Researchers at UPV/EHU's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology have identified the changes in proteins altered by the UBE3A enzyme, which leads to Angelman syndrome. The study explains how a single gene can affect brain function, providing new insights into the disease's complexity.
A 15-year dataset of academic journals found that only 45% of researchers are women, with some disciplines having significantly fewer than 45%. The study identified areas that need new initiatives and reforms to reach gender parity.
A study published in Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences found that drowning caused 80% of Harvey deaths, with most fatalities occurring outside the 100-year floodplain. The researchers suggest improving flood maps and communication to reduce risk during future floods.
Gene editing of bone marrow stem cells has shown promise against HIV in non-human primates. The technique successfully reduced the size of dormant 'viral reservoirs' that pose a risk of reactivation, giving rise to white blood cells resistant to SHIV.
A new computer programme assesses whole brain deterioration and predicts cognitive function after stroke up to ten times more accurately than current methods. The 'brain health index' can quantify visible brain injury from cerebral small vessel disease and brain atrophy, giving early warning of risk of future cognitive decline.
The American College of Rheumatology has developed a formal curriculum for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to meet growing demands in rheumatic disease. The novel curriculum outline is expected to positively affect rheumatology workforce challenges.
Engineers at the University of Washington have developed a new HD video streaming method that uses backscatter technology to process video frames instead of transmitting them. This reduces power consumption by 1,000 to 10,000 times compared to current streaming technology.
Researchers discovered genetic defects typical in ANKL, a shared genetic background with NK- and T-cell malignancies, and novel gene amplifications in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Potential drug candidates were found, including JAK inhibitors that could improve treatment for various NK-cell malignancies
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have created a biodegradable composite made from spider silk fibers, which can be used to repair broken load-bearing bones without complications. The new composite shows high strength and flexibility characteristics, making it suitable for treating large leg bones in adults and seniors.
A Penn study reveals that nuclear-import receptors can reverse the formation of disease-causing protein clumps in brain disorders like frontotemporal dementia and ALS. By increasing NIR expression, researchers were able to dissolve clumps, return functional proteins to the nucleus and extend lifespan in fruitfly models.
A human protein, teneurin, plays a key role in embryonic development and nervous system wiring by binding to other proteins on cell surfaces. Its unique structure, resembling a bacterial toxin, allows it to perform multiple functions through alternative splicing.
A new study from the University of Illinois provides video evidence of parental infanticide in dickcissel birds, challenging existing assumptions about this phenomenon. The researchers observed a female parent removing her own chick from the nest, raising questions about the ecological and evolutionary implications.
Kristin O'Donovan's NSF-funded project examines how local governments learn from disaster experiences and the limits of policy change, shedding light on vulnerability differences between communities.
Researchers analyzed 293 localized prostate cancer tumors and found that those with multiple types of cancer cells were the most aggressive. The study's findings can help determine the best approach for each individual patient, including sparing patients from unnecessary treatment.
A recent study reveals that women are underrepresented in STEMM fields, with some disciplines showing a significant gender gap. The research suggests that it may take decades or even centuries to close the gap in certain fields, highlighting the need for practical measures such as reforming academic publishing and peer review.
Two randomized controlled studies show a 65% improvement in treatment group and a 27% improvement in patient-rated measures compared to sham stimulation. The therapy has few side effects, with most participants reporting improvement after receiving treatment.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new method to study the brain's role in obesity by recreating brain neurons from obese patients' cells. The study found significant differences between super-obese and normal-weight neurons, suggesting genetic mutations may contribute to weight gain.
A new ant species from Borneo has been discovered, exhibiting a unique explosive defense mechanism that releases toxic liquid when threatened. The discovery sheds light on the biology of 'exploding ants,' which were previously poorly understood due to limited evidence.
A simple handgrip strength test is a good indicator of short- and long-term survival in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients. Patients with weak handgrips were 1.5 times more likely to die within five years, compared to those with strong handgrips.
EPFL scientists have joined the Human Cell Atlas initiative, a global project mapping every type of cell in the human body. The team developed an automated single-cell analysis pipeline, enabling non-expert labs to engage in high-level genomic research.
