AGU Advances will publish novel, influential full-length papers on groundbreaking research in Earth and space sciences, with broad implications for researchers and the public. The journal aims to accelerate scientific discovery and exchange knowledge through open-access commentaries.
UBC researchers have discovered an internal messaging system in plants that regulates cell growth and division, enabling them to survive harsh conditions and compete successfully under favorable conditions. The system is driven by a protein called CLASP, which plays a crucial role in cell growth and division.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy's annual report, wind energy prices in the United States are at an all-time low due to technology advancements and cost reductions. Bigger turbines with increased rotor diameters have improved wind project capacity factors, while lower turbine pricing has pushed down installed project costs.
A new scientific study reveals that there is no safe level of drinking alcohol, with nearly 3 million deaths globally attributed to alcohol use in 2016. The study finds massive health risks associated with alcohol consumption, including premature death, cancer, and cardiovascular problems.
Researchers found that microbial diversity was higher during and after foggy conditions, with pathogenic microbes detected in fog at both study sites. The connection between fog and microbe transport has significant health implications and may be affected by climate change.
A new study reveals that E. coli produces a compound called enterobactin, which helps cells absorb iron, benefiting the host in the process. This discovery could lead to more effective therapies for iron deficiency anemia, impacting over 1 billion people worldwide.
Implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in out-patient dialysis facilities can significantly reduce infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, infection-related deaths, and costs. The programs promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials, leading to a 4.8% reduction in infections and a 4.6% reduction in death rates.
A study has identified six biomarkers of inflammation associated with the risk of polyneuropathy in people with type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest a complex interaction between innate and adaptive immunity in the development of this complication.
Typhoon Cimaron made landfall in southeastern Japan, with NASA's Terra satellite detecting asymmetric circulation and deep convection. The storm had maximum sustained winds of near 86 mph, with higher gusts.
The motor cortex is essential for executing corrective movements in response to unexpected changes of sensory input, but not when movements are executed spontaneously. Neuronal activity patterns in the motor cortex differ between these two scenarios.
A recent study has found that the innate immune system responds more aggressively to lung infections than wound healing, leading to delayed wound recovery. This priority of responses, known as immune triage, highlights the complex interplay between different parts of the immune system and their impact on overall health.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded $9.9 million in research grants to accelerate treatments and cures for over 40 diseases. The grants support innovative research in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Researchers used genomic and epidemiological approaches to understand the mode of transmission of the South America's largest yellow fever virus outbreak. The study revealed that the virus lineage had spread through a sylvatic cycle of transmission in primates before spilling over into human populations.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered that rabies virus uses a distinct transport process to reach neuronal cell bodies, contrasting with other neuron-invading viruses. Emetine, a protein synthesis inhibitor used to treat amoebic dysentery, efficiently blocks rabies virus transport by immobilizing endosomes carrying the virus.
Researchers have pinpointed risk factors for noma, a rare disease causing facial gangrene, in northwest Nigeria. Children who were fed pap daily were at higher risk, while those breastfed colostrum and had varied diets were less likely to contract the disease.
A recent study found that genetic diversity among shelter dogs exceeds expectations, revealing over 125 distinct breeds. Breed labels assigned by shelters often lead to inaccurate assessments, with accuracy rates as low as 10%. Behavioral assessments may be a more informative alternative.
Researchers at the GW Cancer Center will develop a model to study the COMPASS complex in pancreatic cancer and possible targeted therapies. The goal is to identify molecular vulnerabilities and treat patients based on their likelihood to respond to tailored treatments.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that black and Hispanic veterans with chronic kidney disease are more likely to progress to advanced kidney disease despite equal access to nephrologist care. Genetic or environmental factors, such as APOL1 mutations, may be central to these disparities.
Wildfires in Africa, driven by agricultural practices, have intensified due to low humidity, high winds, and extreme temperatures. In contrast, South American fires, particularly in Chile, are exacerbated by a mega drought and flammable tree plantations.
A new analysis shows that habitats of three shark species are relatively well protected from longline fishing, but some prime locations remain vulnerable. The study's findings have important implications for protecting at-risk species from bycatch in U.S. federal waters.
