Researchers used a massive dataset of over 100,000 individuals to identify constrained regions of genes that may underlie developmental disorders. These 'constrained' regions are intolerant to DNA changes and may cause disease when mutated, according to the study published in Nature Genetics.
Chondral defects are common, with slow self-healing properties of articular cartilage limiting treatment effectiveness. Cartilage tissue engineering offers new hope for patients, using various scaffold materials and preparation techniques to treat chondral defects.
Researchers found that many slow-growing NF1 gliomas contain few macrophages and produce proteins that can trigger an immune system attack, making them good candidates for treatment with immunotherapy. Clinical trials are now being planned for these high-immune tumors.
Despite a decline in overall crime rates, Chicago's safest neighborhoods experienced a greater decrease in crime, leading to an increase in relative inequality. The city's violent crime rate remains higher than other major cities, highlighting the need for targeted violence-prevention policies.
A new study found that 14% of people with Type 2 diabetes who don't require insulin test their blood sugar levels two or more times a day, exceeding medical guidelines. This can result in millions of unneeded tests and wasted insurance funds.
Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that a fatty acid derivative of serotonin in coffee beans' waxy coating, EHT, combined with caffeine can protect against brain degeneration. This combination boosts the activity of a catalyst that prevents protein accumulation associated with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.
A Syracuse University physicist has developed tiny sensors that can detect and analyze protein-protein interactions in blood serum, which could lead to improved cancer detection. The technology, known as nanobiosensors, uses a nanopore to measure changes in electric current when proteins are present.
A new study suggests that engaging in intellectually stimulating activities throughout life can improve mental ability and provide a higher starting point for decline. The research found no link between regular problem-solving activities and slowing down age-related mental decline.
Researchers found that influenza virus impairs immune response to pneumococcus, especially monocyte activity. The study identified a key cellular mechanism controlling pneumococci proliferation and movement from nose to lungs.
A new study finds that dopamine is released in response to both pleasurable and unpleasurable experiences, training the brain to avoid painful stimuli. This yin-yang personality of dopamine has significant implications for treating addiction and other mental disorders, including schizophrenia.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Owen showing a consolidating low level circulation center with deep convection building over the center. Sea surface temperatures are conducive for future tropical cyclone development, and forecast models indicate potential development over the next 24-36 hours.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that glial cell development involves three stages and is regulated by specific transcription factors. The researchers discovered that the proteins NFIA, ATF3, and Runx2 play key roles in organizing glia-specific gene expression.
A new study tested an emotional coping skills program, Journey of Hope, with over 100 children attending high-poverty elementary schools in Tennessee. The program showed positive impacts on children's behavior, including reduced conduct problems and increased prosocial behaviors.
Researchers found isolated habitat patches with high conservation value are critical for rare and threatened species. Small habitats pose greater risks to biodiversity than large ones due to land clearing and degradation.
A study of 350,000 people has identified eight genetic differences associated with red hair, revealing new insights into its inheritance. The research also uncovered over 200 genetic variations linked to blonde and brunette traits, including those related to hair texture and growth patterns.
Microorganisms living underground have a total carbon mass of 15-23 billion tons, vastly more than humans. The deep biosphere has a volume of between 2 and 2.3 billion cubic kilometers, almost twice the volume of all oceans.
Researchers identify key factors predicting scientific breakthroughs, such as the
A new algorithm that combines experimental data with machine learning reduces the time needed to find optimal peptide sequences, allowing for faster discovery and synthesis. This method has the potential to revolutionize how peptides are designed and could lead to breakthroughs in materials science, chemistry, and medicine.
A new study by University of Houston professor Clayton Neighbors examines the unexpected link between physical activity and drinking among college students, finding that exercising more is associated with higher drinking rates. The research aims to identify the underlying psychological factors driving this association.
A new study from Stockholm University shows that seal predation on fish does not significantly decrease cod, herring, and sprat populations in the Baltic Sea. Climate change, nutrient load, and fisheries have a greater impact on commercial fish stocks, but excessive seal numbers could still harm fish in extreme scenarios.
Researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin studied genetic factors behind different tumor subtypes and their prognoses. They found that telomere maintenance mechanisms play a crucial role in the development of malignant tumors, enabling precise predictions of disease prognosis.
A recent study suggests that humans are accelerating a long-term cooling trend, tracing back at least 50 million years, with projected warming expected by 2030 and potentially reaching Eocene-like conditions by 2150. The research implies that the planet's climate may resemble that of the mid-Pliocene epoch within two centuries.
A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that ozone depletion above Antarctica increases snowfall, partially offsetting the continent's ice sheet mass loss. However, the gains in snowfall are outpaced by an even greater ice loss rate due to warming oceans.
Researchers studied 91,105 UK Biobank participants and found 14 genetic regions related to physical activity, including seven new discoveries. The analysis also showed that increased physical activity lowers blood pressure and has a causal link to better health outcomes.
A human neuroimaging and eye-tracking study found that the brain updates its preferences in real-time to choose between two equally attractive options, avoiding indecision like Buridan's donkey. This neural activity predicts how individuals reevaluate their choices.
Researchers conduct experiments with manmade lava to shed light on lava-water interactions, which can generate explosive eruptions. The study aims to improve scientists' ability to assess volcanic eruption risks.
A first-of-its-kind study reveals high-intensity interval exercise can upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in obese populations, potentially preventing cognitive dysfunction. The study also found that this type of exercise may be more effective than continuous moderate-intensity exercise.
A new review of disability research identifies key gaps, including unclear definitions of disability and over-reliance on limited existing data. Filling these gaps can support the development of more inclusive workplaces and improve work opportunities for people with disabilities.
Researchers found clear electronic evidence of non-Fermi liquid behaviors in an iron-based superconductor, Ba0.6K0.4)Fe2As2. The study showed that the normal state is fully incoherent with no quasiparticles along a well-defined Fermi surface.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that corals that survived 2016 bleaching were more resistant to heat stress in 2017. The research highlights the extent of damage caused by multiple coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef, with only 7% of reefs escaping bleaching entirely since 1998.
Researchers discovered an East African pastoralist's introduction of the light skin allele to KhoeSan populations around 2,000 years ago. The allele underwent strong positive selection, resulting in the observed high frequencies of light skin pigmentation among the KhoeSan.
Researchers studied 97 modern bird species with iridescent plumage, finding diverse melanosomes that produce varying colors. The study predicts fossil birds may have had similar iridescent displays, revealing new insights into dinosaur behavior.
A study found that using two memory tests to assess episodic memory improves the accuracy of diagnosing mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. Those who performed poorly in both tests showed faster brain atrophy, highlighting the importance of comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.
The study found that fewer than half of countries provide at least one year of tuition-free pre-primary education. However, 27% of countries offer two or more years of free pre-primary education, and 19% make it compulsory alongside providing two years or more of free education.
Researchers have created a biotechnological tool to produce antifungal proteins in plants, offering a sustainable solution to combat fungal infections. The new compounds have shown potential in protecting crops and humans from pathogens, improving food security and human health.
Researchers identified a key enzyme linked to therapy resistance in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme can lead to tumor regression and improved treatment outcomes.
A study of over 25,000 participants found that white women had a lower risk of stroke than white men and black women had a lower risk than black men between 45-64 years old. The findings suggest earlier management of risk factors may be necessary for certain demographic groups to prevent stroke
Researchers developed a new technique to visualize historic solar data, providing context for understanding the Sun's past and future. The study suggests that changes in solar activity may impact Earth's surface, with possible connections to climate change.
A new online calculator and guidance aid farmers in designing woodlands to recapture airborne ammonia emissions from farming, reducing air pollution. The tool, developed by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, estimates the percentage of ammonia that will be recaptured by different planting options.
Researchers have discovered a higher risk of cervical cancer in women whose cervical cells test positive for certain high-risk human papillomavirus types but do not show any signs of cellular abnormalities. A total of 96 cases were found to develop pre-cancerous changes and 4 cervical cancers during the 9-year follow-up period.
