A new optically tunable capacitor has been developed by Israeli researchers, featuring embedded metal nanoparticles. The capacitor's capacitance is tunable by illumination and exhibits a strong frequency dispersion, allowing for high degree of tunability.
A study published in Molecular Cancer Research reveals that a histone mutation turns off the tumor suppressor gene p16 in up to 70% of childhood brain tumors called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Restoring p16 using a drug approved for adult leukemia treatment slows down tumor growth.
The current National Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement have critical consequences for achieving the goal of keeping warming well below 2°C. The study finds that these pledges leave out key details, leading to a range of emissions outcomes with varying degrees of uncertainty.
Researchers developed a silicon photonic device that can exploit the scattering of light by mechanical vibrations, called Brillouin scattering. The device uses two silicon microdisks with tiny cavities, enabling light and mechanical waves to interact at high frequencies.
Researchers developed new tools to infer context-specific regulatory networks from paired expression and chromatin accessibility data. This approach recovers significant information on binding locations and chromatin states, enabling accurate inferences for gene regulatory relationships.
A pilot study found that digital game-based education improved Turkish language proficiency, executive functions, coding skills, and reduced hopelessness among Syrian refugee children. The Project Hope intervention used a combination of five games, including Minecraft and Code.org, resulting in significant improvements in these areas.
A research team from IDIBELL has characterized the complete epigenomes of the most frequent tumors, including those of colon, lung and breast cancer. The study reveals that anti-cancer genes slow down their activity in cancer-affected organs, but also identifies alterations in distant chromosomal regions.
Researchers at Tulane University have identified a possible explanation for the rapid spread of the Ebola virus, pinpointing a small protein as the culprit. The delta peptide, produced in large amounts during infection, damages host cells and may contribute to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to high mortality rates.
A new study reveals a third species of flying squirrel in North America, known as Humboldt's flying squirrel. The species was previously unknown and inhabits the Pacific Coast region from southern British Columbia to southern California.
Researchers found turbulence caused by colliding galaxy clusters creates hot gas between them, about three times hotter than the sun's core. The team used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and radio astronomy facility to study the phenomenon.
New research from Oregon State University found that the odds of a child enrolling in eligible services are significantly higher when the lead agency is health-focused. The study suggests that primary care physicians and health agencies play an important role in identifying children who could benefit from early intervention services.
The TSRI anti-heroin vaccine has been shown to neutralize heroin and its psychoactive products, blocking them from reaching the brain to cause a feeling of euphoria. Researchers believe this could help eliminate motivation for relapse in recovering addicts.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies carrying Wolbachia bacteria are better equipped to fight off other infections when infected orally rather than via injection. The study also found that male flies experience greater disease protection with Wolbachia than females, highlighting potential differences in immune response between sexes.
Researchers have successfully transmitted quantum key distribution signals from a ground transmitter to a moving aircraft, paving the way for global-scale quantum communication. The system achieved secure keys up to 868 kb in length and demonstrated viability of satellite-based quantum communications.
Researchers have developed a synthetic hackmanite material that produces broad spectrum white light similar to sunlight, with low production costs and non-toxic elements. The material has persistent luminescence, suitable for use in lamps, exit signs, and diagnostic applications.
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory studied various parameters of health in C. elegans to develop an empirical definition of old age and predict healthy lifespan. They found movement speed as a key marker for assessing the effect of anti-aging interventions.
Scientists have applied iPANDA, a novel approach for analyzing high-throughput transcriptomic datasets, to identify the earliest signaling harbingers of malignant transition in OSCC. The study reveals that dysregulation of these signaling networks occurs even before precancerous cells invade and acquire malignant potential.
A recent FAU study found that focusing on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies can reduce a firm's overall performance and investment efficiency. This is because CSR initiatives often divert resources away from core business practices, leading to losses for shareholders. The study suggests that CEOs should prioritize findin...
