Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that chromosomes are likely entangled, suggesting they may be knotted. The team used mathematical algorithms to examine 3D polymer models of chromosomes and extended the models to determine if they contain knots.
Rare variants combined with background genetic risk factors may account for many unexplained cases of familial breast cancer. The study identified at least 46 genes that were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in patients with familial breast cancer.
The Lancet Commission report finds that global pollution is responsible for 16% of all deaths worldwide. Pollution disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, particularly poor and marginalized communities. Accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources can reduce air pollution and improve human health.
Dartmouth College introduces several cutting-edge technology projects, including RetroShape, a smart watch that provides tactile feedback, and Frictio, a smart ring with calendar alerts. Pyro, a thumb-tip recognition technique, also showcases improved finger gesture interaction with computing applications.
Researchers produced high-energy photon beams using a new method, exceeding known limits and paving the way for deeper understanding of atomic nuclei. The discovery has potential applications in future large-scale laser facilities and could lead to new sources of energy.
Alicia Timme-Laragy's research investigates the health effects of PFOS and its replacement chemical PFBS on embryos of fish, worms, and fruit flies. The study aims to understand how these pollutants affect nutrient deposition and later-life metabolic dysfunction.
A new tropical depression has formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, hours after a neighboring system dissipated. The storm is currently disorganized and moving northwest towards Guam, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots.
Researchers at UC Davis will analyze the role of academic brands in modern universities, exploring how they reflect and shape university identity. The study aims to understand the relationship between branding, metrics, and excellence, with potential implications for faculty recruitment and funding.
The University of Freiburg is launching a new centre to promote African knowledge production and sustainable governance. The MICAS Africa centre will bring together top researchers from Africa and the world to address global imbalances in knowledge.
A team of researchers has discovered a new function of the gene-regulatory protein CBP, which affects the recruitment and release of RNA polymerase from genes. This finding enhances our understanding of gene regulation and provides insights into why CBP is often affected in certain forms of cancer.
Researchers found that artificial lighting near waterways attracts more flying insects and changes the predator community living beneath the lights. The study highlights the importance of considering ecological impacts when designing new lighting concepts.
The University of Minnesota Medical School's Center for Magnetic Resonance Research has received a NIH R01 grant to investigate the underlying trajectory of brain chemistry in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to identify abnormal metabolic pathways in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a powerful RNA switch that can activate genes thousands of times better than nature, providing precise control over gene expression. This technology has potential applications in diagnostics, metabolic engineering, and regulating RNA networks.
The study found that loss of PTEN leads to high levels of PI(3,4)P2, which could result in hyperactivation of AKT, a key regulator of cell growth. This discovery may help identify patients who will benefit from targeted therapies.
Researchers analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes from ancient saber-toothed cat samples, finding that the two species shared a common ancestor about 20 million years ago. The study suggests that saber-toothed cats continued to live in Europe much more recently than previously thought.
The research highlights the importance of peaceful transition to inclusive democracy and power-sharing in facilitating voluntary returns. Notably, older people with positive memories of before wartime were more likely to return, while women were less likely to want to go back. The study also emphasizes the crucial role of lawyers and n...
Scientists found that H7N9 avian flu viruses can spread among ferrets via respiratory droplets and are minimally responsive to commonly used antiviral drugs. The study also shows that these viruses have a high potential for pandemic due to their efficient replication in human airway cells and the lungs of animal models.
A pilot case control study found improvements in TBI, PPCS, and PTSD symptoms, brain blood flow, depression, anxiety, and quality of life after HBOT. Significant reductions in suicidal ideation and anxiety were also observed.
Scientists have unveiled a dataset mapping diverse migrant communities in the EU, providing insights for policymakers to develop targeted integration policies. The maps reveal residential patterns of migrants by nationality or country of origin, highlighting concentration, diversity, and segregation within cities.
The study found a near doubling of median overall survival (27.8 months) and no grade 3 or higher toxicities for patients receiving higher radiation doses with adaptive MR guided radiation therapy, compared to those receiving lower doses via non-adaptive treatments.
Researchers have designed a solar peaker plant that can store energy thermally to deliver power after dark, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels for peaking. The plants, which use molten salt tower technology, can operate for up to 6 hours and have a capacity factor of 15-25%.