A UCLA-led research team has developed a spray gel that can awaken the immune system to stop cancer from recurring and spreading. The substance was successful half of the time in lab animals, with 50% survival rate after treatment.
New research finds First Nations children and youth are more likely to experience physical pain and mental health conditions, yet face barriers to accessing specialist care. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to improve healthcare access and management for this vulnerable population.
Research suggests that empathy can lead former drug users to relapse as they respond to stressful events. Oxytocin, a hormone linked to social bonding, exacerbates this response.
A large-scale expansion in bioenergy crop production could lead to a significant decline in vertebrate biodiversity, with potential losses of up to 36% of global habitats. The study argues that the benefits of bioenergy mitigation may be outweighed by its negative impacts on biodiversity.
The new approach uses Miura-Ori patterns to create tunable filters, enabling devices to change which signals they block throughout a large range of frequencies. This technology has various applications in antenna systems and electromagnetic cloaking systems.
Researchers identified the insula as a brain area linked to opioid-related social isolation in rats. Activating this region may help revive social behavior in opioid addicts, potentially improving recovery outcomes.
Administration of fluoxetine to zebrafish embryos reduced cortisol levels in three subsequent generations, affecting gene expression and steroid production pathways. The antidepressant's impact on offspring was more pronounced in males than females.
The study suggests using CCBs and RAAS blockades in combination to reduce albuminuria, while also advising low-salt intake and different antihypertensive drugs for resistant hypertension. Multifactorial and early treatment is recommended for patients with albuminuria values below the cut-off value.
A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign suggests that early career choices can influence personality development. Researchers found that 16-year-olds who pursued vocational training and employment reported increased conscientiousness and decreased interest in scientific activities compared to their peers in acad...
Thaumarchaeota, a key player in the marine nitrogen cycle, can now be shown to utilize organic nitrogen sources like cyanate and urea. This discovery may explain their exceptional success in the oceans. The specific mechanisms behind these organisms' ability to use cyanate are still unknown.
A new study finds that half of scientists will drop out of academia after five years, contrasting with the 1960s when a higher fraction spent their careers in academia. The study reveals a steadily growing temporary workforce and a 35-percentage-point rise in researchers never credited as primary authors.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed an AI-based system that can automatically differentiate between various types of cancer cells using microscopic images. The system achieved higher accuracy than human judgment, making it a potential game-changer in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A study published in Nutrition and Diabetes found that four dried fruits - dates, apricots, raisins, and sultanas - have a lower glycemic index than white bread. The results suggest that dried fruits can be used as a low glycemic index food source to replace higher glycemic index foods.
Researchers have identified three promising radiopharmaceuticals that bind to tau tangles, a protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The tracers were tested in patients with Alzheimer's disease and found to show promise in measuring tau protein accumulation.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have improved a standard clinical scoring system to predict diabetic remission after bariatric surgery, extending prediction time from one to five years.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute discovered that oscillating loads at certain frequencies can increase the strength of composites with a nanoglue interface by several times. The nanoglue layer facilitates load transfer and dissipates energy, leading to an increase in fracture energy.
A study by University of Kansas professors finds that most people overestimate the number of US gun owners, with 75% of respondents estimating more than 50% own firearms. This overestimation could influence gun policy attitudes.
A team led by SwRI has concluded that Ceres' surface is rich in organic matter, containing several times more carbon than primitive meteorites found on Earth. The surface's unique mineralogy and rock-water interactions suggest a cold environment formation process.
A new smart life-collar prototype has been developed to prevent drownings among small children. The Buddy Life-Collar keeps the child's head above water for up to 3 seconds, thanks to its airbag-like mechanism that lifts the wearer into the surface.
The study investigates the interplay between microRNAs and targeted genes in cellular homeostasis of adult zebrafish, highlighting two types of miRNA unique to each organ. MicroRNAs regulating fundamental processes are common to both liver and gut, while those specific to either organ regulate distinct biological processes.