Researchers found that desert ants look back precisely at the nest entrance while performing pirouetting motions, suggesting they use the magnetic field as an orientation cue. The ants' ability to integrate this information with other navigational cues like the sun and landmarks is still unknown.
Scientists have identified immune-related genes in Egyptian fruit bats that suggest a different approach to viral infections. The study found expanded and diversified natural killer cell receptors, MHC class I genes, and type I interferons in bats, which may enable them to tolerate viruses without symptoms.
Researchers found that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors improve blood vessel health at the sites of tuberculosis infection, enhancing delivery and retention of standard drugs. This synergy revitalize current TB treatment and reduce the risk of multi-drug resistant strains.
Researchers developed a composite score to identify census tracts with high prostate cancer burden, considering incidence and mortality rates. The tool helps pinpoint clusters of high-risk areas that don't always align with demographics, highlighting the need for further study on underlying factors contributing to poor outcomes.
Researchers have identified 35 regulatory regions that can distinguish between ulcerous colitis, Crohn's disease, and control subjects with high accuracy. This breakthrough may open new avenues for improved diagnostic methods.
LepVax, IDRI's leprosy vaccine candidate, shows promise in pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis against M. leprae infection in animals. It alleviates and delays neurologic disruptions caused by the bacteria, a major breakthrough for leprosy treatment.
Researchers have developed a 'risk score' to identify vulnerable older people in hospitals, enabling hospitals to provide more holistic care and improve outcomes. The 'Hospital Frailty Risk Score' was able to identify older people at increased risk of harms, longer stays, and readmission.
Scientists have created a detailed image of BKV, a virus affecting kidney and bone marrow transplant patients, which may aid in developing antiviral therapies. The new structures allow researchers to visualize potential targets for blocking the virus's entry into cells or preventing its assembly.
A new mathematical model explains how small organisms like mantis shrimp and trap-jaw ants generate their powerful strikes with spring-loaded parts. This knowledge could help design more efficient robots, but it's unclear how these mechanisms work together for optimal performance.
Scientists have created a system to control gene expression with high precision using light, enabling potential treatments for cardiovascular disorders and regenerative medicine. The CaRROT system can turn genes on and off in specific locations within the genome, potentially driving stem cell differentiation into desired organs.
Researchers at Duke University successfully delivered CRISPR/Cas9 repressors to silence the Pcsk9 gene, which regulates cholesterol levels, in adult mice. The treatment resulted in reduced blood cholesterol levels and sustained gene repression for six months after a single treatment.
A new study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters estimates Mercury's crust to be 16 miles thick and denser than aluminum. This finding supports the theory that Mercury's crust formed largely through volcanic activity, shedding light on the planet's formation.
Researchers found that an immune-system generated molecule called nitric oxide (NO) inhibits the ability of Staphylococcus aureus to transform from a benign colonizing state to its virulent form, producing toxins. NO may play a key role in preventing staph infections by blocking quorum-sensing systems.
A study by Stanford University School of Medicine investigators found that older people's immune cells receive a fuzzier set of instructions, leading to reduced effectiveness. The researchers analyzed hundreds of millions of immune cells using a new method to determine the impact of environmental factors on aging and disease.
A new study found that a three-minute version of brain stimulation therapy is as effective as the standard 37-minute version for treating hard-to-treat depression. The therapy, called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), was shown to reduce symptoms in 49% of participants.
A new study reveals that treating psoriasis with biologic therapy can significantly reduce coronary plaque. The research found that the treatments not only decreased plaque volume but also reduced inflammation, leading to fewer characteristics prone to rupture and cause a heart attack over time.
Research by Francesco Billari and Ozan Aksoy found that Turkey's Islamist AKP party has brought fertility rates up due to effective local welfare policies, increasing marriage rates by four per 1,000 individuals.
A pilot study in Kenyan counties found a strong link between RVF-associated syndromes and rainfall, with mosquito swarms preceding cases. The enhanced surveillance system provided early warnings for major outbreaks, enabling preventive measures to be taken.
Researchers must consult with Indigenous communities before analyzing ancient DNA to avoid harming descendants and stigmatizing their communities. Collaboration with communities strengthens analysis and allows for better questions to be asked, guided by community narratives.
