The Protein Society has awarded three researchers with prestigious prizes: Jane and Dave Richardson, Yifan Cheng, and Susan Marqusee. The winners have made groundbreaking contributions in protein structure determination, cryo-EM, and protein folding. Their work has significantly advanced our understanding of biology.
Timothy M. Miller receives award for work on effective therapies for ALS, developing method to turn off toxic protein production in brain and spinal fluid. His approach is currently being tested in human clinical trials.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) will use the grant to develop a technology-supported program that integrates care across its clinics. The program aims to expand screening, triage, referral, and behavioral healthcare services for patients with unmet post-Harvey needs.
A new study reveals that residency training takes a significant impact on sleep, physical activity, and mood. Doctors in the pilot study lost 2 hours and 48 minutes of sleep per week due to high workloads and frequent schedule changes.
The ACTA trial found that a 1-week induction treatment of amphotericin B and flucytosine significantly reduced mortality in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis. This new therapeutic regimen could save over 80,000 lives per year.
Researchers are developing a miniature collision detection sensor system that could drastically improve the safety of autonomous vehicles. The ULTRACEPT project combines near-range collision detection, long-range hazard perception, and thermal-based collision detection tools to overcome current limitations.
Researchers found that sustainably managing fisheries can halt declines of seven to 13 bycatch populations, but not eliminate bycatch completely due to other factors. Maximizing fish stocks can increase global fishing yields by up to 15% and associated profits by as much as 80%.
A new study reveals that QNZ-46 can protect the brain from damage caused by excessive glutamate release in stroke. The novel drug targets the source of damaging glutamate, leading to a reduced risk of myelin breakdown and functional deficit in white matter.
A new study found that people's misconceptions about the association between the MMR vaccine and autism significantly influence their willingness to receive a Zika vaccine. The study also revealed that individuals who believe in science's power to solve problems are more likely to intend to use a Zika vaccine.
Researchers developed a stable mechanical setup to measure electrical current across individual molecules on a noble metal surface. The study provides fresh ideas for electronic devices and opens opportunities for new studies on nanocontacts, dynamics, and transport of molecules at room temperature.
Researchers have successfully created a new quantum spin liquid, predicted by Paul W. Anderson in 1987, using a novel method developed at Aalto University. The achievement marks an important step towards understanding superconductors and building topological quantum computers with enhanced computational power.
Researchers have developed a method to capture circulating tumor cells, which could provide an additional way to track treatment progress or screen for disease. The technology shows promise in reducing the number of circulating tumor cells during successful radiation therapy, suggesting potential as a predictive biomarker.
A dietary supplement commonly used to strengthen joints can also speed the growth of a type of melanoma, according to preclinical research. Chondroitin sulfate boosts growth in melanoma cells carrying the V600E mutation, but not other types, and may pose risks for people with elevated melanoma risk.
A study by Prof. Katrin Hussinger and Dr Maikel Pellens found an average drop in citations of 8-9% for previous colleagues of fraudulent scientists, impacting their career success and funding opportunities.
A team of researchers found evidence of early humans using coloring materials and obtaining raw materials from distant sources around 320,000 years ago. This discovery pushes back the evolutionary timeline and suggests that early humans developed social networks and complex behaviors earlier than previously thought.
Researchers modelled molecular basis of learning in cerebellum, a brain region coordinating voluntary movements. The study reveals communication must occur in both directions across synapses to control learning, with an automatic off-switch allowing the system to return to its resting state.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that women are choosing more effective, long-term methods of contraception when cost is not an issue. Since the Affordable Care Act mandate required private health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive methods without cost-sharing, privately insured women have been using ...
The Protein Society has awarded Minfei Su and Chang-Ting Lin the 'Best Paper' award for their research on autophagy, a critical process in eukaryotic cells. The winners' work investigates the structural and thermodynamic details of protein interactions, shedding light on cellular homeostasis and evolution.
A Northwestern University study found that coffee consumption decreased endocannabinoid system metabolites, which regulate stress response, cognition, and appetite. The study also suggests coffee may facilitate the excretion of steroids, potentially affecting diseases such as cancers.