A study found that having friends who are former smokers decreases the odds of quitting smoking, while highly connected friend groups also show promise. Participants reported strong support from their contacts, with 90% approving of using counseling to quit.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a working lithium-oxygen battery with near 100% coulombic efficiency. By addressing fundamental issues in thermodynamics, they achieved four-electron conversion, doubling electron storage and increasing theoretical energy density.
Researchers identified vulnerabilities to target in a high-risk pediatric tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, through an integrated analysis of cellular origins and epigenetic changes. The study promotes precision medicine by prioritizing drug development and highlighting the importance of preclinical models in streamlining treatment strategies.
A recent study found that on-again, off-again relationships are associated with higher rates of abuse, poorer communication, and lower levels of commitment. Researchers suggest that partners who regularly break up and get back together should re-examine their relationship dynamics to prioritize their well-being.
The Stanford model analyzes opioid use and addiction among Americans, projecting a decline in deaths if doctors reduce prescriptions by 25% over 10 years while expanding treatment programs. The researchers aimed to provide policymakers with 'what-if' scenarios to address the crisis.
A collaboration between University of Pittsburgh and Lubrizol Corporation has revealed the molecular reaction mechanism of PIB polymer. The team found that a 'superacid' catalyst is required for initiation, which could lead to designing different catalysts and controlling the reaction.
A new study published in the Food and Nutrition Bulletin reveals that analyzing global data carries risks of missing local patterns and effects of health interventions. Researchers found varying rates of kwashiorkor across villages, with some areas experiencing extreme nutritional stress, highlighting the need for targeted interventions
Researchers at University of Georgia have successfully reproduced the effects of traumatic brain injury and stimulated recovery in neuron cells grown in a petri dish. The procedure has significant implications for studying and treating such injuries.
Scientists will investigate necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, as a key contributor to neuronal loss in Alzheimer's. The goal is to develop therapeutics capable of blocking the necroptosis pathway and slowing or arresting cell death characteristic of the disease.
A new study finds that warm-water kelp species are outcompeting cold-water species in UK kelp forests, leading to changes in ecosystem functioning. The warm-water kelps provide a continuous supply of food but also harbor less biodiversity.
A new flame burning method was developed to prepare single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) sponges on a large scale, achieving mass production and low energy consumption. The resulting SWNT sponges exhibit high conductivity, moderate organic liquid adsorption, good elasticity, and high specific capacitance.
Engineers at UCR have created gold nanobeads with spiky and hollow structures by modifying the M13 bacteriophage virus. The discovery could lead to more efficient production of electronic components and new applications for wastewater treatment.
The Lancet study estimates that one in three people drink alcohol, with 2.2% of women and 6.8% of men dying from alcohol-related health problems each year. The risk of death increases rapidly with higher levels of consumption, offsetting any potential protective effects against cancer, injuries, and infectious diseases.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has developed a new method of single-particle tracking based on machine learning, achieving higher accuracy and automation than current techniques. The technique is widely used in physical and life sciences to track individual particles such as viruses, cells, and drug-loaded nanoparticles.
Two new studies from the University of Bath expose evidence that big tobacco companies are still facilitating tobacco smuggling and funding studies that overestimate levels of tobacco smuggling. The findings highlight the tobacco industry's elaborate efforts to control a global track and trace system and undermine international agreeme...
A study explores the use of optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) to analyze retinal changes in people with preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found certain retina alterations were more common among those with preclinical AD, suggesting potential for non-invasive early detection.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that two-thirds of current and three-quarters of former cancer patients aged 50+ are mentally flourishing. The researchers discovered that factors such as marital status, income, and childhood experiences can influence mental health outcomes.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found high levels of toxins in water near farm fields in rural Ohio, posing serious health risks to people, pets, and wildlife. The study highlights the need for judicious fertilizer use and measures to reduce animal waste contamination to control algal blooms.
A new drug, upadacitinib, has been shown to be effective in patients with moderate to severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to conventional treatments. The drug, a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1, has been found to improve joint swelling and pain symptoms in a phase III clinical trial.
Researchers discovered a link between SCN1A gene mutations and cardiac arrhythmias in epilepsy patients with Dravet syndrome, which may trigger sudden unexpected death. The study found that even after removing the mutated gene, an increase in sodium current occurred, leading to potential heart problems.
Researchers have designed and synthesized a molecular structure featuring a helical binding pocket that selectively captures xylobiose, a disaccharide class of carbohydrates. The molecule's synthesis and characterization were published in Angewandte Chemie, with the journal editors rating it as 'very important.'