Scientists find nearly 80% of coral reefs on Upolu Island have less than 10% cover, with recent coral death and smaller fish populations. Local human activities and climate change exacerbate the issue, while protected areas show signs of effective management.
Researchers found that metastatic cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to capitalize on fructose levels in the liver, leading to unchecked growth and proliferation. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting metastatic cells and provide insight into how cancers adapt to new environments.
A new review by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that less than one-fifth of participants in cancer-related clinical trials are obese. Obesity was associated with an increased risk of progression, recurrence, and death for specific cancer types.
Researchers analyzed billions of Twitter and Facebook posts to find that people express happier sentiments when the weather is warm and sunny. The study found a significant correlation between good weather and increased positivity, which could be used to tailor advertising campaigns and content to users' emotional states.
A new study has identified a critical stage in human embryonic development that may contribute to infertility and miscarriage. The research, led by UCLA biologist Amander Clark, reveals that epigenomic changes in early embryonic stem cells play a crucial role in determining embryo viability.
Researchers found charred remains of wild plants and domesticated crops like barley in the burial sites of ancient nomads, suggesting cultural exchange and trade. The discovery provides insights into the diet and food habits of the people belonging to the catacomb culture, dating back to the Bronze Age.
A new study casts doubt on a leading theory for bdelloid rotifers' evolution, suggesting DNA repair following desiccation may not be key to their success. The researchers found no evidence of the predicted differences between species that can and cannot survive desiccation.
Japanese researchers have developed a new method to build large areas of semiconductive material just two molecules thick. The films function as thin film transistors with potential applications in flexible electronics or chemical detectors. Researchers used geometric frustration, a molecular shape that makes it difficult for molecules...
A UCLA-led team developed a nonsurgical, noninvasive spinal stimulation procedure that allows six people with severe spinal cord injuries to regain use of their hands and fingers for the first time in years. The participants showed substantial improvements after just eight researcher-led training sessions.
A decade-long study reveals a significant increase in western lowland gorilla and central chimpanzee populations, with an estimated 360,000 gorillas and 130,000 chimpanzees. However, the majority of great apes exist outside protected areas, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to safeguard their habitat
Researchers developed an inkjet printing technique to print optical components such as waveguides with high precision. The technique can also fabricate electronics and microfluidics, paving the way for combined devices on a single chip.
A new study found that long-term use of anticholinergic antidepressants and medications for bladder conditions increases the risk of dementia. The research analyzed over 40,000 patients and compared them to 283,933 people without dementia.
Researchers found that exercising mice produced over four and a half times more new heart muscle cells than sedentary counterparts. The study suggests exercise can stimulate the heart to regenerate tissue after a heart attack.
A large study has found that anticholinergic drugs, commonly prescribed for depression and incontinence, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed over 27 million prescriptions and found a significant link between the use of these medications and dementia diagnosis.
A new study finds that telemedicine can offer aid to people hit by hurricanes Harvey and Irma by providing routine medical care in the days following the disaster. The top diagnosis during this time included acute respiratory illnesses and skin problems, similar to national trends.
A new study reveals that marine mammals' unusual lung architecture allows them to avoid the bends by creating a ventilation-perfusion mismatch. This adaptation helps to minimize nitrogen uptake and reduce the risk of decompression sickness. However, excessive stress caused by human-made sound can disrupt this system.
Researchers design chemical compounds to serve as passwords for encrypted data, utilizing a conventional encryption method combined with chemistry. The developed approach enables secure information storage and transmission using highly robust and easy-to-recover organic molecules.
Patients treated by older surgeons (aged 60 or over) have slightly lower death rates in the first few weeks after their operation than those treated by younger surgeons. The study found that for every 333 patients, one fewer death would occur if quality of care was the same between ages.
Astronomers have observed a colossal cluster of galaxies for the first time, containing at least 14 galaxies packed into an area four times the diameter of the Milky Way's galactic disk. The cluster is churning out stars at an incredible pace, with rates ranging from 50 to 1,000 times higher than expected for solitary galaxies.
A team of biologists and immunologists from Penn State will study bear ecology, movement, and immune response to understand the spread of sarcoptic mange in Pennsylvania bears. The research aims to identify genes associated with resistance to the disease and develop effective management strategies.
Astronomers have observed gargantuan cosmic pileups, the impending collisions of young starburst galaxies, when the Universe was only half its current age. These ancient systems are thought to be building the most massive structures in the known Universe: galaxy clusters.