A new study found that pregnant women's sugar consumption and their offspring's fruit intake had a positive impact on child cognitive functioning. In contrast, maternal and childhood consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with poorer cognition.
Colorectal cancer rates have increased by 22% among young adults under 50, prompting researchers to create an effective screening method. A new imaging technology called nanocytology will be used to identify high-risk patients and ensure timely treatment.
A study reveals that cyclist accidents are increasing due to inadequate infrastructures and risk behavior from drivers and cyclists. The research found that 47.2% of serious injuries occur on conventional urban roads, highlighting the need for improved road safety education and infrastructure design.
A phase I clinical trial enrolls adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes to test the accuracy of a non-invasive tattoo sensor that measures glucose levels through sweat. The technology has the potential to break down barriers to regular blood glucose monitoring, improving patient management and quality of life.
Researchers found that smaller Ru particles increase the TOF of the reaction, while maintaining selectivity towards GVL. The smallest metal particle size (1.2 nm) showed high activity at both room and elevated temperatures.
Researchers have created a new class of crystalline porous organic salts with exceptional proton conductivity, potentially revolutionizing fuel cell technology. The salts' unique structure and strong ionic bonds enable stable pore systems, making them highly efficient electrolytes for fuel cells.
Researchers investigate how algorithms create personalized content and 'filter bubbles' that can foster biases and inequality. The MyBubble project aims to provide transparency into online advertising and profiling.
Researchers found that taking a mitochondrial-specific antioxidant supplement improved blood vessel dilation by 42%, making them appear younger. The improvement was due to reduced oxidative stress and associated with a 13% reduction in heart disease risk.
The USGS and DOE have released a comprehensive dataset of U.S. wind turbine locations and characteristics, enabling accurate planning and research. The database contains over 57,000 turbines and allows users to search and sort the wind fleet by various criteria.
Research found a link between poorer health-related quality of life in adolescence and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adolescents with lower scores in social and mental well-being domains had structural changes in their retinal blood vessels, which could be indicative of future cardiovascular disease risk.
A smartphone app designed to promote proper child car seat use has been shown to improve safety practices among parents. The app, Safety in Seconds v2.0, was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving over 700 participants and reported significant improvements in several child car seat behaviors.
A new study found that low total testosterone levels are associated with chronic disease in men of all ages, including those under 40. The research team studied the relationship between testosterone, age, and chronic disease prevalence, using a population sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that becoming more physically active after a myocardial infarction halves the risk of dying within four years. The research involved over 22,000 patients and showed that levels of physical activity were reported 6-10 weeks and 12 months after the heart attack.
A study found that consumers tend to blame companies for imposing internal and external surcharges, even if the charges were imposed by an outside agency. The characteristics of the surcharge can shift blame, with customers being more likely to blame the firm if it's something internal.
Researchers have discovered a way to make diamonds flexible by etching tiny needles from artificial diamond films, achieving strains up to 9% and surpassing theoretical limits. The development holds implications for bioimaging, biosensing, and ultra-strength nanostructures, as well as optomechanical devices.
In April 2018, a weather system caused destructive flooding and mudslides in Hawaii. The NASA GPM satellite provided detailed data on the heavy rainfall, showing that Kauai received over 478 mm of rain, with some areas experiencing even higher totals.
Researchers found that Great Barrier Reef corals have enough genetic variation to adapt to rising ocean temperatures, allowing them to potentially survive for at least another century. This offers a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, but also highlights the need to take action against global warming.
Researchers at Shinshu University used molecular simulations to understand the binding mechanism of antifreeze glycoproteins in polar fish. The study revealed that AFGPs can 'walk' on ice surfaces, selectively binding to growth points and preventing ice recrystallization.
A recent study published in Molecular Autism found that pediatrician Hans Asperger cooperated with the Nazi regime and referred profoundly disabled children to a clinic involved in child euthanasia. The research challenges the long-held narrative of Asperger as an opponent of the Nazi regime.
UCalgary researchers develop a new method to discover drugs for treating epilepsy, leveraging the ketogenic diet's effect on energy production. A promising new use is found for vorinostat, a cancer treatment drug, reducing seizures in zebrafish and mouse models by 60%.
