Scientists from NIAID exposed research mice to brain samples from three people who died from a familial prion disease. Two mutations, Y226X and G131V, were found to be transmissible to mice. The finding highlights the hardiness of prion infectivity and potential risks associated with prion transmission.
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that high levels of ICAM-1 are associated with better response to current treatments for diabetic macular edema. The discovery could lead to more personalized and tailored medicine, alleviating treatment burdens on patients and the healthcare system.
Researchers discover FUS plays a crucial role in the microRNA-mediated gene silencing system, which regulates cellular activity. Disruption of this system may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD. The study suggests that FUS facilitates guiding and targeting of messenger-RNAs by microRNAs.
A comprehensive review of gaps in risk assessments for adjuvants in commercial pesticides highlights the need for new regulations to protect people and the environment. The review found that exposure to environmental levels of some adjuvant mixtures can affect non-target organisms and even cause chronic human disease.
Researchers have identified microRNA 876-3p as a strong predictive biomarker for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low birth-weight infants. The biomarker is associated with inflammation and impaired lung development, and its presence can help guide targeted therapies to prevent or lessen BPD.
Researchers found that watching others perform a skill increases perceived ability, even if actual performance doesn't improve. Overconfidence can be detrimental, especially when attempting skills without sufficient practice.
A new modeling study predicts that climate change will dramatically reduce global fishery yields, with declines of up to 20% globally and 60% in the North Atlantic by 2300. The study attributes these declines to a lack of ocean mixing, which would drive a decline in fish populations near the surface.
A recent study found that 49% of patients on cholesterol medications did not receive the recommended annual HDL-C test, while 19% received more tests than needed. The study estimates that this leads to a yearly expenditure of A$4.3 million due to overutilisation and A$11.3 million in cost savings from underutilisation.
A phase II clinical trial showed that NGM282 significantly reduced liver fat content in patients with NAFLD and NASH. The treatment, a non-tumorigenic variant of an endocrine gastrointestinal hormone, has no FDA-approved treatments for these conditions.
Researchers developed a cream combining antioxidants, moisturizers and free radical scavengers to treat ACD. The treatment relieved itch, reduced swelling and protected peripheral nerves without corticosteroid side effects.
Researchers created a detailed diagram of the brain circuits behind thirst and satiety in mice, showing that opposing lines of communication play critical roles. The study provides insights into the rules governing the brain's response to dehydration and may shed light on appetite regulation.
A study has identified a critical protein interaction that triggers the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), a rare neurodegenerative disease. The researchers found that polyQ-ATAXIN1 forms a complex with capicua, which disrupts gene expression and leads to neurodegeneration.
Researchers create molecular machines that self-replicate, producing pounds of 100-percent pure material. This technology could revolutionize manufacturing by designing materials one atom at a time to exact specifications.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded over $10 million to fund 64 projects advancing geographic patterns, human-environmental interactions, and spatial dynamics. These research projects address critical questions of societal significance in fields such as land use, technology, social networks, and environmental sustainability.
A recent study published in PNAS found that disrupted mRNA transport into axons leads to impaired nerve function and cell death, exacerbating conditions like ALS and spinal muscular atrophy. The researchers identified a noncoding RNA, 7SK, as playing a crucial role in these transport complexes.
A recent study by University of Delaware professors found that while interventions for stigma-based bullying have increased, their implementation and evaluation need improvement. The researchers suggest increasing the capacity of school health professionals to address LGBTQ bullying and developing strategies to reduce stereotypes and p...
Scientists found that biological sex modifies communication between nerve cells and generates different responses in males and females to the same stimulus. This study used C. elegans to demonstrate how sex-specific configurations of neural circuits can modify behavior.
Researchers at TSRI have discovered a path to treating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease subtype CMT2D by restoring normal protein function in the nervous system using a small molecule. The study reveals that mutant protein interactions with HDAC6 are responsible for nerve damage, and blocking this interaction can restore proper nerve function.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a technique to analyze structural and electronic fluctuations on the single-molecule scale across the metal-molecule interface. This method provides information that cannot be obtained using conventional methods, with important implications for devices like organic solar cells.
A new study found that antibiotic prescriptions continue to be prescribed at high rates in outpatient settings, contributing to drug-resistant infections and excess healthcare costs. The researchers analyzed data from Express Scripts Holding Co. and found no decline in overall antibiotic prescription rates over a three-year period.