A new method developed by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center identifies rare genetic diseases in patients with heart failure, stroke, infertility, and kidney failure. The study found that phenotype risk scores can help predict the presence of disease-causing genetic variants.
Researchers from Purdue University have identified several new vulnerabilities in 4G LTE networks that could be exploited by hackers to forge the location of a mobile device and fabricate messages. The attacks, including authentication relay and denial of service attacks, were validated through experimentation on a real testbed.
The Facility for Laboratory Reconnection Experiment (FLARE) has successfully produced the first plasma, marking a significant milestone in research into magnetic reconnection. This process is crucial for understanding Northern Lights, solar eruptions, and geomagnetic storms.
Researchers developed a new molecular classification method using DNA methylation patterns to differentiate 82 types of CNS tumors. The method improved diagnostic accuracy in some cases, with over 12% of cases corrected after analysis.
A study found that restoring Putah Creek in California increased the bird population by twice as much, with more common riparian birds visiting in increasing numbers. The restoration also improved the ecosystem's function and had benefits beyond the water's edge.
Researchers found that sucralose, a key ingredient in Splenda, promotes gut inflammation in mice with Crohn's-like disease, but has no effect on healthy mice. The study suggests that individuals with pro-inflammatory predispositions may be more susceptible to exacerbation of symptoms.
Early humans in East Africa began trading with distant groups using color pigments and manufacturing more sophisticated tools around 320,000 years ago. This period of high environmental variability may have driven the emergence of complex behaviors that distinguished human lineage from other early humans.
Researchers have discovered a way to control the spin current in double-stranded DNA molecules using temperature gradients. They found that the inherent chirality feature in dsDNA enables spin selection and can act as a filter for spin transport.
Researchers studied 15,000-year-old human DNA from Morocco's Iberomaurusian culture, finding no European ancestry. Instead, they identified genetic ties to ancient Near Easterners and sub-Saharan Africans, suggesting a pre-agricultural connection between the regions.
Recent research from the University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center shows that space radiation is getting far more intense, posing significant risks to astronauts and satellite technology
Researchers at Emory University uncover the role of hemimethylation in looping DNA and its impact on gene expression. They found that hemimethlyation is deliberately maintained and passed down through cell generations.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago developed graphene-oxide coated nanosheets to regulate lithium deposition, extending battery life and safety
Researchers identified five essential themes for consistent and supported care transitions, including preparing individuals with dementia and their caregivers, evaluating preferences and goals, and creating inter-professional collaborative team environments. The findings suggest that person-centered care is crucial for achieving outcom...
A team of scientists from Lobachevsky University, the Institute of Applied Physics and Chalmers University developed a new software tool called PICADOR for simulating ultra-dense electron-positron plasmas. The simulations showed that the plasma density can exceed 10^26 particles per cubic centimeter under certain conditions.
The study found that the CTCF protein helps herpes simplex virus regulate its own sleep-wake cycle, enabling it to establish latent infections in sensory neurons. By preventing CTCF from binding to viral DNA, the virus's ability to reactivated was weakened.
During slow wave sleep, brain strengthens neural connections for important information and weakens those for irrelevant data. This process helps to improve signal-to-noise ratio and ensures stronger, consolidated memories.
A University of Sussex study used an MRI scanner to investigate how adults learn new words. The research found that the hippocampus plays a key role in this process, allowing adults to remember word-object correspondences over time through a 'propose-but-verify' strategy.
A new blood test developed by University of Alberta physician Peter Hwang promises to eliminate the guesswork in diagnosing apparent heart attacks. By analyzing fragmented troponin levels, clinicians can better determine the extent of cardiac damage and make informed decisions about treatment options.
A 2015 flood in south central Oklahoma led to a 93% decrease in invertebrate abundance, a 60% decrease in species presence, and a 64% decrease in biomass among insects and other invertebrates. Only well-adapted creatures were quick to return.
Research found Blacks have higher exposures to fine particulate matter air pollutants, associated with elevated blood glucose and cardiovascular events. The study suggests that environmental pollution may partially explain racial disparities in heart disease risk and death.
A small pilot study suggests that virtual oversight can keep patients motivated to exercise after cardiac rehab. The study found that participants who used wearable fitness trackers and call-in sessions with a health coach maintained and even gained fitness, whereas those in the usual care group lost ground.
