Researchers will collect data from survivors of viral outbreaks to understand how some people fight off the disease. The goal is to inform vaccine design, develop new diagnostics, and prevent future outbreaks.
Researchers explore mechanisms protecting animals from chronic kidney disease, such as naked mole rats' longevity and hibernation adaptations. Biomimetics collaboration could lead to novel therapeutic approaches and improved human health.
Scientists at Rice University have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to repair 20-40% of stem and progenitor cells from patients with sickle cell disease. The study, led by bioengineer Gang Bao, aims to find a cure for the hereditary disease.
A study by Portland State University found that rural ranchers in Mexico's Baja California peninsula faced significant challenges accessing water during a six-year drought. The study highlights a rural-urban divide, with those living closer to urban areas having better access to water deliveries.
Researchers discovered a set of enzymes from fungi capable of breaking down xylans, a major component of wood. These enzymes may unlock sustainable conversion of wood into valuable commodities like biofuels.
Dr. Helen L. Reed, a renowned expert in aerospace engineering, has been awarded the 2018 Yvonne C. Brill Lectureship for her groundbreaking work on student design-build-fly micro- and nano-satellites. Her expertise in laminar-to-turbulent transition has significantly influenced the development of aerospace systems.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown superconducting state in layered material LBCO, which occurs above the temperature at which it transmits electricity without resistance. The team used high-intensity infrared light to reveal this hidden state, providing new insights into the decades-long mystery of superconductivity in cuprates.
Researchers have developed two initiatives to minimize bird-human interactions, using acoustic deterrence technology. Sonic Nets uses sound to make gathering birds uncomfortable, while Acoustic Lighthouse alerts flying birds to avoid collisions with wind turbines and other structures.
Tropical Cyclone Gita is weakening due to vertical wind shear, posing threats to New Caledonia and New Zealand. The storm will encounter cooler ocean waters and transition into an extra-tropical low on February 20.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital used stem cell technology to create Purkinje cells from patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, a genetic syndrome often linked to autism. The lab-grown cells showed structural abnormalities and impaired development of synapses, which may help explain how autism develops at the molecular level.
Scientists have discovered a simple method to harness the thermoelectric effect by combining a graphite pencil with a conductive coating on paper. The resulting voltage is comparable to expensive nanocomposites, offering potential applications in flexible electronics and wearable devices.
Researchers analyzed infrasound from Villarrica volcano to predict eruptions, finding a connection between sound waves and lava lake changes. The study suggests that infrasound could aid in forecasting volcanic eruptions hours or days ahead.
A Kenyan pilot study reveals a significant link between chronic pain and glutamate consumption, with participants experiencing improved symptoms after reducing MSG intake. The findings support the potential of dietary changes as an effective low-cost treatment option for developing countries.
A recent study by UL and Johns Hopkins University found that artificial intelligence (AI) is superior to traditional animal testing in detecting toxic substances. The AI-powered software, REACHAcross™, can predict chemical toxicity with high accuracy and speed, reducing the need for animal testing.
Researchers developed a liquid biopsy test to profile cancer genomes from blood and predict survival outcomes for patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer. The study found that 64% of patients had more than 10% tumor DNA, correlated with poor survival outcomes.
Marit Bjoergen trained for an average of 70 hours per month and 15 hours per week over nearly two decades, with a focus on endurance training. She also tapered her training in the final weeks before major championships, revealing secrets to her success.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that people with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations tend to hear what they expect, an exaggerated version of a perceptual distortion. Elevated dopamine can exacerbate distorted perceptions.
Caltech scientists have discovered that cells can transmit multiple messages through the Notch signaling pathway by encoding them rhythmically over time. This discovery reveals that cellular messaging is closer to sending smoke signals than texting, and cells use temporal patterns to differentiate between similar ligands.
A new study finds that Robusta beans can support higher densities of sensitive avian populations and harbor substantial biodiversity benefits. Arabica beans, on the other hand, are more species rich but may pose deleterious impacts for forest wildlife due to intensive full-sun agricultural systems.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that newly-hatched salmon use the geomagnetic field to orient themselves vertically when emerging from gravel nests. This ability allows them to navigate three-dimensionally and orient themselves in their environment, which is crucial for survival.