Researchers have identified energy metabolism adaptations in soft-shelled turtles that enabled them to lose their hard shells and explore aquatic environments. These adaptations were found in mitochondrial DNA-encoded proteins associated with aerobic respiration and are linked to the evolution of soft-shells in three turtle lineages.
A devastating combination of El Niño and global warming led to extreme temperatures in April 2016 in Southeast Asia, breaking all previous records. Long-term warming has played an increasing role in rising April temperatures, exacerbating energy consumption, crop production disruptions, and human discomfort.
The Warren Alpert Foundation Prize recognizes scientists who elucidated fundamental mechanisms in cancer's ability to evade immune surveillance. The five honorees' work led to the development of effective immune therapies for several types of cancer, turning the tide in the global fight against cancer.
A clinical trial found that HIRREM closed-loop neurotechnology significantly reduced insomnia symptoms, with improvements in heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity compared to a placebo intervention. The study showed that HIRREM is more effective than placebo at reducing insomnia symptoms.
A recent study found that different people react differently to white and whole wheat bread, with half responding better to processed flour and the other half to sourdough. The researchers developed an algorithm to predict individual responses, pointing towards a new paradigm in nutrition based on personal microbiomes.
A recent genetic study has challenged long-held assumptions about the relationship between extinct and living elephant species. The research found that a species of giant elephant, Palaeoloxodon antiquus, is more closely related to African forest elephants than previously thought.
The ICARUS detector, measuring 18 meters long and weighing 120 tons, will travel across the Atlantic Ocean from CERN to Fermilab in preparation for its new mission at the U.S. Department of Energy's facility. Once installed, it will search for 'sterile' neutrinos using liquid-argon time projection technology.
A new study published in PeerJ introduces modern techniques to understand the landmark site's history, revealing that dinosaur bones were introduced to the deposit after death. The research suggests a combination of drought periods and flood events led to the accumulation of Allosaurus fossils, with environmental factors contributing t...
Researchers discovered that cancer cells sense their environment's stiffness, slowing down movement with specific drug combinations. This finding has potential for regenerative medicine applications, such as improving adult stem cell therapy.
A new study explores how spouses influence an older adult's decision to complete advance directives, revealing differences in gender and relationship characteristics. The results suggest that joint experience as a couple plays a crucial role in end-of-life planning, with some insights shedding light on individual and spousal factors
Researchers have determined the origin of the 1586 Sanriku tsunami that hit Japan, tracing it to a mega-earthquake in the Aleutian Islands. The study used coral fragments dated to the 16th century and found a precise age of 1572±21 years.
A study by Weizmann Institute researchers reveals that administering 'young matrix' molecules, including Agrin, to damaged mouse hearts can repair and restore heart muscle function. The findings suggest a new direction for research on restoring damaged hearts and may lead to the development of new treatments for heart disease.
A newly discovered mechanism behind reduced insulin production in type 2 diabetes reveals that insulin-producing cells regress and become immature, reducing their function. The study identifies key genes, including SOX5, which affects disease progression and suggests potential new treatments targeting cellular maturity.
Researchers developed an EcoCity model to regulate urban land cover structures and thermal environments, providing fundamental data for urban heat island mitigation. The model showed that land-cover components significantly affect thermal environments in different urban functional zones.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that drinking artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy may increase the risk of childhood obesity. Women who consumed at least one artificially sweetened beverage per day were more likely to have children with high birth weights and increased obesity risk at age 7.
A new guide from Tulane University aims to address inherent sex bias in pre-clinical research on metabolic diseases. The guide emphasizes the need to consider sex differences in biological mechanisms, not just hormones, to accelerate discovery and treatment.
Researchers found individuals with amygdala damage more memorable faces looking sideways, but did not improve memory for emotional faces. The study suggests that processing emotions and gaze is more complex than previously thought.
Scientists assess invasive alien plant control measures in Kruger National Park, finding shortcomings including inadequate goal-setting and planning. The study recommends prioritizing species based on formal documentation and regular monitoring to optimize funding allocation.