A study found that laboratory mice exposed to the outdoors developed a greater number and size of parasitic whipworms than those in the lab. The longer they lived outside, the more susceptible they became to infection. The researchers suggest that the environment's microbiota may contribute to this increased susceptibility.
Scientists used 3D data to calculate voltages along power lines in the mid-Atlantic region, finding significantly different results compared to previous 1D calculations. The study suggests that 3D data should be used whenever available to determine vulnerable areas of the power grid.
A new study predicts that global fisheries will be 20% less productive in 2300, with the North Atlantic and western Pacific experiencing significant declines. Climate change is expected to alter wind patterns, boost ocean temperatures, and melt sea ice, leading to a reduction in phytoplankton growth and nutrient transfer.
Researchers discover first mutation in EPO gene causing increased production of EPO hormone, leading to abnormally high red blood cell mass. The mutation reprograms a second mRNA in the EPO gene, resulting in biologically active EPO production and increased symptoms.
A recent review article emphasizes the urgent need for more clinical research, data, and prognostic models on traumatic brain injury in older adults. The lack of geriatric-specific TBI guidelines presents barriers to optimal care, and the authors discuss issues related to neurocritical care, neurosurgical management, and rehabilitation.
A study by Victoria Claydon found that bowel care is the top concern for individuals with spinal cord injuries, followed by sexual function, bladder function, and pain. The research highlights the need for holistic solutions to address the complex bodily system impacts of spinal cord injury.
Researchers used NASA's Juno spacecraft data to reveal that Jupiter's colorful bands are not just surface phenomena, but significant strata extending 3,000 km deep. The analysis shows that Jupiter's atmosphere is only 1% of its total mass, a surprising discovery.
Researchers at UConn Health developed a novel hybrid hydrogel system to promote endochondral ossification, a process critical for long bone formation. The system uses fibrin and hyaluronan to guide the growth of cartilage templates, which release factors that initiate vascularized bone formation.
Fake news is a real problem that requires serious research to solve, according to a paper by Filippo Menczer and colleagues. The authors estimate that automated social media accounts spread misinformation across 60 million on Facebook and up to 48 million on Twitter.
A new UCL-led study found that people with one hand can recognize a prosthetic limb as their real hand, particularly those who use a prosthesis regularly. This adaptation allows the brain to compensate for the missing limb, enabling more comfortable and easier-to-use prosthetics.
A new MIT study found that false news spreads widely and easily on Twitter, traveling farther and faster than the truth. Contrary to conventional wisdom, humans play a key role in spreading false news, with falsehoods being 70% more likely to be retweeted.
Researchers at TU Wien create nanostructures made of previously impossible material by incorporating high proportions of foreign atoms into crystals. This results in new materials with significantly altered properties, including potential applications in optoelectronics and microelectronics.
A high-fiber diet can alleviate symptoms of type 2 diabetes by promoting a specific group of gut bacteria, according to researchers. The study found that patients under a high-fiber diet had greatly reduced blood sugar and body weight compared to those on standard care.
A new technique enables real-time measurement of laser pulses with sub-picosecond resolution, revealing complex collapse and oscillation dynamics before stabilization. This breakthrough has important implications for designing and improving ultrafast pulsed lasers.
Researchers found that regular exercise can slow down muscle mass loss, body fat, cholesterol levels, and immune system decline with age. The study of amateur cyclists aged 55-79 showed no signs of aging in their muscles, bodies, or immune systems.
TU Dresden researchers refined their method for studying organic semiconductors by collaborating with experimentalists to compare simulations to spectroscopy experiments. The team simulated materials like C60 and zinc phthalocyanine, finding good agreement between simulations and experimental observations.
Researchers have developed novel T cell immunotherapies using custom-made receptors called synNotch that can precisely target cancer and autoimmune diseases. The technology has the potential to overcome major hurdles in T cell immunotherapies, leading to more favorable treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that stress transmitted from others can change the brain in mice, altering CRH neurons that control the brain's response to stress. In females, these effects are reversed after a social interaction, while males do not exhibit this reversal.
Survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, congestive heart failure, venous thromboembolism, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Early screening and lifestyle modifications may help prevent long-term cardiovascular diseases.