Researchers uncover shift in specialized features of alvarezsaurs through discovery of Xiyunykus pengi and Bannykus wulatensis fossils. Early members had relatively long arms with strong-clawed hands and typical meat-eating teeth, contrasting with modern mole-like arms and single claw.
A study from the University of Arizona found that individuals with the APOE e4 gene variant who carry it described memories with less vivid detail than those without it. The researchers hope to develop a clinical test sensitive enough to detect preclinical brain changes of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a baby's immune system undergoes dramatic changes within the first few weeks of life, adapting to its new environment. This phenomenon was made possible by using advanced techniques of immune cell analysis.
Cownose rays migrate along the Atlantic coast, with most returning to the same regions each summer. The study provides critical insights into conservation efforts, as intense fishing could wipe out genetic diversity in Chesapeake Bay populations.
Scientists at TU Wien and Cornell University develop a novel method to create ultra-pure ice and apply it to titanium dioxide surfaces, revealing that smallest impurities are surprisingly significant. The study finds that two organic acids, acetic acid and formic acid, are the main culprits behind surface contamination.
Researchers discovered that gene regulation is largely digital and stochastic, with genes being on or off for a fraction of time. This finding adds complexity to human diseases, such as neuropsychiatric disorders, and may help better understand dosage-sensitive genes contributing to these conditions.
The discovery of Bannykus and Xiyunykus provides significant insights into the evolution of alvarezsaurs, an enigmatic group of theropod dinosaurs. The fossils reveal transitional steps in their adaptation to new diets, showing that these dinosaurs evolved short arms only later in their evolutionary history.
Scientists have created a more complete humanized mouse model by combining human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with mesenchymal stem cells. This allows for more realistic testing of immunotherapies, leading to improved cancer treatment predictions. The new model enables researchers to compare the interaction of the immune sys...
Scientists at Garvan Institute of Medical Research have identified a new micro-organ within the immune system that helps fight reinfection fast. The structure, named SPFs, is strategically positioned to detect infection early and contains immune cells gathering to mount a rapid response.
Researchers have developed a CdS-CdSxTe1-x-CdTe core-shell nanobelt photodetector with high sensitivity and fast speed, outperforming traditional nanostructures. The detector has a responsivity of 1520 A/W and a detection spectrum covering the entire visible range.
A modified RNA vaccine elicits protective response in mice to a conserved region of the flu virus, providing broad protection against various strains. The vaccine has shown promise as a universal flu vaccine candidate, which could be given multiple times over a lifetime for long-lasting protection.
The US Federal Commission has invested $400K in the University of Pittsburgh's Nuclear Engineering Program to support two graduate fellowships. The program aims to develop cutting-edge nuclear technologies and provide educational experiences that lead to a PhD or MS degree.
A new study explored how nurses understand and deal with racism in practice, finding mixed understandings and misunderstandings about its nature. The findings suggest an urgent need for interactive and sustained anti-racist education to address structural racism and promote culturally safe healthcare practices.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have finally identified the elusive sensor protein responsible for hearing and balance. The discovery reveals that TMC1 forms a sound-activated pore that converts sound and head movement into nerve signals that travel to the brain, enabling hearing and balance.
A study by Washington University researchers found that community outreach and educational support led to a higher enrollment rate in ACA plans among Missourians in 2018. The initiative also developed an online decision support tool, Show Me Health Plans, which reported higher health insurance knowledge and confidence among users.
A new paper warns of the shortcomings of Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) systems for fisheries, which can discourage development of equitable alternatives. ITQs regulate fisheries access by dividing up total catch limits among individual quota owners, leading to negative consequences for small-scale fisheries and marginalized groups.
Researchers found that gift givers tend to choose gifts based on anticipated emotional responses, rather than long-term satisfaction. In studies involving real and imaginary gift-giving decisions, participants preferred personalized gifts that would elicit stronger emotional reactions.
Studies have found that pain, insomnia, and depression significantly increase healthcare use in osteoarthritis patients. Concomitant symptoms like insomnia or depression can lead to increased healthcare utilization.
Scientists discovered that bees' quality of life is highest in gardens and biodiverse forests, while lowest in plantations. The decline of biodiversity is linked to bee extinction due to the lack of sufficient food and resources.