Researchers discovered autonomous 12-hour clocks that work independently from 24-hour cycles and can be modified by external factors. Altered 12-hour cycles have been associated with human diseases, such as diabetes and metabolic disorders. The study identified over 3,000 genes that follow 12-hour rhythms.
A new study suggests that implementing targeted food policies, such as subsidies for fruit and vegetables and taxes on sugar sweetened drinks, could avert hundreds of thousands of deaths from cardiovascular disease in the US. These economic incentives have been successful in improving dietary choices in the past.
Researchers found that neurons initially rely on many neurons for good prediction of a macaque monkey's decision, but eventually each neuron is maximally predictive as the decision point approaches.
A University at Buffalo-led study found that police officers working the afternoon shift are more fatigued, with a two-fold higher prevalence among male officers compared to day shift workers. Women officers appeared to use more effective coping mechanisms to manage shift work-related stress and fatigue.
Aging stem cells lose their ability to make bone and muscle, leading to frailty and falls. Researchers are targeting the metabolite kynurenine and IDO inhibitors to reverse age-related damage and improve healthspan.
Scientists at the University of Geneva found that a protein called Sara plays a crucial role in guiding endosomes to differentiate between cells, a process essential for fly hair development. Mutant flies without Sara have naked backs, highlighting the significance of this mechanism in cancer tumour formation.
A new study suggests that the standard dosage for pembrolizumab may be unnecessarily high, with personalized dosing resulting in significant cost savings. The study found that using a weight-based dose of 2 mg/kg instead of the fixed dose of 200 mg could lead to annual savings of $825 million.
The ALEX trial demonstrates alectinib's superiority over crizotinib as first-line therapy for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with improved progression-free survival and brain metastasis outcomes. Alectinib achieved a 53% reduction in progression risk and 68.4% one-year progression-free rate compared to crizotinib.
New studies offer hope for developing a biomarker for research and diagnostics, and a drug for treating progressive neurodegenerative diseases linked to mitochondrial defects. The findings suggest that dimethyl fumarate may increase mitochondria production and lessen the symptoms of muscle diseases caused by mitochondrial abnormalities.
A study by Morel et al. found that physical effort in movements is not solely determined by force resistance but also by the duration of the movement. Additionally, the researchers identified common optimization principles in decision-making and motor control, suggesting a shared mechanism for both.
Researchers have identified an enzyme called Phospholipase A2 that triggers the movement of Smoothened into primary cilia, amplifying signaling activity. This discovery opens new avenues for developing drugs to treat developmental disorders and cancers associated with Sonic Hedgehog pathway hyperactivation.
Researchers found that framing choices as a sequence of events increases imagination and its role in decision-making, leading to increased patience. This approach may be particularly useful when circumstances are less than ideal, such as when multitasking or stressed.
A new study by Michigan State University scholar William Chopik found that friendships become increasingly important to one's happiness and health across the lifespan. In older adults, friendships are actually a stronger predictor of health and happiness than relationships with family members.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that cancer cells exploit the unfolded protein response (UPR) to activate Wnt signaling, promoting tumor survival and drug resistance. This mechanism enables cancer cells to cope with nutrient deprivation and therapies, contributing to intra-tumor heterogeneity.
Researchers at Drexel University have identified an enzyme inhibitor that could treat some of the neurological effects of Gulf War Illness, a disease linked to organophosphate nerve agents. The study found that correcting microtubule function may alleviate symptoms such as insomnia and cognitive problems.
F8-TNF stimulates killer cells to target sarcomas by identifying them through dormant viral proteins, offering a new avenue for cancer immunotherapy. The treatment has been shown to completely cure mice of sarcoma and grant immune protection against tumor recurrence.
The study found that adult children are the largest group of caregivers, with many limiting social activities due to caregiving responsibilities. Few caregivers used respite care or support groups, but those caring for people with dementia and disability were more likely to use these services.