A subset of T cells identified as an early childhood immune signature predicts the risk of developing asthma later on. The presence of house dust components stimulating the innate immune system decreases asthma risk, supporting the hygiene hypothesis. Researchers found MAIT cells to be protective against asthma.
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has received a five-year, $10.78 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate obesity and its related disorders. The funding will support research focused on inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and obesity in West Virginia and central Appalachia.
Scientists at the Institute for Basic Science have made a major breakthrough in controlling the quantum properties of individual atoms. They used advanced methods to image and measure individual iron atoms, finding that nearby electrons destroy their quantum behavior.
A new multiplex test can detect six of eight tick-borne pathogens including Lyme disease simultaneously in a single blood test, offering improved diagnostic accuracy. The test's potential for early detection and treatment is expected to improve patient outcomes for those infected with tick-borne diseases.
Metabolomics offers a unique opportunity to examine genotype-phenotype and genotype-environment relationships in cancer patients. By analyzing metabolic profiles, researchers can identify specific signatures that predict pharmacological responses to treatments.
A new study published in Science suggests that loss of mossy cells plays a critical role in both convulsive seizures and memory problems associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. In a mouse model, researchers found that turning on mossy cells prevented seizures from transitioning into convulsions.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that birds and primates share similar brain cell types linked to cognitive abilities, such as goal-directed behaviors. This finding suggests that these species may have evolved intelligence independently, despite their distinct anatomical structures.
Mathematicians at National Research University Higher School of Economics have found a link between earthquakes and currency jumps, using the Japanese ETAS approach. This method predicts financial risks with 40% accuracy, comparable to traditional econometric models.
Scientists have found that rocks rich in the mineral berthierine, a toxic to decay bacteria, are more likely to preserve soft tissue fossils. This discovery provides a mineralogical signature to find exceptional fossils and potentially supports the search for life on other planets.
A 16-year study found that over 100,000 orangutans were lost on Borneo due to changes in land cover, with many disappearing from intact forest areas. Effective partnerships with industries and public education are key to the species' survival.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have discovered the neural circuit controlling cuttlefish's dynamic skin papillae, enabling 3D camouflage. The discovery opens up new avenues for biologically-inspired material design and may shed light on cephalopod perception.
A new study finds that consumer and industrial products are a dominant urban air pollution source, contributing as much as the transportation sector. Particle-forming emissions from chemical products are twice as high as those from vehicles, causing lung damage.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that a specific set of nerve cells, known as mossy cells, controls the spread of seizures throughout the brain. Inactivating these cells facilitates the spread of electrical hyperactivity, leading to full-blown behavioral symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Scientists used a computational model to show that sepsis treatment needs multiple-step targeting for effective therapy. The study suggests 'precision medicine' is necessary due to the complexity of individual patient responses.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that old-growth forests in Costa Rica's Coto Brus region have a greater variety of bird species compared to second-growth forests. This suggests that maintaining large areas of primary forest is crucial for conservation efforts.
A study of nearly 800 postmenopausal women found that four commonly used prognostic breast cancer tests have varying abilities to predict disease recurrence. The tests, including Oncotype Dx and Prosigna Risk of Recurrence Score, were compared for their accuracy in predicting whether the cancer will return after five years.
Research suggests that children's attribution biases and emotional intensity are linked to the quality of their friendships. Children with hostile biases may engage in negative interactions, while those with benign biases may exhibit pro-social behavior when emotions are intense.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible-light image of Tropical Depression Sanba on Feb 15, revealing wispy clouds and low-level circulation center without rainfall. The depression was centered in the Sulu Sea, moving northwest towards the South China Sea with maximum sustained winds at 23 mph.
A team of geophysicists and atmospheric scientists has discovered a new way to identify the movement and intensity of hurricanes, typhoons, and other tropical cyclones using seismometers. By analyzing 13 years of data from the northwest Pacific Ocean, they found statistically significant correlations between seismic data and storms.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Stanford have discovered a new function of the receptor kinase FERONIA in Arabidopsis plants. The study shows that FERONIA acts as a sensor in the cell wall to maintain its integrity and protect against environmental assaults.
