Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to compress and decompress DNA, enabling the efficient transfer of large amounts of genetic information into cells. This innovation has potential applications in synthetic biology, biotechnology, and cancer research, improving diagnosis accuracy and treatment outcomes.
A registry-based study from Aarhus University found that heart attack survivors are at a higher risk of developing vascular dementia, which is caused by vascular damage in the brain. The risk remains elevated for up to 35 years after the heart attack, with patients who underwent bypass surgery showing a fourfold increased risk.
A study suggests that improving California's land use could negate up to 147 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. This approach could contribute substantially to the state's climate mitigation goals, with potential benefits for ecosystem management and conservation.
A genetic variant in ankyrin-B gene causes cells to store more fat, leading to obesity. This variant is carried by millions of Americans and can be identified through family history and physiological traits.
A team of researchers has uncovered rare, living stromatolites in a remote Tasmanian valley, revealing a unique ecosystem that thrived due to mineral-rich groundwater. The discovery is significant as stromatolites are rare globally and not previously known from Tasmania except as ancient fossils.
A new MIT study finds that Texas will face a significant increase in the annual risk of extreme rainfall, rising from 1% to 18% by the end of the century. This rise is attributed to climate change, which is expected to shift the odds in terms of high-intensity storms around the world.
In Tanzania, consumers are willing to pay up to 7% for mobile money services that provide theft insurance against street robberies and home burglaries. The study found that people prefer to store cash in mobile wallets for short periods, with costs ranging from 1.52% per kilometer or 0.8% per day.
A global study reveals that urban trees have been growing faster than rural trees since the 1960s, with an average growth rate of 20% across all climate zones. The heat island effect is believed to be the primary driver of this acceleration, leading to increased photosynthetic activity and prolonged vegetation periods.
A study of middle-aged adults found that functional impairment was common among the cohort and often progressed to further physical decline or death over a 10-year follow-up. The findings challenge the notion that functional impairment is temporary in middle age and suggest a need for early intervention.
A global study suggests that rising temperatures will outweigh decreases in cold-related deaths, leading to sharp net increases in mortality rates in many regions. Implementing mitigation strategies can largely avoid these deaths under scenarios with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Daily marijuana use and past month rates rose for men and women aged 26 and older in states with medical marijuana laws. Daily use was generally higher among individuals aged 18-25 compared to those ages 12-17 and 26 or older, regardless of state laws.
Astronomers predict that gravitational waves generated by the merger of two supermassive black holes will be detected within 10 years using pulsar timing array data. The study estimates a 100% chance of detecting something in 10 years, with bigger galaxies offering longer detection windows.
Researchers find that certain spellings in HIV and other viruses' genetic codes are critical for replication and infection. The discovery highlights a potential avenue for vaccine development by exploiting this variation.
A study by WSU researchers found that occupants often waste energy due to poor understanding of building systems. The researchers designed more efficient buildings with occupants' needs in mind, incorporating features such as signaling systems and feedback mechanisms to reduce energy consumption.
A new neurostimulator device inserted into the nose has shown significant relief for people suffering from dry eyes, increasing tear production and producing a complete tear. Researchers tested 97 patients with moderate to severe dry eye and reported no side effects.
Researchers have found a link between abnormal tryptophan metabolism and abdominal aortic aneurysm, a permanent enlargement of the abdominal aorta. The study suggests that substances derived from tryptophan metabolism may be biomarkers for the disease and could potentially be used to develop novel therapies.
Most women reported feeling worse about their bodies after viewing images of bikini or fashion models, while only six percent experienced negative effects from paintings or products. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on media's impact on body image, highlighting the need for diverse representation in media.
A recent study by Rice University sociologists found that over a third of Latino respondents believe science education may negatively impact their children's faith. The study aimed to understand the relationship between STEM education and religious faith among blacks and Latinos, two groups with high levels of religiosity.
A VIMS study identifies a critical height threshold for oyster restoration: reefs built 0.3 meters or higher above the seafloor develop into healthy ecosystems with high oyster densities. Lower reefs are quickly buried by sediment, while those that reach this height benefit from increased water flow and reduced sedimentation.
The new Special Focus Issue explores key perspectives on regenerative medicine innovation, including regulatory developments and challenges to international harmonization. The issue aims to facilitate discussions among stakeholders, ensuring safe, ethical, and regulated translation of research from bench to bedside.