A study found that people from different cultural backgrounds change their language when lying, with Black African and South Asian participants using more first-person pronouns to distance themselves from the lie. The results challenge Western stereotypes on linguistic cues to deception.
A recent study found that a significant number of older adults with delirium were not diagnosed by healthcare professionals. The researchers concluded that developing more objective screening tools could improve diagnosis accuracy. Understanding delirium is crucial to recognize and address the condition in older adults and caregivers.
Researchers studied data from nearly 4 million Medicare beneficiaries over 65 with multiple chronic conditions, comparing hospitalizations, deaths, and medical costs between those who saw PCPs and specialists. People who saw PCPs had fewer hospitalizations and lower costs.
Scientists developed an algorithm to accurately identify multiple signals at multiple levels in the circuit to detect open-switch faults. The combination of the algorithm and artificial neural network can improve microgrid reliability, efficiency, and cost.
Researchers from AWI demonstrated how the Arctic Ocean transformed into a saline body after the land bridge between Greenland and Scotland submerged, enabling Atlantic circulation. The study found that changes occurred when the ocean passage reached a depth of over 50 meters below the surface mixed layer.
Researchers found that capecitabine results in fewer side effects and improved quality of life, while being as effective as CMF in preventing breast cancer recurrence. Over 85% of patients did not experience their cancer returning for at least five years.
A new electronic sepsis alert protocol has been implemented in pediatric emergency departments, reducing missed diagnoses of severe sepsis by 76 percent. The protocol uses a combination of vital signs, risk factors, and physician judgment to identify children at high risk of developing sepsis.
Recent clinical trials using different gene transfer approaches have shown acceptable risk and potential for treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Despite mixed results in terms of efficacy, the data support further clinical development of this therapeutic strategy.
Researchers at KAUST developed a novel catalyst to split water efficiently in acidic conditions, paving the way for greener power sources. The molybdenum coating improves stability and prevents oxygen recombination, enabling longer-term hydrogen production.
Implementation of community-based testing and treatment programs was associated with increased HIV diagnosis, ART initiation, and viral suppression among HIV-positive adults. After two years, 80% of residents achieved viral suppression, and 96% had been previously diagnosed.
A new study by UW-Madison undergraduate Ben Hoscheit confirms the idea that our galaxy lives in an enormous void, seven times larger than average. The findings help ease tension between different measurements of the Hubble Constant, resolving a long-standing discrepancy among cosmologists.
Researchers found that insomnia is three times more likely to report thoughts of suicide and death among U.S. Army servicemembers compared to those without the condition. Insomnia was a significant predictor for suicidality, with wakefulness at night associated with increased suicidal ideation.
A study published in eLife discovered that loss of muscle stem cells is the main driving force behind muscle decline in old age in mice. By depleting muscle stem cells, researchers found that muscle decline accelerated, while mice with preserved stem cells maintained healthier muscles at older ages.
Advances in lab-on-a-chip technology allow for more accurate analysis and translation of research to the clinic. Organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) technology has great potential in helping screen drugs in a more cost-effective manner, reducing failures and costs.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to detecting dengue infection using PET-FDG imaging, which tracks glucose uptake and predicts disease progression. This non-invasive method has the potential to transform the assessment of new treatments in clinical trials.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discover distinct neurons in the reticular thalamus, a region involved in attention, perception, and consciousness. The study reveals that targeting specific cell types can disrupt seizures or affect cognition and emotion.
Researchers have discovered a new complex of enzymes in herbivore gut fungi that can break down plant biomass into sugars, offering potential for sustainable fuels and chemicals. The unique structure of these enzymes, called cellulosomes, has the potential to be engineered for industrial use, reducing the need for current enzyme mixtures.
A new study found that frequent coffee consumption was significantly associated with lower odds of high liver stiffness values, independent of lifestyle traits. Herbal tea consumption also showed a significant association with lower liver stiffness values, even in small amounts.
