A team of planetary scientists from MIT has identified large concentrations of sulfidic anions in shallow lakes on early Earth, which may have sped up the chemical reactions required to convert simple prebiotic molecules into RNA. This finding fundamentally changes our knowledge of early Earth and its potential role in the origin of life.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute reveal that the loss of p62 in fat cells fuels aggressive prostate cancer by inhibiting energy-consuming processes. This discovery opens new avenues for therapeutic targeting and highlights the importance of considering whole-body metabolism in cancer treatment.
A new study examines frontline perspectives on gender gaps in academic medicine, uncovering systems-based improvements to mitigate its negative impact. Solutions include streamlined recruitment processes, unconscious bias training for leaders, and formalized mentorship.
Rice University's RENEW technology will underlie a city-scale wireless test platform in Salt Lake City, enabling researchers and developers to conduct tests with up to 40,000 users. The platform aims to prepare for the future of wireless communications, where scalability is crucial.
A study found that only 16% of respondents were aware of drug shortages, and those with a personal history of cancer were more likely to be aware. Most respondents wanted to be informed about substitution due to shortages and would transfer care to avoid major differences in efficacy.
Researchers developed a robotic gripper combining gecko toes' adhesive properties with air-powered soft robots, enabling it to grasp various objects, including rough and dirty ones. The gripper's unique design maximizes surface contact area, ensuring a better grip.
Researchers investigated the role of alcohol in ambrosia beetles' fungal farming, finding that increased enzyme activity allows optimal fungus growth in alcohol-rich wood. The beetles' sophisticated social care system ensures optimal symbiosis between beetle and fungus.
Recent studies show a growing trend of hookah use among public high school students in New Jersey, with significant increases in hookah use across three indicators: ever, current, and frequent use. Hookah tobacco is taxed at a lower rate than cigarettes and is sold in various flavors, contributing to its popularity among teens.
Researchers have trained rats to sniff out tuberculosis in children, detecting cases 68% more accurately than traditional smear tests. The new method has the potential to save up to 70% of untreated patients in low-income countries.
A study analyzing four beach nourishment projects in San Diego County found that mechanically placed sand moves significantly, with some areas receiving more sand than was initially added. The research provides insight into the behavior of nourishment sand and its potential unintended consequences.
The new MR Multitasking technique allows for faster and more comfortable cardiac MRI tests by continuously acquiring image data, separating motion from other changes into multiple time dimensions. This method was found to be accurate in testing healthy volunteers and cardiac patients, completing tests in as little as 90 seconds.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame discovered that lytic transglycosylase Slt helps gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa recover from antibiotic damage by repairing its cell wall. The enzyme rapidly attempts to rebuild the organism's structural entity, allowing it to survive and continue causing infection.
Researchers found that geoengineering methods could shift global rainfall patterns, leading to increased fire risk in some regions despite lower global temperatures. The study suggests that the benefits of limiting global warming to 1.5C would be offset by unintended consequences for certain areas.
A recent study found that people who experience lingering negative emotions after daily stressors are more likely to report health problems and physical limitations later in life. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that minor, everyday stressors can have important implications for long-term physical health.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre found that the egg sends signals to surrounding cells to construct and multiply feeding tubes, a dynamic process essential for growth. This discovery highlights the egg's sophisticated communication skills and its active role in creating the microenvironment it needs to develop.
A study examining prenatal SSRI exposure and its effects on fetal brain development found associations between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and increased gray matter volume in the amygdala and insular cortex. The study also linked prenatal SSRI exposure to enhanced white matter structural connectivity between these regions.
Scientists have developed a new CRISPR method to analyze the effects of thousands of gene edits in parallel, improving their ability to identify harmful genetic changes. This technique enables researchers to rapidly distinguish between damaging and harmless edits, potentially leading to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment.
A Stanford-led study of nearly half a million people in the UK Biobank database found that higher levels of physical activity and fitness are associated with lower risks of heart attacks and stroke. Even those with a high genetic risk for heart disease can benefit from regular exercise.
A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that interventions to decrease cardiovascular disease are not one-size-fits-all. Community-based approaches, such as the Boot Camp Translation method, can elicit unique contextual messages and materials that may be more effective for specific primary care practices.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified key anti-cancer drugs that could be used to treat transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils. The study found that the two types of cancer are similar and likely arose due to the devils' susceptibility to developing these diseases.
