A team of researchers at UCSB has developed a retinal implant to replace support cells damaged by dry AMD. The phase 1/2A trial showed improvement in one patient's vision while maintaining the condition of others.
Researchers have created a novel approach to restoring hearing by attaching bio-conjugated molecules to the cochlea, the shell-shaped ear bone. The molecules stimulate cell growth and connectivity in damaged inner ear cells, potentially treating hidden hearing loss and tinnitus.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that children as young as 8 years old with obesity are at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Elevated waist circumference at age 3 and increased weight gain between ages 3 and 8 are associated with higher levels of a liver enzyme called ALT.
A new technique uses satellite data and machine learning to distinguish between corn and soybean fields in Illinois, providing accurate crop type data every two months. The researchers used Landsat satellites and a deep neural network to analyze the data, showing promise for future innovations in agricultural applications.
A recent study found that immigrant youth from specific racial-ethnic groups in the US have lower rates of certain mental disorders compared to their non-immigrant peers. The study examined the lifetime prevalence of mood, anxiety, and behavior disorders among 6,250 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years.
A study on Caenorhabditis elegans reveals a gene that regulates exploration and homeboding in worms, which also exists in the human genome. This gene responds to adrenaline and is linked to behavior in mice, with implications for understanding parental behavior in humans.
Researchers have determined the structure of a photosynthetic LH1-RC complex from the bacterium Blastochloris viridis, which can harness and use light at wavelengths over 1,000 nm. This breakthrough reveals how the protein converts near-infrared light into an electrical charge to power cell metabolism.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that scoliosis surgery significantly improves the quality of life for children with severe cerebral palsy and their caregivers. The procedure reduces spinal curvature and leads to long-term gains in personal care, positioning, and comfort.
A 7-year follow-up study found that intensive meditation training maintains cognitive gains in sustained attention, with potential implications for human cognition and brain function. Regular meditators who practiced an hour a day on average maintained cognitive gains and resisted age-related decline.
Researchers report successful cataract surgeries in 34 Ebola survivors, improving visual acuities from Hand Motions to 20/30 levels. The study provides evidence for safe elective eye surgery in Ebola survivors at risk of uveitis and vision impairment.
USC Roski Eye Institute researchers develop a stem cell-based retinal implant to treat advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. The treatment shows promise in improving visual function and stopping disease progression.
A recent study found that vertebrates are essential pollinators for many plants, including crops like dragon fruit and durian. The study revealed that the exclusion of bat pollinators resulted in an 83% drop in fruit production, highlighting the importance of these animals in plant reproduction.
Researchers found that liverworts can be infected by Phytophthora palmivora and respond with proteins similar to those in flowering plants. The discovery reveals early land plants were genetically equipped to respond to microbial infections, indicating an ancient relationship between plants and microbes.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that an app-based self-care program using acupressure reduced menstrual pain in young women by up to 58% after six months. The app, Luna, was used by participants who received either standard care or a self-acupressure intervention.
Researchers have identified a novel pathway that sustains the health of dopamine neurons in C. elegans worms. The swip-10 gene's normal actions to protect dopamine neurons are indirect, derived from its action in glial cells that lie adjacent to the dopamine neurons.
A bioengineered retinal implant, composed of human embryonic stem cells, has been shown to halt vision loss in advanced non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The implant was well-tolerated and successfully integrated with retinal tissue, demonstrating potential for a new therapy for this progressive disease.
Researchers developed a new approach to deliver a drug directly to damaged nerves and cells in the inner ear, offering promising results for repairing hair cells and neurons. The study provides strong preliminary evidence for a potential remedy that could restore hearing for millions of elderly people.
Researchers have discovered that immune cells cause dangerous blood vessel blockage in response to fungal infections, leading to new therapeutic targets. The study's findings could lead to the development of treatments that prevent this blockage without inhibiting the immune system.
Researchers have developed a universal fluorescent probe that targets and stains cancer stem cells, a type of tumor-initiating cell. The probe, named TiY, demonstrates high selectivity towards these cells, which are believed to cause relapses after radiation and chemotherapy.
Chronic sleep deprivation increases risk of motor vehicle crashes due to impaired cognitive function. The study found severe sleep apnea is associated with a 123% increased risk, while mild to moderate sleep apnea elevates the risk by 13%. Short sleep duration also contributes to crash risks.