The next WHO Biosafety Handbook revision should prioritize local relevance, proportionate infrastructure and sustainable work practices. This new approach would ensure safe laboratory procedures with minimal resources in less developed countries.
Researchers recommend integrating smart-sensor-controlled air cleaning technologies with plants to optimize indoor air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, increase humidity, and passively absorb pollutants, making them a potential solution for reducing indoor pollution and saving energy.
The Bajau people's larger spleens enable them to dive longer and deeper by injecting more oxygenated red blood cells into the circulation. Genetic analysis reveals a link between increased thyroid hormone levels and enhanced diving ability in this Southeast Asian group.
Increasing tumor size relative to testis size is linked to reduced sperm production in men with testicular cancer. The rule of 50s suggests that men with a testis tumor occupying greater than 50% of their testis have less than a 50% chance of sperm production.
Researchers at LMU have found a novel effect in optical excitation of charge carriers in solar semiconductors, enabling more efficient conversion of infrared light into electrical power. The discovery involves resonances between light overtones and excitonic band-gaps, offering new avenues for solar cell innovation.
Researchers have created a silk hybrid material that attacks bacteria when illuminated by green light, producing reactive oxygen species to break down organic contaminants. The biocompatible material could be used for wound healing and environmental remediation, including air and water purification.
New sequencing technologies and image analysis techniques enable novel solutions to phylogenetics challenges, providing insights into plant genomes and evolution. The special issue highlights cutting-edge approaches for exploring the plant family tree.
The hemithioindigo-based molecular motor exhibits unidirectional rotational motion about a specific chemical bond when exposed to light. The team has characterized the dynamics of unidirectional rotation in the motor using ultrafast spectroscopic techniques and quantum mechanical calculations.
Researchers from Dartmouth College introduced two smartwatch innovations, WrisText and Jetto, designed to enhance the overall user experience. WrisText enables one-handed text entry using wrist gestures, while Jetto provides immersive interaction through lateral force feedback, blurring the lines between physical and virtual worlds.
A new EU grant of EUR 2.5 million will fund research on the sexual biology of malaria parasites to develop novel intervention targets. The project aims to map the functions of approximately 700 parasite genes involved in sexual reproduction to prevent malaria transmission by mosquitoes.
A Rice University study predicts the 2018 flu vaccine will have limited efficacy against the dominant circulating strain of influenza A due to viral mutations related to egg production. The pEpitope method accurately predicted vaccine efficacy rates for over 40 years of flu records and suggests a more accurate predictor than ferret tests.
Chinese croplands experienced drastic changes in management practices since the 1980s, leading to increased soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation. The study found that economics and policy-driven organic inputs dominated SOC sequestration, particularly through crop straw/stover return policies.
A new calculation predicts the maximum bandwidth of the universe, a fundamental limit on change speed. The study builds on satellite-based CMB measurements, aiming to reveal the fastest thing in the universe - the Big Bang.
A new study reveals significant differences in post-concussion symptom severity and length of recovery between male and female college athletes. Notably, female athletes who used hormonal contraceptives experienced different outcomes compared to non-users, suggesting a potential impact on concussion recovery.
Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles identified different tumor transition states during cancer progression and metastasis. They found that cells with intermediate EMT phenotypes are the most metastatic populations.
Researchers at MIT have developed a physics-based system to verify the destruction of nuclear warheads, using cryptographic keys in physical form. The new method uses neutron detection and resonance processes to identify authentic warheads, while concealing their designs.
Manolis Pasparakis, a professor at the University of Cologne, has received a 2.5 million euro ERC Advanced Grant to investigate the role of necroptosis in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. His research focuses on the mechanisms regulating inflammation.
The brain uses a two-step process to categorize both visual and auditory inputs, increasing sensitivity to acoustic features in the lower-level auditory cortex. This discovery has important implications for understanding individual differences in language learning and developing treatments for people with learning disorders.
A new study reveals that cold temperatures can transform white fat cells into 'beige' cells, which perform thermogenesis like brown fat cells. This process could potentially reduce the symptoms of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
A study found that the Bajau people have genetically enlarged spleens, allowing them to free dive for extended periods. The discovery could lead to new insights into Acute Hypoxia and its treatment.