The new sensor is designed to perform various chemical and biological analyses in small spaces with high sensitivity. It uses an S-taper configuration to detect changes in refractive index and measures concentration, pH, and other chemical parameters.
Research reveals that royal jelly's acidity changes its consistency, enabling it to cling to the ceiling of queen cells and support the growth of future queens. This property is essential for the survival of honeybees, as larvae destined to become queens need a stable environment to develop.
Researchers discovered two distinct episodes of Denisovan genetic intermixing between modern humans and Denisovans. The genomes of modern Papuan individuals contain approximately 5% Denisovan ancestry, while East Asians have a second set of Denisovan ancestry not found in South Asians and Papuans.
Researchers have developed two new equations to correct the Kinchin-Pease equation's limitations, providing accurate predictions of radiation damage in materials. The new equations consider athermal recombination and replacements-per-atom, improving the usable lifetime of materials in nuclear reactors and other environments.
Salk Institute scientists have developed a CRISPR-based tool called CasRx that targets RNA to correct protein imbalances in cells from dementia patients. The tool showed 80% effectiveness in rebalancing tau protein levels, opening up new avenues for treating RNA and protein-related diseases.
Dechen Lin receives grant funding to research esophageal adenocarcinoma, the most common type of esophageal cancer in the US. He aims to understand its evolution from Barrett's esophagus and develop prevention strategies.
Didik Prasetyo, a Rutgers doctoral student, is dedicated to understanding and protecting endangered great apes through his research. His recent study estimates that over 100,000 Bornean orangutans have been lost between 1999 and 2015, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action.
Researchers at the University of Bonn used ultrashort laser pulses to create a highly reactive variant of carbon dioxide, which can form new bonds with other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to change ideas about extracting and using greenhouse gases for chemical industry.
A study shows preverbal infants can make logical deductions by conducting process of elimination, as seen in toddlers. Infants stare longer at unexpected outcomes and their pupils dilate when watching movies requiring rational thinking.
A special focus issue of Therapeutic Delivery explores emerging concepts and advances in nanotechnology for drug delivery, covering topics such as lipoprotein nanoparticles and micro- and nanomotors. The issue aims to emphasize the importance and challenges facing this field.
A Northwestern University team has developed a new hair dye using graphene that is non-toxic and non-damaging to hair. The dye works as well as commercial permanent dyes without chemically altering hairs, and it also offers anti-static properties.
David A. Bennett's work in memory loss research has led to significant advancements in treating and preventing Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The study's findings are shared globally to develop therapy and identify resilience characteristics.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that omega-3 levels were better predictors of death risk than serum cholesterol. The study showed a 33% reduction in mortality risk among participants with highest omega-3 blood levels, indicating a potential marker for overall health.
Tropical cyclone Eliakim is intensifying in the Indian Ocean, with NASA's GPM satellite monitoring its formation. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and potentially devastating flooding to northern Madagascar, following recent tropical cyclones Ava and Dumazile.
Researchers use optogenetic methods to control songbird neurons, prompting birds to change specific syllables in their songs. The study provides insight into how the brain guides the learning of vocal behaviors in humans.
A new special issue of the European Journal of Internal Medicine presents a comprehensive overview of current evidence for medical cannabis and derived products. The studies highlight its effectiveness in pain relief and potential benefits for elderly patients, calling for further research to improve the evidence base.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that an eight-week treatment regimen for hepatitis C may be just as effective as a 12-week course in black patients. The study suggests that more people could take advantage of the shorter treatment duration, benefiting access and reducing costs.
A study of Black Americans found that participant factors such as knowledge of kidney disease and spiritual/religious beliefs, as well as logistical factors like convenience and awareness of scheduling, were identified as barriers to screening. The research aims to guide efforts to address important kidney-related disparities in the US.
Researchers at KIT used high-resolution microscopy to observe the growth of mold fungi in living cells, gaining a comprehensive model for directed cell growth. The study reveals the role of vesicle transport in polar growth and has implications for understanding fungal growth and its applications.
Improved methods for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood have been developed, enabling the accurate tracking of treatment response and potential screening for cancer. Researchers were able to identify large numbers of CTCs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.