A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that obesity may play a role in how the flu spreads. Obese adults infected with flu shed the virus for a longer time than non-obese adults, potentially increasing the opportunity for transmission to others.
Researchers at Florida State University's National High Magnetic Field Laboratory have discovered that cuprates, known for their unique behavior, carry current in a non-conventional way. The study reveals that the electrons seem to cooperate as they move through the material, contradicting the widely accepted understanding of conventio...
Research led by LSU Health found that hypoxia decreases Protein S, a natural anticoagulant, increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening blood clots. The study identified the gene regulatory mechanism controlling PS production in response to oxygen levels.
The Iterative Indirect Immunofluorescence Imaging (4i) technique refines standard immunofluorescence imaging by visualizing up to 40 proteins in a single cell. A new computer program, Multiplexed Protein Maps, analyzes the data and generates maps of protein distribution, providing a systematic survey of cellular organization.
A new study using machine learning has identified four brain-based dimensions of mental health disorders, including mood, psychosis, fear, and disruptive externalizing behavior. These findings suggest that psychiatric symptoms do not neatly fall into established categories, but instead emerge from diverse clinical domains to form dimen...
Researchers analyzed genetic data from diverse humans and Neanderthals, finding no evidence for recent, human-specific selection of FOXP2. The study revises the history of how humans acquired language, highlighting the importance of using diverse datasets in population genetics.
Researchers measured isotopes of water trapped in gypsum to determine changes in rainfall and relative humidity during the Maya downfall. Annual precipitation decreased by 41-54% and relative humidity declined by 2-7%. These findings support theories that drought contributed to the Maya civilization's collapse.
A new study estimates that Hurricane Maria caused over 1,139 deaths in Puerto Rico through December 2017, exceeding the official death toll of 64. The analysis used vital statistics records to account for indirect deaths due to infectious disease outbreaks and lack of services.
Researchers found that Cas12a is a more choosier enzyme than Cas9 due to its binding mechanism, making it less likely to edit the wrong part of the genome. This discovery could lead to improved gene editing in plants and animals with increased safety for human applications.
Researchers created a map of over a billion brain cell connections to understand how memories are formed and recalled. The study revealed diverse patterns of synapses that may be key to recalling information, potentially helping scientists understand memory problems.
Research reveals that routine screening and genetic testing can identify up to 30% of relatives with an underlying genetic predisposition to developing life-threatening aortic diseases. This could lead to earlier detection and potentially save lives.
Researchers propose a new epidemiologic triad model emphasizing the role of vectors in disease transmission, highlighting the need for increased vector surveillance and community education. The new approach aims to reduce unnecessary pesticide use and promote cost-effective management methods.
A Stanford study reveals that Native American tribes are increasingly asserting their rights to groundwater, with potential implications for Western US water management. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians' victory in federal court sets a precedent for tribal groundwater claims, which could lead to more tribes seeking resolution...
Chronic alcohol consumption modulates host immune defense mechanisms, increasing susceptibility to Mtb and other infections. Young alcoholic individuals with latent TB infection are at a higher risk of developing active TB, according to the study published in PLOS Pathogens.
Worms use two neural cells to perform critical calculations for finding food, employing a 'Hot or Cold' computation and constant follow-up checks. This system teaches us the importance of having a backup solution to ensure we're moving in the right direction.
Researchers have developed a novel PET imaging method that can measure beta-cell mass, enhancing the ability to monitor and guide diabetes therapies. The new imaging method uses a radioligand to identify beta cells and has shown promising results in differentiating between healthy individuals and those with type 1 diabetes.
A Brazilian research team used CRISPR/Cas9 to investigate the Aire gene, which plays a crucial role in controlling aggressive autoimmunity. The study found that Aire-mutant mTECs were worse at adhering to thymocytes and losing their original function.
A study on pine sawfly larvae found that repeated participation in the common defence increases mortality and weakens ability to defend against predators and parasites. Larvae also paid a price for diet quality, growing slower and benefiting from not defending.
A genomic study reveals that insects' ability to detect airborne odors evolved long before wings and was an adaptation for terrestrial life. All insect species examined possess specialized odorant receptors, which were present at the beginning of insect evolution.
