Bioengineers have developed a remote control method to activate cancer-killing immune cells using a heat-sensitive switch, which can be precisely controlled to target tumors. The technique has shown promise in initial tests in mice with implanted tumors, and could potentially improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating cancer.
Researchers trained a deep neural network to perform two auditory tasks, including speech and music identification. The model accurately replicated human performance and provided evidence for the hierarchical organization of the auditory cortex.
Researchers identified a fourth gene, IKZF1, associated with childhood leukemia predisposition, expanding cancer screening options. Germline variants in IKZF1 increase the risk of developing B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a common pediatric cancer.
New research found that men under 50 who smoked had an increased risk of stroke, with the risk increasing as the number of cigarettes smoked daily. The study revealed that even light smokers were 46% more likely to have a stroke than non-smokers, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking to reduce stroke risk.
Researchers discovered that pre-existing chemoresistant genotypes in tumors can adapt to become fully resistant to chemotherapy, leading to poor overall survival. The study's findings may lead to diagnostic opportunities for detecting resistant clones in TNBC patients before treatment.
Researchers discovered that blowflies use a unique mechanism called 'bubbling' to cool down, moving a droplet of saliva in and out of their mouths to promote evaporation. This behavior helps lower the insect's body temperature by up to 8°C below ambient temperature, with a significant impact on its flight muscles and brain.
A large proportion of malaria patients in endemic countries are likely to receive low doses of malaria medicine, leading to poorer treatment outcomes and potentially fueling drug resistance. Vulnerable groups like malnourished children and pregnant women require different treatments due to their unique response to antimalarial drugs.
The CRISPR Journal publishes new research on cell-free CRISPR systems, which enable the study of gene editing mechanisms in a defined manner. Additionally, a universal CRISPR activity model called TUSCAN has been developed to predict CRISPR-Cas9 activity and genome-wide screening tasks.
New research from the University of Portsmouth suggests that regulatory reforms in developing countries have failed to create a 'level playing field'. The study proposes stronger industry legislation to address business monopolies and reduce government interventions.
A new University of Kansas research effort has resulted in a low-cost, reliable blood test that uses a small plastic chip to deliver diagnostic information similar to bone biopsies. The test has the potential to eliminate the need for invasive bone biopsies and guide treatment for multiple myeloma and other cancers.
Researchers found that vitamin D levels above 30 ng/ml reduced diabetes risk by one-third and those above 50 ng/ml had a one-fifth risk reduction. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to a greater risk of developing diabetes, with persons at up to five times higher risk than those with optimal levels.
A new mouse study reveals that environmental pollutants like dioxin and cigarette smoke interact with the HLA gene variant to cause more severe rheumatoid arthritis. The disease leads to excessive bone destruction through overactive osteoclasts, a process targeted by researchers for potential new treatments.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University developed a sugar-transporting biosensor to detect and differentiate cancer cells. The fluorescent probe targets the fructose transporter GLUT5, revealing metabolic nuances of different cancer stages.
A new analysis found that opioid pain medications may pose higher risks of altered mental status, falls, and fractures in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Opioid use was associated with increased risks even at lower doses and with certain types of medication recommended for this population.
A four-year grant will support the Program on Water, Health & Development (WHD) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia and Uganda. WHD aims to develop concrete plans for expanding water services to all residents within a target district, guided by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers from Max Delbrück Center have published a comprehensive study on the Schmidtea mediterranea flatworm, creating a detailed cell atlas and lineage tree. The work provides new insights into cellular regeneration processes and offers a powerful approach to studying stem cells and their lineages in multiple animals.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a new method for creating gold nanoparticles in water droplets, which could lead to more sustainable ways of producing these materials. The technique uses microdroplets as reactors and eliminates the need for potentially toxic reducing agents.
A new study suggests that biofeedback-assisted relaxation using the BrightHearts app can effectively manage pain and anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures. The app's use was well-tolerated by patients, parents, and healthcare providers, with many indicating they would use it again during a procedure.
A study among British airline pilots reveals that 20% have scores comparable to those under burnout treatment, yet most perform well in flight simulator training. The researchers argue that better support and facilities are needed to help pilots cope with their stressful jobs.
Researchers at Stockholm University discovered a new mechanism regulating stem cells in the fruit fly's intestine and found that a specific protein can slow tumour growth. The study sheds light on how intestinal diseases occur and may contribute to the development of new medicine to prevent and cure them.