Four NYU faculty members have been awarded Sloan Research Fellowships for their outstanding contributions to science and engineering. Miranda Holmes-Cerfon develops mathematical tools to study mesoscale materials, while Tianning Diao works on sustainable synthetic methods for pharmaceutical products.
Researchers created an open-source data atlas of human kidney development, providing detailed molecular and cellular information. The dataset will accelerate stem cell-based technologies for kidney replacement and regeneration therapies.
A Rutgers University study found that most large storm surges in the Northeast are caused by non-hurricane extratropical cyclones. These storms include nor'easters and other low-pressure systems that generate tighter pressure gradients and longer-lasting onshore winds.
Tropical Cyclone Gita remained a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, tracked by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite. The storm showed symmetrical circulation and weakening cloud tops, indicating reduced uplift.
Researchers found four cases of amyloid beta pathology in brain blood vessels after childhood neurosurgery, sparking concerns over potential transmission of protein pathology. The study's findings were supported by a review of medical literature and suggest that neurosurgical instruments may be responsible.
A comprehensive map of butterfly evolution has been created using a 35-fold increase in genetic data, revealing key relationships between species and classification units. The study confirms swallowtails are a sister group to all other butterflies, while blues are nested within hairstreaks.
Researchers discover ebselen alleviates testicular symptoms and prevents sexual Zika transmission in mice. The antioxidant treatment also shows promise in preventing the virus's spread among humans.
The inaugural issue of The CRISPR Journal features a range of articles on CRISPR biology, technology, and genome editing. Research highlights include progress in treating genetic diseases, such as hereditary blindness and Batten disease, using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
The study reveals that Bornean orangutan populations are declining faster than expected, with deforested areas and agricultural land showing the most significant rates of decline. However, some populations appear to be relatively stable, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts to prevent further losses.
A new study by Northwestern University found that gay and lesbian youth experience less psychological distress when in a romantic relationship, suggesting the benefits of initiatives like citywide 'queer proms' to promote healthy dating behaviors.
Researchers developed a printing technique combining molecular self-assembly with additive manufacturing to create complex biological structures. This allows for the study of biological scenarios such as cancer growth and immune cell interactions, potentially leading to new drug development.
Induced pluripotent stem cells have strong immunogenic properties that provoke a systemic, cancer-specific immune response. The study suggests iPS cells may one day be used as a patient-specific cancer vaccine, potentially preventing tumor development months or years later.
Researchers observe groups of three photons interacting, forming a new kind of photonic matter. The bound photons acquire mass and travel slower than non-interacting photons.
Keivan Stassun, a renowned astrophysicist, has been awarded the 2018 AAAS Mentor Award for his dedication to mentoring underrepresented minority students. The award recognizes his innovative mentoring models that have led to the growth of numerous Ph.D. graduates in physics and astronomy.
Researchers created biodegradable bandages with antibacterial properties, accelerating tissue regeneration twice as quickly as usual. The bandages also prevent scarring and promote normal skin covering tissue regeneration.
A new medical guideline from the University of Alberta suggests that the benefits of medical cannabis for pain treatment may be outweighed by its harms. The guideline recommends considering medical cannabinoids only in specific cases with adequate evidence and after standard therapies have been tried.
Research highlights shortcomings in pregnancy preparation and prenatal care for women with diabetes, calling for improved care coordination and technology use. A nationwide commitment is needed to deliver integrated reproductive and diabetes healthcare interventions to enhance pregnancy outcomes.
A study has identified areas where animals can adapt to changing climates through a process called evolutionary rescue. These zones, known as polymorphic zones, allow both brown and white individuals to coexist in winter, promoting rapid evolution towards winter brown coat colors.
Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than those without asthma. In contrast, long-acting asthma preventers do not appear to reduce fertility, suggesting that improved asthma control could lead to faster conception rates.
A large cohort study found higher yogurt intake was associated with a 30% reduction in myocardial infarction risk among women and a 19% reduction in men. Yogurt consumption also showed significant reductions in cardiovascular disease risk when combined with an overall heart-healthy diet.