Patients with a history of heart attack are more likely to use emotion-focused coping strategies, while those without a history of heart disease use problem-focused approaches. These inefficient coping methods can exacerbate stress and impact quality of life.
A new deep learning approach has been developed to classify the shapes of red blood cells in a patient's blood, which could help monitor people with sickle cell disease. The system successfully classified red blood cell shape for both oxygenated and deoxygenated cells.
A recent study found that state-level TBI laws lead to a significant decline in the rate of recurrent concussions among US high school athletes approximately 2.5 years after implementation. The laws are reported to increase initial concussion reports and reduce recurrent concussions.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $5.4 million in grants to study the environmental impact of genetically engineered organisms and develop methods for monitoring their dispersal. Researchers will investigate probiotics, CRISPR gene-edited trees, and other biotechnology innovations to inform food safety p...
A new ERC Grant project, ELWar, investigates how war influences electoral behavior in six postwar Balkan states over three decades. The study aims to identify the agents of postwar politics and their impact on societal decisions made after violence.
Scientists have discovered a key protein controlling ferroptosis, a highly regulated cell death process that plays a role in health and disease. The research links ferroptosis to diseases such as asthma, kidney injury, and brain trauma, suggesting potential drug targets for treatment.
Research suggests that mouth bacteria can contribute to conditions like IBD, UC, and Crohn's disease by triggering severe inflammation in susceptible individuals. The study found that saliva samples from patients with these diseases contain Klebsiella bacteria, which can colonize the intestine and exacerbate symptoms.
Researchers from RMIT University have created two-dimensional materials no thicker than a few atoms using liquid metal, revolutionizing chemistry and electronics. The breakthrough could lead to better, more energy-efficient electronics and new applications in catalysis.
Researchers identified a link between lower levels of defective viral RNA molecules and increased flu severity. The findings suggest that these molecules could serve as a general marker for predicting disease severity in influenza A virus-infected patients.
Research reveals plants can aid in reducing social and cognitive problems associated with space travel, suggesting they should be part of future mission design. The study's findings support the use of plants for both nutritional and psychological reasons to promote astronaut well-being.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder received similar or higher rates of preventive health screenings compared to those without mental illnesses. The study examined over 800,000 patients in the Kaiser Permanente Northwest health system and foun...
Tropical Depression 26W formed on Oct. 19 near Manila, Philippines, moving northeast at 10 knots with maximum sustained winds of 25 knots. The system quickly became disorganized due to strong vertical wind shear and subsidence, leading to its rapid dissipation.
Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience have developed a new tool called vSLENDR, which enables precise genome editing in post-mitotic neurons of the brain. This breakthrough technology utilizes CRISPR-Cas9 and an adeno-associated virus to increase the efficiency and flexibility of HDR DNA repair.
Typhoon Lan's powerful thunderstorms are stretching high into the troposphere, fueled by extremely warm ocean waters. The storm is expected to continue intensifying as it moves toward higher latitudes, potentially becoming a powerful typhoon with winds of up to 127mph.
The collision of neutron stars has been observed directly for the first time, confirming a key aspect of Albert Einstein's General Relativity theory. The detection, made possible by a global research collaboration, reveals that gravitational waves and gamma ray bursts are produced during these collisions.
Leading medical organizations have issued new clinical guidance on hepatitis C in pregnancy, recommending screenings, treatments, and management strategies to minimize the risk of transmission. The guidelines emphasize the importance of vaccination against Hepatitis A and B during pregnancy for HCV-positive women.
A new method to control the momentum of broadband light has been demonstrated in a widely-used optical component known as a whispering gallery microcavity. This breakthrough enables coupling of all color lights with a single optical coupler, paving the way for applications in optical quantum processing and photonics.
Researchers at University College London have developed a new receiver technology that provides consistently high-speed broadband connectivity. The technology enables dedicated data rates of over 10,000 megabits-per-second (Mb/s) for low-cost broadband connections to every UK home.
Researchers found that hedge fund managers with psychopathic traits made less profitable investments, while those with narcissistic traits took more risks to earn the same amount of money as their peers. The study suggests that Dark Triad personality traits are not desirable in investment managers.