Researchers at the American Society of Hematology report on the effectiveness of enasidenib in treating a rare form of leukemia. Enasidenib demonstrates significant benefits as a targeted treatment for this aggressive disease, offering new hope for patients with limited options.
A computational model of the soybean plasma membrane reveals that similar lipids cluster together due to van der Waals interactions. The research has applications for studying membrane proteins and understanding plant responses to stressful conditions.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University caution that copaiba's potential benefits for treating inflammatory arthritis are unproven due to limited evidence. Despite this, sales of the essential oil continue to increase, presenting clinical challenges.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that trauma centers verified by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma have lower complication rates for pediatric and elderly patients. The study analyzed data from the National Trauma Data Bank and found that patients treated at non-verified trau...
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a model to control alcohol content in liquid dishes, including red wine sauces. By adjusting cooking time and technique, cooks can reduce alcohol levels, making it safer for pregnant individuals or those tracking calories.
A University of Zurich study analyzed archived tissues from dog mammary tumors to understand breast carcinoma in both species. The researchers found that tumor cells reprogram healthy cells, promoting tumor growth, a mechanism also observed in human breast carcinoma.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin identified several plant-based compounds that can prevent or slow down prostate cancer growth. The study found that combining these compounds, such as ursolic acid and curcumin, with glutamine can block the nutrient uptake needed by prostate cancer cells.
A new assay developed by University of Illinois researchers can identify Palmer amaranth DNA in mixed seed samples, overcoming slow and unreliable testing methods. The low-cost technique uses quantitative PCR to detect genetic variations unique to Palmer, enabling farmers to certify their product as Palmer-free.
Professor Coaldrake was recognised for his role in helping turn Brisbane into an international creative hub for education, innovation and knowledge. He has overseen the development of QUT's Learning Potential Fund, which provides scholarships and bursaries for students from low SES backgrounds.
Astronomers have captured unique close-up views of the universe's brightest infrared galaxies, which are as much as 10,000 times more luminous than our Milky Way. The galaxies' star-birth production is 5,000 to 10,000 times higher than that of our Milky Way.
KELT-9b, a Jupiter-like gas giant, has a 'year' of only 1.5 days and orbits an extremely hot star that radiates more ultraviolet radiation than our sun. The planet's atmosphere is constantly blasted with high levels of radiation, making it inhospitable to life.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new model to mimic the blood-brain barrier, using miniature spheroids that replicate key properties and functions. This innovative approach may advance neuroscience research and expedite the discovery of brain-penetrant drugs for treating diseases.
Research by University of Exeter scientists shows motorboat noise reduces fish survival rates and changes parental behavior, with increased aggression and reduced feeding among affected males. Motorboat noise is considered a global pollutant, distracting fish from protecting their young.
Researchers developed a stem cell-based therapy to generate skin grafts for myelomeningocele defects before birth. The treatment successfully covered large defects and protected the spinal cord, but had some drawbacks, including decreased birth weight and body length.
A study of over 1,800 patients found that tildrakizumab significantly improved skin conditions in those with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The treatment demonstrated a 75% improvement in PASI scores at 12 weeks, with fewer than 10% of placebo recipients showing similar results.
Researchers at EPFL developed a dynamic test method that replicates blood and lymphatic systems, allowing for more accurate nanoparticle testing. This method reduces discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo tests, providing valuable insights into nanoparticle behavior.
A recent study found that even moderate drinking is associated with an increased risk of adverse brain outcomes and steeper decline in cognitive skills. Higher alcohol consumption over 30 years was linked to hippocampal atrophy, poorer white matter integrity, and faster decline in language fluency.
A national fruit and vegetable subsidy is estimated to avert 150,500 CVD deaths, while a mass media campaign might reduce deaths by 25,800. A tax on sugar sweetened beverages could avert 31,000 CVD deaths, with a combination of these policies potentially saving around 230,000 lives
Researchers found that variable advisory speed limit systems can decrease average queue length by 39-53% and increase safety with a 30% drop in rear-end collisions, while also reducing maximum speed differences and lane changing conflicts.