The RoSE is a dynamic spine brace that measures 3-D stiffness of the human torso, enabling new treatments for children with spine deformities. The device applies controlled forces to correct abnormal curves, adapting to changes in the torso over time.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona found that removing the single mitochondrial protein Opa1 from mouse muscle causes severe inflammation throughout the body, leading to premature death. This study supports the notion that mitochondrial defects underlie diseases of unknown origin involving chronic muscle inflammation.
Researchers at UT Dallas suggest a new type of matter that exhibits both zero viscosity and non-periodic structure. Theoretical framework proposes an experimental setup to produce the material, potentially creating a supersolid with unique properties.
Research found that US-born ethnic minorities experience increased mortality risk in communities with high anti-immigrant prejudice, while foreign-born immigrants seem to have a mortality advantage. This counterintuitive finding suggests that community-level prejudice may be a key factor in health outcomes for immigrant groups.
Research by BfR scientists reveals that inflammatory processes disrupt liver enzyme function, impairing detoxification capabilities. Fatty liver cells treated with inflammation-promoting substances showed reduced ability to break down foreign substances.
A non-invasive adhesive patch has been created to measure glucose levels through the skin without a finger-prick blood test. The patch can accurately track glucose levels across several hours and does not require calibration with a blood sample.
The CRISPR Journal has published new research on gene editing regulations, introducing potential global implications for food animal production. A bioinformatic pipeline, dubbed CRISPRdisco, has been developed to help researchers identify and characterize CRISPR repeats and genes encoding Cas nucleases.
Researchers used machine learning to classify abnormal protein activity in tumors, identifying potential 'hidden responders' who may benefit from specific therapies. The study combined genetic data with machine learning approaches to predict response to inhibitors affecting cancer cells with overactive Ras signaling.
A study by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University has established a link between inflammation in pregnant women and the way the newborn brain is organized into networks. The results may provide promising avenues to explore treatments with potential to change negative impacts on newborn brain function.
A University of North Carolina-led study has found that physicians who received payments from pharmaceutical companies were more likely to prescribe those companies' drugs for two cancer types. The study analyzed prescriptions for Medicare patients with metastatic renal cell cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia, finding a significant as...
New research confirms blood flow plays a crucial role in cancer metastasis by regulating the position of circulating tumor cells and their exit from the vasculature. The study found that slower blood flow rates are associated with increased metastasis development.
Children with regular healthcare are less likely to develop life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of type 1 diabetes. Adolescents with a regular family physician or pediatrician have a significantly reduced risk of DKA, highlighting the importance of primary care for children.
Scientists create LINNAEUS technique to map cellular lineage, enabling identification of rare and unknown cell types. The method reveals connections between cells and allows for construction of lineage trees, providing insights into developmental processes and disease mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have made a breakthrough in mitigating dendrite formation in lithium metal batteries, enabling them to be used for electric vehicles. The new method uses porous materials to suppress dendrite growth, resulting in improved battery performance and safety.
A new study found that almost 100 million adults in China suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with men having a higher prevalence than women. The study highlights the need for public health strategies to prevent COPD, including smoking cessation programs and stricter control of ambient air pollution.
Early findings from EvidenceNOW reveal cost challenges in recruiting practices for quality improvement initiatives and the impact of hospital ownership on burnout. The study also found solo practices outperform groups in meeting ABCS targets, but leadership and adaptive reserve are not associated with blood pressure control.
Researchers at McGovern Medical School are studying how protein deposits in the brain can trigger dementia and stroke. Akihiko Urayama's team is examining the brain's clearance system, while Louise McCullough's team is investigating the gut-brain connection.
A new study evaluated 101 commercially available elite corn hybrids for their yield stability and crop-management adaptability. The researchers found that hybrids with stable yields under varying conditions are less responsive to environmental factors, while those with high adaptability yield well in optimal conditions but may perform ...
A study by Michigan State University and The Nature Conservancy found that informal boundary spanners are four times more likely to diffuse information, making them key influencers in organizational change. By analyzing the organization's social network structure, leaders can identify these hubs and disseminate new ideas efficiently.
Research shows high-quality clone apps negatively affect original app downloads, while low-quality ones positively impact sales as they advertise the original, but with no significant competition.