Researchers at Monash University have created the first high-resolution structure of the Type II secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a critical component in the bacteria's ability to secrete toxins. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this nanomachine to reduce virulence and combat infection.
Research suggests that smartphones and digital media are distracting students during university lectures, leading to lower academic performance. The constant multitasking of digital natives hampers their ability to focus on the lecture content, making sense of it difficult when switching attention to their phones every five minutes.
Scientists have completed the sequencing of the stevia plant genome, revealing key enzyme groups and potentially new markers for breeding. The research provides a better understanding of the stevia plant's biosynthesis pathways and will enable the creation of improved stevia varieties with optimized levels of sweet-tasting compounds.
A new low-cost, easy-to-use, and self-made customizable piece of equipment called the ethoscope has been invented to study flies' behavior. Ethoscopes can automatically record fly movements and even manipulate them, saving researchers time and enabling more efficient studies.
A study of mitochondrial DNA found higher levels of lesions and extra copies of genes in veterans with Gulf War illness, suggesting excess DNA damage. This supports the idea that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to symptoms and persistence of GWI.
A new study from Penn researchers reveals how genetic variants in the TMEM106B gene lead to disease by affecting cellular structure and promoting abnormal lysosome activity. This breakthrough provides insight into a major cause of dementia in young adults and may lead to development of new therapeutics.
A team at UC San Francisco and UNC Chapel Hill has determined the crystal structure of the dopamine receptor D4 at an incredibly high resolution. This breakthrough allows researchers to design a new compound that tightly binds only to D4, potentially leading to more effective psychiatric drugs with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that nerves stimulate the formation of new blood vessels that promote tumor growth in prostate cancer. They discovered an "angio-metabolic switch" triggered by norepinephrine binding to endothelial cells, which changes how cells metabolize glucose, favoring glycolysis.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital describe a gene-environment interaction that increases the risk of congenital heart defects in infants born to diabetic mothers. Maternal hyperglycemia disrupts normal heart development by reducing nitric oxide production and increasing expression of Jarid2, a repressor of Notch1.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill and UCSF have solved the crystal structure of a specific dopamine receptor called D4 at an incredibly high resolution, allowing them to design a new compound that tightly binds only to D4. This breakthrough could lead to more precise psychiatric drugs with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that flu pandemics are more likely to emerge in late spring and early summer due to the temporary immune protection provided by seasonal flu. This narrow window for pandemic emergence can help public health agencies detect and respond to new viral threats.
Scientists developed new simulations that model the behavior of plasma blobs in tokamaks, which can drain heat and hinder fusion reactions. The XGC1 code simulated two regions of the plasma edge simultaneously, providing a more fundamental understanding of how heat moves from plasma to walls.
A new study found that complementary and alternative medicine is being used by one in four Europeans to remedy various health problems. Women and those with higher education are more likely to use these treatments. The most commonly used forms of treatment were massage, homeopathy, osteopathy, and herbal remedies.
Researchers found genetic differences between UK and Dutch great tits linked to longer beaks in UK birds. The team suggests that natural selection is at work, with birds with genetic variants for longer beaks visiting feeders more frequently, leading to successful reproduction in the UK but not in the Netherlands.
Researchers discovered that mTORC1 is essential for VLDL-triglyceride production, controlling lipid synthesis and storage in the liver. The study suggests targeting mTORC1 to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease associated with obesity and diabetes.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded grants to support the development of new agricultural products and technologies. These grants aim to increase consumer acceptance of whole grain wheat, improve shelf life, and commercialize innovative ventures.
Air pollution is the biggest contributor, linked to 6.5 million deaths in 2015, while water and workplace-related pollution pose significant risks. Welfare losses due to pollution are estimated to cost more than US$4.6 trillion each year.
The James Webb Space Telescope successfully tested its optics alignment using a unique 'selfie' photo. The image verified the line of sight for the telescope's cryogenic testing configuration.
Researchers found that on average, one to ten driver mutations are required for cancer to emerge. The study also reveals the number of mutations driving cancer varies considerably across different cancer types. By using an evolutionary approach, scientists can identify key genes and mutations involved in cancer evolution.
A survey of genetics professionals found high support for research into somatic uses of gene editing, but more divided views on germline uses. Most geneticists felt it would be acceptable for therapeutic purposes in the future, differing from public opinions.