Researchers at ICFO have successfully confined light to a space one atom thick, setting a new record. They used graphene and other 2D materials to create an optical device that can control light in channels smaller than one nanometer.
A new compound called EP055 has been discovered to stop sperm temporarily without affecting hormones, offering a potential 'male pill' alternative. The study found that the compound significantly slowed sperm mobility, limiting fertilization capabilities.
A recent study found that celecoxib, an NSAID, had better gastrointestinal safety than ibuprofen or naproxen when co-prescribed with esomeprazole. The medication was associated with infrequent gastrointestinal side effects in arthritis patients, making it a safer option for those taking these medications.
A new study reveals a rapid rise in mass school shootings in the US over the past 18 years, with 66 people killed and 81 injured since the start of the 21st century. The authors call for policy and legislative actions to address the alarming trend, including expanded background checks and mental health support.
Researchers generated hypothalamic-like neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells of super-obese and normal-weight individuals. These brain cells responded differently to hunger hormones and obesity-related genes. The study provides a platform for modeling complex polygenic diseases like obesity.
Scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed 3D mini-brains from human stem cells to investigate the effects of a specific gene mutation tied to major mental illnesses. The results show that the mutated mini-brains exhibit structural disruptions, suggesting a potential new target pathway for therapies.
A new study by LMU researchers reveals that the aggregation of FUS protein is a central component of ALS and FTD. In healthy nerve cells, FUS is transported into the nucleus where it regulates DNA and RNA processing, but in neurons affected by ALS and FTD, its transport is compromised, leading to cytoplasmic aggregation.
Scientists at University of Warwick discovered that physically deforming semiconductors used in commercial solar cells can generate a non-centrosymmetric structure, allowing for the bulk photovoltaic effect. This could potentially increase power generation efficiency by overcoming the Shockley-Queisser Limit.
Researchers identified a gene variant linked to increased empathic fear in mice, which may contribute to individual variability in neuropsychiatric conditions. The study found that the variant affects neurons in the cerebral cortex, leading to heightened observational fear response.
Scientists have developed a new drug compound that shows promise as a future treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited neurodegenerative condition affecting peripheral nerves. The researchers found that the problem lies in mitochondria's inability to travel distances, leading to nerve atrophy and muscle loss.
A combination of XL888, a HSP90 inhibitor, and vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, was found to be safe and effective in treating advanced melanoma patients, with 75% experiencing a response. The treatment resulted in manageable toxicities and durable responses.
A common Great Barrier Reef coral species has enough genetic diversity to adapt to warming conditions, but its future remains uncertain. The model predicts that the coral will become more sensitive to temperature swings, but it will still survive for at least another century.
A new study confirms desiccation cracks on Mars provide evidence of drying, revealing the shape of water on the red planet. The research sheds light on Mars' ancient climate and provides context to its lacustrine system.
A team of researchers has developed a new method for modeling the formation of diamond-like carbon at the atomic level, which challenges the prevailing understanding of the process. The approach uses machine learning to simulate thousands of atoms over long periods, revealing a more accurate picture of how the material forms.
A new study published in Biological Conservation found that freshwater fish biodiversity is harmed by selective logging in rainforests as much as by complete deforestation. The researchers discovered a significant drop in fish diversity across all types of logging, regardless of the amount or recentness of the logging.
PDE5 inhibitors have been approved to treat lower urinary tract symptoms and pulmonary arterial hypertension, with potential benefits in diabetes and cancer treatment due to their blood vessel dilation effects
Researchers discovered that dopamine drives animals to avoid unpleasant situations, including electric shocks. This finding expands the role of dopamine in aversively motivated behaviors and sheds light on brain disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The study also highlights the potential benefits of i...
Scientists at Christiana Care's Gene Editing Institute have developed a breakthrough CRISPR tool that can edit DNA in a test tube, allowing for precise genetic mutations to be replicated from human tumor samples. This technology has the potential to accelerate personalized cancer care by enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers discovered genetic and epigenetic changes in humans and chimpanzees that increase the fight-or-flight response, a trait more common in species with warfare history. These adaptations may have played a role in shaping human warfare.
Professor Nicholas Harvey received the prestigious IOF Medal of Achievement for his outstanding work in understanding early determinants of fracture risk and developing novel interventions. He has made significant contributions to the field of osteoporosis through his research and educational initiatives.
