network regulating programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis. Their findings suggest that interaction between Bcl-2 proteins is key to understanding this process and its link to diseases such as cancer.
Researchers used Diamond Light Source's synchrotron facility to study seed coat thinning in horsegram, a bean commonly eaten in southern India. The high-resolution X-ray computed tomography technique showed that domestication occurred between 2000 BC and 1200 BC.
A team of scientists from Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias discovered a very distant galaxy, some 10 thousand million light years away, about a thousand times brighter than the Milky Way. The galaxy is notable for having a high rate of star formation, forming stars at a rate of 1000 solar masses per year.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London secured £8.6m in grants to develop and implement salt reduction programs in China, aiming to prevent thousands of deaths from stroke and heart disease. A new Global Health Research Group will focus on improving mental health interventions in low-income countries.
Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have identified a peptide complex formed in the brain during early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The complex, stabilized by zinc ions, can be targeted by new compounds to block disease progression.
Researchers at the University of Hamburg have developed a new transistor concept based on metal nanoparticles, which exhibit energy gap properties due to Coulomb repulsion. This approach enables scalable synthesis, high-quality thin films and flexible devices with adjustable electrical characteristics.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that tardigrades can withstand all astrophysical catastrophes and will continue to thrive for at least 10 billion years. The research suggests that life on Earth will extend as long as the Sun shines, opening the possibility of life on other planets.
Scientists couple a nano-trumpet with a quantum dot to detect nanowire motion with high sensitivity. The researchers can influence the wire's oscillation by exciting the quantum dot with a laser, enabling precise control.
A new study found that fostering positive relationships between women coworkers reduces conflict in male-dominated organizations. Women who have more social support from female colleagues are less likely to cite difficult co-workers.
Researchers will use PET scans and MRI to detect harmful chemical build-up and measure brain structure, with a focus on 40-65 year olds. The project hopes to develop ways to intervene before irreversible damage is done.
A study by Tufts University researchers found significant changes in miRNA expression levels in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and congestive heart failure. The study identified new genomic biomarkers, including exosomal miR-181c and miR-495, which could provide insight into diagnosis and therapies for MMVD and human ...
Rice University researchers discovered a way to turn white graphene, an exceptional conductor of heat, into a wide-bandgap semiconductor with magnetic properties by adding fluorine. The magnetism is an unexpected bonus that could make the unique material suitable for electronics in extreme environments.
A team of chemists developed a method to produce polycarbonates from limonene and CO2, replacing bisphenol-A (BPA) as a precursor. This bioplastic production approach reduces toxicity and offers a sustainable alternative for various industries.
A Massachusetts General Hospital research team found that anti-angiogenic drugs induce a microenvironment that suppresses immune systems actions, allowing tumors to grow. Developing a potential strategy to overcome this mechanism, the researchers identified CX3CL1 as an attractive target for immunotherapy.
Researchers at Duke University have developed an algorithm that allows robots to recognize and understand 3-D objects, even when parts are hidden from view. The system can simultaneously guess what a new object is and how it's oriented without examining it from multiple angles first.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered that the capture and release of ions at the interface between water and muscovite mica is controlled by electrostatic properties. This breakthrough allows for real-time observations of ion transport dynamics, giving new insights into environmental processes.
Researchers have discovered a new role for an enzyme called Axundead in promoting axon degeneration. However, blocking its function preserved the integrity of injured axons and allowed them to maintain signal transmission within the brain's complex circuitry for weeks.
Researchers found that algae and bacteria can form flocks at very low concentrations of individuals, enabling them to sense each other's presence and affect each other. This discovery could increase our understanding of how microorganisms infect their host animals and the evolutionary basis for flocking behavior among bacteria.
Asia and the Pacific face severe impacts from unmitigated climate change, including increased temperatures, extreme weather events, and declining agricultural productivity. The region is projected to experience a 6-degree Celsius temperature increase by 2100, leading to significant economic losses and human suffering.
Researchers generate high-energy shock waves in a laboratory setting, simulating the formation of supersonic shock waves that propel cosmic rays and particles. This breakthrough enables new studies on the acceleration of astrophysical particles and complements present remote sensing observations.
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that access to quality health care for persons with disabilities has decreased significantly between 2004 and 2014 in Afghanistan.
Researchers have identified altered ANK1 gene expression in microglia cells of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, which is associated with neuroinflammation. The study found that increased ANK1 expression in microglia may be a response to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.
Heavy rain caused significant flooding in the US Midwest from July 7 to 14, 2017. NASA's satellite data showed parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio received over 6 inches of rain.
The Phase 3 clinical trial data showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in functional vision and visual field in participants with RPE65-mediated inherited retinal disease. Participants demonstrated marked gains in full-field light sensitivity and peripheral vision.
A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that certain subtypes of COPD are associated with changes in the lung microbiome, which may promote pathogenic bacteria. The findings suggest personalized medicine approaches should consider the microbiome when treating patients with specific COPD subtypes.
A large study of executive function and adaptive behavior in females with autism spectrum disorders reveals unique challenges in diagnosis and intervention. The study found that girls with ASD struggle more with independence skills despite having better social and communication skills.
Researchers found grey squirrels could remember complex problem-solving techniques for nearly two years, even with changes to the task. This exceptional memory allows them to quickly adapt and retrieve skills, contributing to their success in urban environments.