Researchers found that Ebola outbreaks have a lasting negative impact on Liberian agricultural production, income, and food security. Despite no difference in annual household income between affected and unaffected areas, communities with EVD experienced greater crop production losses.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a neuroprotective microRNA, miR-132, which shows promise in treating tauopathies like Alzheimer's. The study found that miR-132 supplementation reduced toxic forms of tau and glutamate excitotoxicity, providing new avenues for potential treatments.
A DNA probing technique clarifies the mechanism behind clonal reproduction of female dojo loach fish, revealing how they double their chromosomes twice to ensure clonal reproduction. The study also provides insight into the ancestral origin of this population and suggests a method for developing clone fish with desirable characteristics.
A recent study found a disturbing increase in violent and unintentional injuries in the US, reversing positive trends from the 1980s and 1990s. The study, published in JAMA Surgery, examined injury data between 2000 and 2016 and found that injury remains a leading cause of death in the nation.
Research by Hokkaido University found that abandoned farmlands, particularly those without surrounding forests, benefit wetland and grassland birds. The study also revealed that landscape structure affects bird communities differently.
The UCLA-developed artificial neural network device can analyze large volumes of data and identify objects at the speed of light. It uses diffraction of light to process images without advanced computing programs or energy consumption.
Research reveals that tropical pioneer tree species employ physical and chemical defenses to survive, with seeds relying on different strategies based on their persistence time. The study's findings have implications for crop production, weed management, and understanding natural plant community dynamics.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found two genes, IRX3 and IRX5, that work together to construct a cellular communication system in mouse ovaries. This system, involving junctions between eggs and granulosa cells, helps ensure proper egg development and survival leading up to ovulation.
Astronomers have detected a strong magnetic field in a planetary-mass object beyond our Solar System, similar to Jupiter's but over 200 times stronger. The object is believed to be a free-floating planet, only 12.7 times more massive than Jupiter, and has a surface temperature of about 825 degrees Celsius.
The study reveals how a fusion protein found in cancer cells enhances target gene expression by converting microsatellite repeats into active enhancers. Blocking this process prevents tumor growth.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that considering patient characteristics such as sex and BMI can significantly improve treatment outcomes in type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that obese females are more likely to have good blood glucose control on thiazolidinediones, while non-obese males benefit from sulfonylureas.
A research team has developed a novel peptide drug called FFW that shows promise in reducing tumour growth and slowing down the spread of cancer cells. The drug targets SALL4 protein interactions, previously considered undruggable, and has shown effective results in lab experiments.
The increasing use of photo-editing technology on social media is changing beauty standards, leading to a rise in self-esteem issues and body dysmorphic disorder. Researchers recommend psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, over surgery to address these concerns.
Researchers at BIDMC have shown that altering brown fat tissue can significantly impact skeletal muscle function, leading to reduced exercise performance. The findings suggest that myostatin, a hormone normally silenced in brown adipose tissue, plays a crucial role in regulating muscle function.
Researchers discovered a protein called JNK that drives response to exercise, stimulating skeletal muscle growth and endurance adaptation. Inhibition of this pathway may improve response to aerobic capacity training.
Scientists at Oregon State University analyzed 44 years of seismic data and found clear evidence that tremors of magnitude 6.5 or larger trigger other quakes of magnitude 5.0 or larger.
A new study finds that taking responsibility for others is a key trait of leaders, separating them from followers. Most people exhibit 'responsibility aversion', making decisions that impact others' welfare despite personal preferences.
A new study reveals that climate change is altering soil microbial networks, affecting plant communities and ecosystem function. The research found that drought increases the abundance of a certain fast-growing grass, leading to decreased soil moisture.
Research by Professor Rachel Brooks at the University of Surrey found that English and Irish higher education students differ in their political activity, with English students feeling less empowered and pessimistic about being listened to. The study suggests that marketisation in the English HE system has affected students' political ...
A KAIST research team identified where glioblastoma mutation drivers originate, revealing that normal SVZ tissue away from the tumor contains low-level mutations. The study suggests novel ways to treat glioblastoma and implies a new paradigm for therapeutic strategies.