Researchers have developed enzymes that can perform complex chemical reactions with improved selectivity and efficiency. These catalysts show promise for building molecules with important biological activity and reducing waste in the process. The discovery opens up new practices for chemists to create more powerful tools.
Children and young adults with diabetes are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death due to abnormalities in their blood vessels. The study found that these individuals were eight times more likely to die from any kind of heart disease compared to those without diabetes.
A new study led by Colorado State University found that faculty mentorship and supportive networks play a key role in retaining women in geoscience majors. The program PROGRESS connects students with female mentors and helps them expand their networks of support.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London used CRISPR-dCas9 epigenetic editing to cause healthy breast cells to undergo 'hyperproliferation', a key early stage of tumour initiation. The findings could lead to the development of new biomarkers for earlier diagnosis and novel therapies.
A set of fundamental tactics can be used to combat the challenges brought on by pests in rapidly changing forests. Eight general tactics for improved pest management include growth of practical theory, improved biosecurity, and management plans that anticipate continuing change.
Researchers analyzed over 260 wasp specimens to identify all species and determine their distribution. The study reveals three distinct species within the Polistes gallicus complex and a new species from Morocco, Polistes maroccanus.
Hospitalized adults with prior experience with their primary care physician (PCP) had better long-term outcomes than those without, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Patients cared for by their PCPs were more likely to be discharged home and had lower 30-day mortality rates.
The 2017 Global Carbon Budget projects a 2% increase in global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels and industry, ending three years of stability. Chinese emissions are expected to rise 3.5%, while US emissions decline by 0.4%. The growth is attributed to the return to growth in Chinese emissions and stronger industrial production.
A UC Riverside-led research team has identified the human protein resistin as a potential treatment for sepsis, boosting survival rates to 100% in a mouse model. By binding to TLR4, resistin blocks inflammatory responses and minimizes immune system overdrive.
Regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, with study participants showing a 73% lower risk compared to less active individuals. Exercise has been found to impact eye pressure, a major risk factor for the disease, although more research is needed to confirm the exact relationship.
A team of University of Illinois bioengineers has developed a new technique to characterize metal organic frameworks (MOFs) using infrared chemical imaging. This method allows for non-destructive analysis and provides detailed information on the structure and chemistry of MOFs, enabling better detection and utilization of these materials.
A study by RUDN University scientists suggests that urbanization can increase soil organic carbon stocks, particularly on less fertile soils. This process could help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The study confirms years of theoretical work and shows attophysics is ready to tackle complex molecules. Researchers used extremely short laser pulses and sensitive detection to distinguish between electrons with minimal speed difference.
Ludwig Cancer Research researchers will present findings on cancer cell metabolism, tumor microenvironment, and potential therapeutic targets. They will also discuss the use of immunotherapy to treat brain cancer, including results from a Phase 2 clinical trial.
Over 15,000 scientists from 184 countries co-signed a warning letter highlighting the need for urgent action to avoid substantial and irreversible harm to the Earth. The letter notes that only one of nine areas has improved, including ozone depletion, forest loss, climate change, and human population growth.
A recent analysis by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that when low-income parents enroll in Medicaid, their children have a significantly higher chance of receiving annual well child visits. These visits are crucial for growth and development, immunizations, and proper nutrition and child behaviors.
The U.S. Department of Energy's INCITE program awards large-scale research campaigns to researchers, allocating 5.95 billion core-hours on three powerful supercomputers. Domain scientists and computational experts provide support to aid in code development, optimization, and data analysis.
Mice treated with sonidegib exhibited significant taste bud and nerve response restoration within 14 days of discontinuing treatment. The study highlights the potential for recovery from severe taste loss following cancer drug treatment.
The changing planet poses serious risks to human health, with staple food crops becoming less nutritious and insect pollinators declining. Increased extreme weather events will lead to forced displacement, malnutrition, and infectious diseases.
Global carbon emissions have surged in 2017 due to increased coal use in China and the US. The country's emissions are projected to grow by 3.5%, reversing two years of decline. This unexpected growth delays efforts to reach a global peak, with CO2 levels expected to rise to a record high.
A Kaiser Permanente-led study found that dabigatran and warfarin have similar ischemic stroke rates, but dabigatran reduces the risk of brain bleeds. The research analyzed data from over 50,000 adults with atrial fibrillation and provides reassurance on dabigatran's effectiveness in usual clinical care.