A study found that food insecurity occurs in 9.2% of older adults, with higher rates among women, people without a spouse, and those with certain health conditions. The researchers highlight the need for combined methods to identify food insecurity and connect older adults with community-based resources.
Researchers found that L-arginine supplementation increased blood vessel development in the placenta and reduced low birth weight/preterm birth and stillbirth. The study suggests that L-arginine may be a critical component in regulating blood vessel development, with implications for other conditions linked to poor birth outcomes.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a new way to fight sepsis by boosting the immune system with a drug that increases key immune cells. The approach has shown significant and lasting improvements in patients, offering hope for improved survival rates.
A study by a team of economists and marine experts found that protecting marine coastlines contributes $179 million to the state's economy, more than finfish landings and whale-watching. Coastal conservation groups support activities such as beach cleanup and education campaigns.
Researchers have identified a range of synthetic antisense oligonucleotides that can activate the frataxin gene in FA patients. The discovery demonstrates flexible options for increasing frataxin protein expression and alleviating FA symptoms.
A University of Illinois study found that early-killed cereal rye reduces weed density by 20% and suppresses early-season weed growth by 85%. The cover crop management system also promotes easy edamame emergence, which is notoriously challenging for the soybean variety.
Researchers at UBC developed a simple technique to create smart windows with dynamic tinting, reducing energy losses by switching between clear and tinted states. The new method reduces production costs compared to conventional glass windows, making it more feasible for commercial use.
Research analysis of blood mediators in type 1 diabetes and kidney disease patients reveals 10 elevated proteins, with TNF-alpha family and IL-6 significantly impacting 40% of patients. This study suggests personalized medicine approach to target specific inflammatory mediators for effective treatment.
Scientists have demonstrated that a specific pattern of brain activity, known as sleep spindles, supports the reactivation process during sleep. By analyzing brain signals associated with reactivated memories, researchers were able to decode their content in real-time.
Ramon L. Jimenez, MD, is awarded the AAOS' highest leadership honor for his outstanding contributions to advancing important causes in orthopaedics, including mentoring physician leaders and promoting cultural competency. He has worked diligently to improve patient care and diversify the orthopaedic workforce.
The Tobacco Atlas reveals the tobacco industry's deliberate targeting of vulnerable populations in Africa and other emerging markets. The report highlights the need for governments to implement proven tobacco control policies to reduce the human and economic toll of the tobacco epidemic.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that Schwann cells produce fatty acids through an enzyme called FASN, which is essential for myelin layer formation and maintenance. This breakthrough has implications for understanding the development of rare childhood diseases and potential treatments.
Researchers have developed a high-resolution climate model that accurately simulates the interaction between aerosols and clouds. The model shows that increasing aerosol density can lead to a decrease in cloud cover in certain areas, contradicting previous assumptions.
A study analyzing Twitter data from 2006 to 2017 found that false information diffused significantly farther and faster than true news, reaching up to 100,000 people. The top 1% of false-news cascades spread even more widely, with political news being the most virulent.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago analyzed electronic health records to identify divergent scopes of practice for nurses and doctors. The study found that only 26% of patient records showed an overlap in terms, with average 4 related terms between professions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technology that can switch heat flows 'on' or 'off' using liquid metal droplets. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve system performance and reliability in electronics systems.
Scientists have developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 system that can delete genes from mosquitoes, making them resistant to the malaria parasite. The FREP1 gene is identified as a malarial host factor and its deletion significantly reduces malaria parasites' ability to survive and multiply.
A novel Helmintex assay has been shown to detect low-intensity schistosomiasis infections with high accuracy, surpassing traditional methods. The study found that the HTX method detected eggs in 29% of samples negative according to the Kato-Katz method.
Ocean microbes produce at least fifty percent of the oxygen in our atmosphere while removing large amounts of carbon dioxide. The new LRAUVs can transit for over 600 miles and use their own 'eyes and ears' to detect important oceanographic events like phytoplankton blooms.
Tufts University biologists computationally model and manipulate electrical patterns in developing frog embryos to prevent nicotine-induced defects. They identify a hyperpolarization-activated channel that restores normal bioelectric patterns, rescuing embryos from brain defects.
American chemical manufacturers are adopting new technologies to improve efficiency, thanks to a $10 million grant collaboration between academia and industry. The goal is to replace traditional batch processing methods with continuous processing, which could lead to significant energy savings and improved competitiveness.