A new study found that major innovations lead to bubbles in their industries, which are more likely to occur if they are radical and help bolster other industries. The study also found that stocks of innovating companies outperform the market during bubble periods, suggesting that innovations add value to both companies and the economy.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a method to directly convert white fat to brown fat outside the body and then reimplant it in a patient. This technique uses fat-grafting procedures commonly performed by plastic surgeons, which is potentially safer than existing methods that use pharmaceuticals or chronic cold exposure.
Scientists have identified key defects in perovskite solar cells that limit their efficiency. The most harmful defects are found at the interfaces between the perovskite layer and charge transport layers, leading to recombination of charge carriers and energy losses.
Tropical Storm Hector is forming in the eastern Pacific Ocean, southwest of Mexico, according to NASA's GPM satellite observations. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 80 knots (92 mph) early next week.
A new study found that ketamine significantly decreased symptoms in adolescents with treatment-resistant depression, with 38% meeting clinical response criteria. The treatment was well-tolerated and has sparked excitement about a potential new agent for this population.
Researchers found that feral horses in the park have a mix of genetic markers from different regions, including Native American horse traders and East Asia. The herd is highly inbred and lacks genetic diversity, highlighting the need for new blood to improve its health.
Researchers used a novel experimental setup with quantum chemical calculations to understand organometallic catalysts. They were able to empirically test and validate calculations for oxidation and reduction processes on the entire molecule, providing new insights into redox processes in complex systems.
Rice University's Luay Nakhleh has received $1.5 million in grants from the NSF to develop algorithms that can infer evolutionary histories of tumor cells, helping researchers understand why some cancer cells spread and mutate differently.
Researchers identified genetic determinants of the lateral plate ectoderm in Ciona intestinalis, showing interlocking regulatory interactions. The study suggests that the entire lateral plate may be the source of both placodal and neural crest derivatives in vertebrates.
A breakthrough swallowable sensor has been found to be 3,000 times more accurate than current technology for diagnosing gut disorders. The gas-sensing capsule provides real-time detection and measurement of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen in the gut.
A NASA-NOAA satellite has captured images of Tropical Depression 16W transitioning into a subtropical system, characterized by strong winds and cold dry air from the northwest. The storm is moving north-northwest, with maximum sustained winds near 25 knots (28.7 mph/46.3 kph).
Recent research found a significant correlation between conspiracy mentality and preference for alternative medical treatments in Germany and the USA. Individuals with a strong proclivity to believe in conspiracy theories tend to display a positive attitude towards alternative concepts and reject conventional medical treatments.
Researchers identified a rare pulmonary ionocyte cell type in airway tissue, playing a key role in cystic fibrosis. The new cell subtype expresses CFTR at high levels, challenging previous assumptions about airway function.
The Eat, Love, Move (ELM) program will be expanded to six cities across the US after a successful two-year pilot project at Rush University Medical Center. The six-year, $9 million grant aims to determine whether lifestyle changes can reverse metabolic syndrome and improve quality of life.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to enhance targeted cancer drugs by testing cocktail combinations on human cancer cell lines, fruit flies, and mice. The findings suggest that these cocktail combinations can be used with targeted therapy drugs or after failed attempts.
A University of Guelph study found that middle-aged Canadians are experiencing significant sexual problems, with 40% of women and 30% of men facing challenges. The study highlights the need for doctors to check in with patients about their sexual health, particularly among this demographic.
Research from UTSA Assistant Professor Vikram Kapoor confirms high levels of fecal contamination in Texas waterways following Hurricane Harvey. The study found elevated levels of E. coli and enterococci concentrations above regulatory levels, posing risks to human health and environmental quality.
Researchers designed and printed soft robotic manipulators for interacting with delicate deep-sea organisms, collecting samples at depths of up to 2224m. The innovative approach enables real-time modification and innovation in understanding fragile marine life.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed large supercrystals that can detect chemicals with improved sensitivity, like a dog's nose. The cost-effective sensors use only 0.012 grams of gold, making them a promising technology for security applications.
A Mayo Clinic study found that specific gut bacteria, such as Phascolarctobacterium and Dialister, are associated with weight loss success and failure, respectively. The research suggests that individualized strategies may be needed to address the unique metabolic needs of each person.
A UCSF-led study of first-time offenders aged 12-18 found that adolescents identifying as non-heterosexual were more likely to experience depression, self-harm, substance abuse, and poorer mental health. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions to support these youth