A UTA professor's study found that many parents have a limited understanding of concussions and their impact on children's futures. The research highlights the importance of educating caregivers to recognize symptoms and protect youth athletes.
Researchers at Nagoya University have identified a new category of genetic skin diseases characterized by autoinflammatory responses. These conditions reflect an uncontrolled primitive immune response that does not depend on external irritants, emphasizing the need for better understanding and effective treatments.
Researchers have successfully cryopreserved and revived zebrafish embryos using a novel method involving plasmonic gold nanoparticles. The technique has the potential to be applied to other species with similar embryonic sizes and structures, offering a breakthrough in preserving aquatic biodiversity.
Harvard researchers develop a technique to control and measure spin voltage using atomic-sized defects in diamonds, allowing for measurements in chip-scale devices. This breakthrough enables the study of spintronics and exotic physics.
A new study suggests that ovarian tissue freezing is a superior option to egg freezing for preserving fertility, reversing menopause, and promoting natural conception. Nearly 37% of women who underwent the procedure were able to have children later in life, with nearly two-thirds experiencing restored natural fertility.
The USDA has awarded $7.2 million in grants for research on plant-biotic interactions, aiming to improve crop yields and reduce the need for fertilizers. The funding will support fundamental and applied research to better understand the complex relationships between plants, microbes, and invertebrates.
A new study by University of Wyoming researchers finds that mountaintop-removal coal mining in Appalachia degrades water quality and causes dramatic increases in salinity, leading to more perennial streamflows. The study's findings have significant implications for the region's ecosystem and future environmental changes.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a Zika vaccine that can protect the developing fetus against infection and birth defects during pregnancy. The study showed that two different potential vaccines could prevent the Zika virus from infecting the fetus.
Researchers found that fungi can accumulate radioactive substances, making them suitable for assessing environmental contamination. The study suggests using fungi as biomonitors in ecosystems with low radioactive content, providing a new approach to monitoring environmental pollution.
Researchers used machine learning to track 400,000 fruit flies' behaviors over 225 days and matched specific behaviors to different groups of neurons. The resulting brain-wide atlas offers insight into fly neural circuitry and could inform understanding of human behavior.
Researchers studied the relationship between an African forest bat, a novel virus, and a parasite, identifying all three as potentially new species. The study found that the parasite plays a crucial role in transmitting the virus, with the fly serving as a 'chauffeur' to help the virus spread.
Scientists from University of Washington and University of Toronto have developed new high-throughput approach to test folding stability of thousands of computationally designed proteins. This study led to the design of 2,788 stable protein structures with potential bioengineering and synthetic biology applications.
Researchers found that social rank triggers differential vulnerability to chronic stress and identifies brain energy metabolism as a predictive biomarker. The study showed that dominant mice display susceptibility to stress through social avoidance, while subordinate mice exhibit resilience.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who work long hours (55+ hours/week) are approximately 40% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation over a ten-year period. The risk is higher among those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and other risk factors.
Researchers found elevated levels of two brain injury markers, neurofilament light chain and tau, in active professional fighters compared to retired fighters or non-fighters. These markers may signify permanent traumatic brain injury with long-term consequences.
Research funded by NFCR finds two distinct patterns of metastatic spread in human colorectal cancer, where distant metastases originate directly from primary tumors without involving the lymph system. The study provides genetic evidence towards resolving the enigma of lymph node metastases and distant metastases.
A new study reveals ravens can plan ahead for different events, such as using tools to access rewards, with a high success rate of 86%. Ravens demonstrated self-control by choosing less appealing immediate rewards over better ones, similar to great apes.
A team of researchers has created behavior anatomy maps in fruit flies to understand how specific brain circuits generate aggression, wing extension, or grooming behaviors. The data will help neurobiologists assign behaviors to neurons and study brain circuits.
Researchers revamped a 50-year-old flu virus model, revealing loopholes that allow viruses to swap genetic material and give rise to new strains. This discovery could lead to better pandemic predictions and disruption of the flu virus.
Professor Matthew England has been awarded the Tinker-Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica for his outstanding research on the influence of the Southern Ocean on global climate. He is recognized for his leadership roles in international programs and commitment to translating global issues to local impacts.
Researchers developed a high-speed imaging technique that reveals molecular organization and chemical makeup in living samples, enabling real-time observation of disease progression. This technique could improve understanding of early disease stages and lead to targeted drug treatments.
The University of Plymouth has developed HDNetDB, the first freely available data network for scientists researching Huntington's disease. This resource links various cellular processes in a molecular network and provides a more holistic view of the disease.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed bio-inspired dynamic templates used to manufacture organic semiconductor materials that produce printable electronics. This technique is also eco-friendly compared with how conventional electronics are made, which gives the researchers the chance to return the favor to nature.
The NYU Tandon School of Engineering has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the NSF to support diversity in STEM entrepreneurship. The program aims to attract and mentor student entrepreneurs, particularly women, to enhance their skills and knowledge in using STEM fields.
Researchers developed genetically enhanced cord-blood derived immune cells to target B-cell malignancies, boosting persistence and embedding a suicide gene. The engineered natural killer cells showed improved efficiency in killing cancer cells and extended survival in mouse models.