Researchers from NC State University developed an ultra-thin sound diffuser that is 10 times thinner than existing designs, reducing echoes and improving sound quality. The new design uses less material and takes up less space, making it lighter and less expensive.
A nationwide team of security experts, led by Clemson University's Hongxin Hu, is developing a new operating system to fundamentally change how large computer and network systems are built, making data more secure. The S2OS system could be transformative for cloud computing, protecting users' data from cyber threats.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that women who gained more than the recommended weight during pregnancy were at a higher risk of small for gestational age, preterm birth, and cesarean delivery. In contrast, those who gained less than the recommended weight had a lower risk of large for gestational age and macrosomia.
A new molecular modeling method using freely available software provides accurate predictions of solubility. The approach exploits thermodynamic expressions and can be applied to any solute-solvent combination, making it a crucial tool for industries such as pharmaceuticals and petroleum.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that the Lombard effect, a phenomenon where animals raise their voices to be heard over noise, occurs in just 30 milliseconds, making it a fundamental temporal reflex. This discovery sheds light on human speech control and reveals a shared auditory process among species.
Three EU-funded projects synthesize research knowledge on high-end climate change impacts and adaptation for key policy sectors. Research highlights potential risks, challenges, and opportunities for transformational change, including innovative solutions for coastal zone adaptation.
Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti was awarded the 2017 Mitchell Rosenthal Memorial lecturer for her contributions to cognitive rehabilitation research and successful mentorship of postdoctoral fellows.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that duration, biomechanics, and force influence the subjective effort associated with arm movements, while movement amplitudes have no effect. The researchers also discovered a link between brain functions involved in decision-making and movement execution.
Researchers found that gut bacteria can limit Listeria growth and prevent infection in immunocompromised mice. Probiotic bacteria species were identified as protective against Listeria infections in laboratory cultures.
Researchers at Salk Institute developed a new protocol to derive astrocytes from human stem cells, which could provide breakthroughs for treatments of stroke, Alzheimer's and psychiatric disorders. The method allows for faster and more effective production of astrocytes, enabling researchers to model neurological disorders in a dish.
The Gerontological Society of America and New America Media have selected 18 journalists to participate in the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. The fellows will focus on producing in-depth stories on aging issues such as disparities in hospice access, mental health treatment for African Americans, and isolation of older adults in ...
A new study suggests that dronabinol, an old pharmaceutical product, could be a potential treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers found that the drug reduced the frequency of apneas and hypopneas during sleep, decreased subjective sleepiness, and improved overall treatment satisfaction.
Researchers study how baleen whales use crossflow filtration to separate prey from water without contact, shedding light on whale evolution and conservation. The study finds that larger body size enhances this form of filtration, affecting a whale's drag and energy needs.
A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that sleep disturbances are strongly related to substance use among college athletes. Student athletes with sleep difficulties were more likely to smoke, drink, and use illegal substances, including a 317% increase in methamphetamine use.
Researchers propose pairing remote wind farms with conventional units to reduce power storage needs, improving reliability. The approach uses an algorithm to estimate future wind states and provides limitations for extreme wind states.
A new study uses a novel chemical technique to assess the impact of human activity on coral skeletons, revealing devastating effects of pollution and climate change. The research provides critical information for predicting future reef health and informs mitigation strategies for tropical islands facing similar challenges.
Researchers from the University of Oldenburg and Alfred Wegener Institute found that competition within the krill population drives fluctuation cycles. The study suggests a self-generating mechanism in the population is responsible for the variability.
Researchers found that vaccinated obese adults are twice as likely to develop influenza and flu-like illnesses compared to those of healthy weight. The study suggests that existing blood tests may provide misleading information for obese individuals.