A simple colour-changing test developed by researchers at the University of Bath can detect high levels of fluoride in drinking water, which can cause crippling skeletal fluorosis. The test aims to be low cost, rapid, and robust, allowing anyone to perform a test without scientific training.
A new study from the University of Washington used machine-learning tools to analyze nearly 800 movie scripts, finding subtle but widespread gender bias in portraying male and female characters. The research reveals that women are consistently portrayed in submissive positions with less agency than men, reinforcing stereotypes through ...
A new Australian-led study found that aerobic exercise increases the size of the left region of the hippocampus, a critical area for memory and other brain functions. The study showed significant benefits of exercise on brain health, with implications for preventing age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that nearly 40% of middle-aged adults with functional impairment experience further decline or death within 10 years. Functional impairment is more common than previously thought, affecting over 1 in 5 adults before age 64.
Researchers from University of Toronto and Georgian National Museum discover 8,000-year-old wine production in ancient Middle East, dating back to early Neolithic period. The discovery confirms the use of domesticated grapes (Vitis vinifera) for winemaking, pushing back the origin of practice by 600-1,000 years.
A team of scientists has visualized the dynamics of the CRISPR-Cas9 complex using high-speed atomic force microscopy. The study provides unprecedented insights into the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage mechanism, highlighting its potential for gene editing.
The development of brain-computer interfaces and AI-powered neurotechnologies holds promise for treating various disorders, but raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy. Experts recommend regulating the use of personal data and establishing norms to prevent social inequalities and potential exploitation.
Researchers developed a Partial Discharge Wireless Sensor Network that reports partial discharge levels remotely, enabling instant monitoring via smartphones. The system has shown encouraging results at Tata Steel's Port Talbot plant, with plans to deploy 100 sensors across the site.
Researchers elucidate torque generation mechanism of flagellar motor in Bacillus subtilis using high-speed atomic force microscopy and mutational analysis. The study finds that sodium ions drive the assembly and activation of flagellar motor, regardless of its composition.
A new study reveals that most military treatment facilities offer at least one type of complementary and alternative medicine, with an estimated 76,000 patients using integrative health services each month. The most commonly used modalities are acupuncture and stress management/relaxation therapy for pain and mental health conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased risk of liver, colorectal, and breast cancers. Patients with NAFLD were 16.73 times more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma and twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer.
A new microdose delivery system achieved comparable treatment effect to conventional eyedrops while delivering less than four times the amount of drug, reducing eye exposure by 75-80%. Microdosing reduced side effects, leading to gentler treatment for patients with glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Scientists from NIH and University of Chicago developed a new microscope that produces high-resolution images at high speed, improving efficiency and resolution. The use of mirrored coverslips allows for the capture of reflected images, removing unwanted background and increasing light collection.
Recent advances have shed light on neural circuits and mechanisms driving social behaviors, revealing a complex interplay of brain areas involved in cooperation and aggression. These findings suggest that shared neuronal activity between social partners plays a key role in cooperative behavior and learning.
Scientists discovered that sensory neurons in the head and face are directly connected to the brain's emotional pathways, explaining why people experience greater fear and emotional suffering from these types of pain. This finding may lead to more effective treatments for chronic headaches and neuropathic face pain.
Researchers efficiently used Stampede2's 1024 Skylake processors to complete a 100-epoch ImageNet training with AlexNet in 11 minutes, setting the fastest time recorded to date. The Layer-Wise Adaptive Rate Scaling (LARS) algorithm enabled this breakthrough, allowing for larger-than-ever batch sizes and adaptive learning rate adjustments.
A new study uses neutron analysis to understand the molecular mechanism of an oxygen-generating enzyme that breaks down chlorite, a industrial pollutant found in groundwater and drinking water. The research opens possibilities for future applications in bioremediation and biotechnology.
A study by Northwestern University and Harvard University found that shared decision-making between doctors and patients increased 14% from 2002 to 2014, resulting in better-informed patients who opt for fewer marginal treatments.
The James Webb Space Telescope has released early data from its first five months of operations, targeting Jupiter and its moons, organic molecule-forming infant stars, supermassive black holes, and baby galaxies. The observations will explore exoplanet atmospheres using infrared spectrographs and peer into the distant universe to exam...