Researchers at Columbia University created adult-like cardiac model using induced pluripotent stem cells with electric and mechanical stimulation. The resulting tissue mimics the human heart's behavior after just four weeks of culture.
A new study warns of the high risk of extinction for rare coastal martens in Oregon and northern California within the next 30 years. The researchers estimated that only 87 adults remain in two subpopulations, with an extinction risk ranging from 32% to 99%. Habitat loss and human-caused deaths are major threats to their survival.
Researchers developed a new production method for titanium carbide MXene by selectively etching silicon from titanium silicon carbide, resulting in flakes with unique properties. The process uses mixtures of hydrofluoric acid and an oxidizing agent to weaken silicon bonds and facilitate synthesis.
A new study reveals that many viruses infecting humans today have ancient evolutionary histories dating back to the first vertebrates, with discoveries made in fish and reptiles. The research, a collaboration between several institutions, found 214 novel RNA viruses in healthy animals, including relatives of Ebola and influenza viruses.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame are developing a renewable energy approach for synthesizing ammonia, which is essential for fertilizers and food production. The new process utilizes plasma in combination with non-noble metal catalysts to generate ammonia at milder conditions than the traditional Haber-Bosch process.
Researchers have developed chemical models from car engines to study the atmospheres of hot exoplanets. The results show deviations in these atmospheres due to extreme temperatures and pressures.
Researchers create a new method to analyze irregularly shaped 3D objects using mass spectrometry and robotics. The technique, called RoSA-MS, uses a laser scanner to map the sample's surface and direct a sampling probe to collect trace amounts of material for analysis.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new method to convert CO2 into a solid inert mineral in basalt, which holds promise as an effective abatement agent for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research revealed that 47 kilograms of CO2 can be converted into mineral inside one cubic meter of basalt.
A comprehensive review of scientific findings on vaccination behavior reveals that shaping patients' and parents' behavior is more effective than trying to change their minds. The report highlights the importance of leveraging favorable intentions and correcting misinformation through clear and intuitive communication.
A new study by Swansea University found that children with intellectual disability or autism are more likely to be given antipsychotic medication, leading to higher rates of depression, injury, and hospitalization. The research also highlights the potential long-term health implications of treating behavioral problems in this way.
A large international study used neuroimaging techniques to analyze the brains of over 3,800 volunteers with different types of epilepsy. The study found that all four epilepsy subgroups displayed atrophy in sensitive-motor cortex and frontal lobe regions.
Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a smart ink that allows for the creation of shape-changing and color-shifting objects through 3D printing. The innovation uses intelligent molecular systems to transform the structure and function of the printed material.
Research reveals that nearly 6% of older adult physician visits result in high-risk anticholinergic prescriptions. The most likely recipients were older women with multiple chronic conditions. The trend has decreased by about 2% since 2008/2009.
Dr. Yanqiao Zhang has received a five-year, $2.5 million grant to investigate the role of hepatic transcription factors in atherosclerosis and lipid metabolism. The award will fund research into novel genes/pathways that regulate atherogenesis.
Researchers found that a protein called myosin IIA contracts to give red blood cells their distinctive dimpled shape, shedding light on sickle cell diseases and other disorders. The discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions where red blood cells are deformed.
Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg have identified a new molecular cause of aggressive infant leukemia in children. The study found that changes in genes in white blood cells disrupt cell growth control, leading to the production of abnormal proteins that facilitate leukaemia.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which live vaccines induce immunity through TLR8 recognition. This triggers protective immune responses and improves vaccine safety and efficacy. The study's findings have the potential to develop new vaccines combining the benefits of live and modern subunit vaccines.
A study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson's disease are more likely to be demoralized than those without the disease. Demoralization is distinct from depression, and treatment approaches may differ.
A study of 30,352 US adults found that indoor tanning is associated with a higher risk of melanoma and keratinocyte skin cancers. The results highlight the need for regular skin cancer screening among indoor tanners, who are at increased risk due to their exposure to UV radiation.
A new coronavirus identified in bats is linked to the devastating death of nearly 25,000 piglets in China. The virus, named SADS-CoV, does not infect humans and was contained through swift action by farmers.