A team of scientists identified 7 compounds that show new effects against HIV-1, Zika virus, and Rift Valley Fever, expanding the available therapeutics for viral disease treatment. The researchers believe these broad-spectrum antiviral drugs could save resources and time needed for development of novel drugs.
Researchers have found that adding nanowires to solid-state electrolytes can increase conductivity, reduce stress, and prevent fires in lithium-ion batteries. The addition of nanowires also improves the battery's rate performance and cyclic capacity, making it a safer alternative.
Researchers found targeting telomerase and inhibiting mitochondrial function synergistically killed NRAS-mutant melanoma cells, inducing extensive cell death and DNA damage. Combination therapy also improved survival in a mouse model.
A Northwestern University research team has developed a new semiconductor device that can detect gamma rays and identify radioactive isotopes at room temperature. The device, made of cesium lead bromide, offers high spectral resolution and can be scaled up for widespread use in biomedical imaging, astronomy, and spectroscopy.
Mattershift, a UConn-backed startup, has developed carbon nanotube technology for mass-producing carbon-zero fuels, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. The company aims to remove CO2 from the air and convert it into usable fuels at a lower cost than fossil fuels.
A new study shows that sunlight transforms oil into different compounds that dispersants cannot easily break up, reducing their effectiveness by at least 30 percent. The findings suggest that responders should factor in sunlight when determining the window of opportunity to use dispersants effectively.
Researchers identify new position of mitochondria by analyzing environmental sequencing data and reconstructed genomes of alphaproteobacteria. The findings suggest that mitochondria evolved from an ancestor that later gave rise to all recognized Alphaproteobacteria groups, contradicting previous theories.
Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley have discovered the molecular structure of human telomerase, a key enzyme in aging and cancer. The detailed picture reveals possible drug-target sites, allowing for more targeted treatments to be developed.
A new study finds that a hospital-based addiction medicine team significantly reduces burnout and frustration among healthcare providers, while improving patient engagement and care. The team's approach fundamentally reframes substance use disorder as a treatable chronic disease.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that drug-filled 3D printed dentures can reduce fungal growth in the mouth. The innovative technology uses microscopic capsules to release Amphotericin B, an antifungal medication, which can help prevent infection while dentures are in use.
The study found that having a less cohesive personal network in high school makes students more open to new relationships at university. Students who were more rooted in their hometowns experienced difficulties adapting to university life and relied on maintaining weak contact with old schoolmates through digital media.
A portable test has been developed to identify populations at risk of measles and rubella infections in remote areas. The new technology can rapidly test multiple blood samples and is a potentially useful tool for addressing vaccine-preventable diseases in developing countries.
Scientists found that brief sleep arousals are triggered by wake-promoting neurons' electrical noise, which is affected by body temperature. Higher temperatures may lead to fewer and shorter arousals, potentially increasing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a portable, reconfigurable lab-on-a-chip diagnostic platform that can gauge immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases among vulnerable populations. The platform was validated at a refugee camp in Kenya and showed promising results in detecting measles and rubella.
Researchers discovered that subplate neurons form transient synapses with newborn neurons, controlling their migration during fetal brain development. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms regulating neuronal migration and its implications for mental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Young Canadian men prioritize selflessness, openness, and health, marking a shift from traditional masculine values. The study found that 91% of participants believed a man should help others, while 88% valued being open to new ideas.
Astronomers have observed a gargantuan cosmic collision of 14 young galaxies, poised to merge and form a colossal galaxy cluster. This protocluster is located 12.4 billion light-years away, offering an unprecedented opportunity to study the early stages of cluster formation.
Researchers at Aalto University have successfully generated and detected entanglement in massive mechanical oscillators, opening doors for new quantum technologies. The achievement uses a theoretical innovation developed by Dr. Matt Woolley and Prof. Aashish Clerk to stabilize exotic quantum states.
Researchers linked cognitive function levels to crash risk in older drivers without dementia, finding lower cognitive function increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes. Depression also increased the risk for these drivers.
Researchers found interdependent behaviors in customers from rice-growing regions and individualistic behaviors in those from wheat-growing regions. Historical farming legacies play a significant role in shaping everyday behavior, contradicting the idea that wealthier cultures become more individualistic.