Researchers will use naturalistic approach with video vignettes and head-mounted cameras to measure infant eye direction and analyze their visual attention. The study aims to understand how young learners generate data for optimal language learning.
A study of nearly half a million participants found that muscular strength is associated with improved brain functioning across various tests, including reaction speed and memory. The research also suggests that weight training could be beneficial for people with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and depression.
A recent study published in JCI Insight found that gut bacteria can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in obese individuals. The researchers discovered that a high-fat diet altered the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and joint deterioration. However, supplementing the diet with a common prebiotic oligofructose reve...
A large group of common bottlenose dolphins was recorded in Canadian Pacific waters, the first confirmed occurrence in this area. The sighting suggests that these warm-water species may naturally range into British Columbia, Canada when conditions are suitable due to warming trend.
Researchers used optogenetic tools to activate neurons linked to ejaculation in male fruit flies, revealing a rewarding experience. The study suggests that the brain processes ejaculation as a natural reward, influencing motivation and addiction risk.
Research by NTU's Professor Subra Suresh and his team reveals diamond nano-needles can be stretched up to 9% without breaking, opening new avenues for applications in bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, data storage, and ultra-strength nanostructures.
A 20-year study found that C3 grasses actually lose biomass under elevated CO2 levels, while C4 species gain significantly, contradicting previous expectations. This reversal has significant implications for modeling future climate and accurately estimating the distribution of these plant species globally.
A team of researchers is developing tools to help museums measure visitor engagement and modify exhibits to enhance engagement. The project will use multiple technologies, including motion-tracking and facial-monitoring, to collect data on visitors' interactions with educational exhibits.
A systematic review of over 150,000 children and young people found that those who are cyberbullied are more than twice as likely to self-harm and enact suicidal behavior. The study also highlights the need for effective prevention and intervention strategies to address both victims' and perpetrators' vulnerabilities.
A recent study identified rare inherited variants in non-coding DNA as a contributor to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These variants disrupt neighboring DNA control elements that regulate gene expression. The findings suggest that the inherited genetic contribution from mothers and fathers may be qualitatively different.
Professor Cyrus Cooper has been named the winner of the annual Olof Johnell Science Award, recognizing his internationally recognized contributions to the field of osteoporosis. He leads an internationally competitive programme of research into musculoskeletal disorders, most notably osteoporosis.
A study published in Cell found that the Bajau people of Southeast Asia, who spend their lives at sea, have larger spleens than non-divers due to genetic adaptation. The research suggests that this adaptation is a rare example of natural selection in modern humans and could provide insights into managing acute hypoxia.
The Mount Sinai team will develop software tools for efficient and interactive analysis of large amounts of single-cell data, accelerating progress toward curing all diseases by the end of the century. The CZI grant aims to provide a platform for scientists to analyze massive data sets interactively and quickly.
A new Quick Response (QR) code-based system allows patients with Addison's disease to receive urgent clinical management information, improving emergency care. Healthcare professionals expressed a preference for QR code-linked information, and the system has shown promise in preventing unnecessary deaths linked to adrenal crisis.
Researchers have uncovered behavior in ultracold atoms that resembles the universe in microcosm, with potential implications for cosmology and the early universe's rapid expansion. The study reveals analogies to Hubble friction and provides new insights into energy conversion during inflation.
A novel technique integrates CRISPR technology with big data mining to identify functional roles of lncRNAs in chemotherapy resistance. The approach identified hundreds of new genetic units impacting sensitivity to chemotherapy, providing potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that elderly patients with locally advanced lung cancer who received simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy had worse survival rates compared to younger patients. In contrast, those treated with sequential chemo-radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone had similar survival rates.
Researchers uncover how different genes work together to keep cells alive, revealing surprising partnerships between genes with unrelated functions. The study provides a roadmap for understanding genetic interactions in complex cells and organisms, including humans.
A recent study reveals that valproic acid can cause lower levels of transporters for essential compounds in the placenta, leading to impaired fetal growth and development. The research suggests a possible link between valproic acid exposure and adverse outcomes such as major congenital malformations and autism.
Researchers found that defects in 2D molybdenum sulfide materials can improve their physical and electrochemical properties. By intentionally introducing sulfur vacancies, they can enhance chemical processes like hydrogen evolution from water, leading to increased energy efficiency and reduced costs.