Research predicts that climate change will disrupt the fueling-up stage of migratory birds in late summer, threatening their survival. The study used bird observations from eBird to identify locations and times when populations may be at risk under future climate change.
Research reveals a decline in blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in children following the phase-out of these toxic chemicals. However, PBDEs were still detected in nearly all child blood samples, suggesting ongoing exposure to flame retardants.
Researchers investigated whether an abnormal left atrium or atrial fibrillation itself is the primary driver of poor health outcomes in patients with A-Fib. The study suggests targeting upstream factors to prevent left atrial abnormalities could be a key to preventing stroke and cognitive decline.
A new ASU study reveals that students' perceptions of their own intelligence are influenced by gender, with women underestimating their abilities compared to men. This perception gap may lead to female students choosing not to continue in science due to self-doubt.
A new study found that Tai Chi is equivalent to pulmonary rehabilitation in improving respiratory function and quality of life for patients with COPD. The slow, methodical exercise was shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving physical performance after 12 weeks of treatment.
Scientists have analyzed 100-year-old samples of cyanobacteria from Captain Scott's Discovery expedition, providing a baseline for levels of cyanotoxins in Antarctic freshwater. The discovery enables researchers to study the effects of climate change on blue-green algae and their toxins in Antarctica.
Researchers used a supercomputer to simulate the mixing of two magnetically polarized Bose-Einstein condensates, producing exotic shapes that resemble ink blot tests. The study offers clues to phenomena seen in actual experiments and may have implications for ultra-fast computing and classical-quantum fluid connections.
A nationwide analysis of over 41,000 older patients found that one-third died in the hospital after receiving intubation. The study highlights the need for informed decision-making about emergency intubation for elderly patients and their families.
A new lung MRI method helps identify where airway inflammation and smooth muscle dysfunction occur in patients with severe asthma. This innovation aims to personalize therapy for individual patients, improving disease control and quality of life.
A nationwide team of citizen scientists will convert lawns into native wildflower havens to attract native bees and other insects. The project aims to increase the bee's native habitat and educate the public about the importance of pollinators in food production.
ICAP has partnered with Ethiopia since 2005, providing critical support in combating malaria. The new five-year project aims to strengthen malaria diagnosis and treatment services, with an eye on long-term elimination of the disease.
A new smartphone app developed by animal welfare experts will support vital work in clinics caring for stray dogs worldwide. The app enables staff to track the wellbeing of dogs during catch-neuter-return processes, spotting signs of distress and developing strategies to improve care.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that climate change and recreational activities have altered the ecology of Walden Pond, affecting water quality and plankton community. The research used sediment cores to track changes in phytoplankton levels and nutrient levels since the 1920s.
A new study reveals that organic fertilizers from biowaste fermentation contain microplastic particles, which enter the terrestrial environment and may end up in human food. The amount of microplastic particles differs based on pre-treatment methods and plant type.
New research from Virginia Tech shows that personal outreach to landowners is vital to the success of conservation programs. Landowners who accompanied conservation biologists on site visits had higher trust in the agency and better perceptions of program outcomes. The study highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions in sha...
A recent study published in Cell reveals that disruptions in blood cell production can lead to anemia, specifically Diamond-Blackfan anemia. The research found that reduced ribosome levels and impaired translation processes contribute to the disorder's development.
A recent study found that South Asian diabetics in the UK face cultural and social barriers to improved awareness and self-help, including language difficulties, dietary knowledge gaps, and social pressures. The research highlights the need for ethnically-tailored programs and solutions tailored to different demographics.
A comprehensive review of scientific literature shows that directly facilitating vaccination and reducing barriers are key to increasing immunization rates. Interventions such as reminders, prompts, and presumptive announcements can lead to higher vaccination uptake.
Stanford researchers discover that telomerase-expressing liver cells can rapidly regenerate the liver during normal turnover or tissue damage. These rare cells are evenly distributed throughout the liver's lobules and play a crucial role in enabling the organ to replace damaged cells, potentially leading to cancer.
Research shows that nanoparticles can cause DNA damage to developing brain cells when exposed to cellular barriers. This damage is dependent on astrocytes and has implications for the development of potential drug targets in treating neurodegenerative conditions.