Many forensic methods used in criminal cases lack scientific backing, and traditional pattern-matching methods continue to be used despite insufficient understanding of their accuracy and reliability. Experts hope that by drawing attention to the problem, they can inspire reforms, such as mandatory empirical testing of admissible methods.
Researchers at KAIST have identified flammable ice formed in oceans through clay minerals in sedimentary deposits. They proposed a new principle for gas hydrate formation and found that electric fields can promote hydrate nucleation.
Scientists have isolated a gene controlling the shape and size of wheat spikelets, which could lead to significant yield increases. The study, published in The Plant Cell, reveals that a genetic mechanism linked to another known 'Green Revolution' gene influences floral architecture in major cereals.
Research from Florida State University found that urban areas in Florida experience shorter and more intense wet seasons compared to rural areas. The study indicates a trend of decreasing wet-season length by 3.5 hours per year in urban areas.
Long-term use of antiepileptic drugs is associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Cognitive-impairing antiepileptic drugs increase the risk by 20% for Alzheimer's and 60% for dementia, with dose dependence observed.
Researchers have developed a new animal model using cynomolgus macaques to study the progression and interactions of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever with the immune system. The study aims to develop treatments and vaccines for the disease, which is fatal in nearly one in three cases.
A recent study by Donna Shelley et al found that small urban primary care practices consistently meet or exceed Million Hearts goals for cardiovascular disease care. However, these practices struggle to achieve clinical targets for patients with multiple risk factors, highlighting the need for support in managing complex cases.
A protein involved in Alzheimer's disease may be a promising target for treating HIV-related neurological disorders. Elevated levels of BACE1 and Aβ oligomers were found in postmortem brain tissue of HIV-positive humans, suggesting similar mechanisms of neurotoxicity.
Researchers discovered that a common topical antibiotic triggered an antiviral resistance in mice infected with herpes and other viruses. The study found increased expression of genes stimulated by interferons, suggesting a new mechanism for antiviral response.
A new study by UCSF researchers has identified two previously unrecognized genetic risks associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. The findings suggest that these diseases share genetic similarities, but differ in their impact on brain function.
Carolina Motter Catarino received the £10,000 prize for her innovative 3-D bioprinting technology that enhances skin model complexity and reduces dependence on animals in research. Her project has the potential to develop human-relevant models for efficacy testing and regenerative medicine.
Researchers analyzed e-cigarette flavors and found that many chemicals used in flavoring increase the production of free radicals, while a few decrease it. The study identified six flavorants that significantly increased free radical production, including linalool, dipentene, and citral.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered new compounds that can control stomatal movements in plants, preventing leaves from drying up and suppressing withering. These compounds could lead to the development of agrochemicals for drought tolerance and extend the freshness of cut flowers.
Researchers created wind-wave maps of East China Sea using satellite altimeter data and atmospheric reanalysis. The study reveals wind-wave climate patterns, including the similarity among multiple data sources, but also highlights limitations in describing marginal-sea wind-waves.
Researchers have developed a new waveguide technology that suppresses bend loss in 3D photonic integrated circuits, allowing for the creation of compact devices. The technology uses femtosecond laser direct writing to inscribe modification tracks in fused silica, increasing refractive index contrast and reducing bending losses.
Depression affects cardiovascular disease patients, leading to poorer healthcare experiences, increased healthcare resource use, and higher health costs. Studies found that undiagnosed depression in cardiovascular patients can result in worse healthcare-related quality of life and more emergency room visits.
Researchers found that people are more likely to choose a daily cup of tea or a pill over exercise to gain extra years of life. Exercise was the least preferred option, with only 63% willing to do it for an extra month.
A study analyzing online messages about implanted cardiac defibrillators found that about 25% of the advice was inappropriate and six percent was controversial. The research highlights the need for clinicians to ensure patients receive accurate information outside of doctor's offices, particularly when it comes to complex decisions.
A comprehensive study of China's STEM research environment has found that the country's educational system stifles creativity and critical thinking, and rewards quantity over quality. The study, published in PLOS ONE, gathered data from 731 surveys completed by STEM faculty at top Chinese universities.
A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has discovered a new type of superconductivity in the material YPtBi, which relies on highly unusual electron interactions. The discovery challenges conventional theory and opens up new possibilities for exotic materials.