A University of British Columbia bioengineer has created platelets with extra powers to aid in the coagulation process, potentially rescuing blood from massive bleeding. The modified platelets showed improved clotting times and stronger clots in various blood samples.
Researchers have identified key genes involved in enzymatic degradation of sugarcane biomass by three fungal species. The study, supported by FAPESP, provides insights into the genetic mechanisms controlling enzyme secretion and expression, paving the way for more efficient biomass breakdown and production of biofuels.
Researchers in UCSB/Google group aim to demonstrate quantum supremacy with superconducting qubits, overcoming challenges of decoherence and error correction. Their goal is to build a qubit system capable of exploring complex states efficiently, enabling applications in condensed matter physics, chemistry, and materials.
Recent studies in the Journal of Lipid Research reveal that dietary lipids can either treat or exacerbate diseases, depending on their type. The ketogenic diet has shown mixed results as a cancer therapy, while polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6 have different effects on inflammation and brown fat formation.
The study published in Stroke demonstrates that neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (NSC EVs) improved tissue and functional recovery in pigs following ischemic stroke. The results also showed NSC EV treatment was neuroprotective, eliminated intracranial hemorrhage, and improved behavior and mobility.
A Drexel University study found that Philadelphians were 40% less likely to drink sugary soda and 60% less likely to drink energy drinks daily after the city's soda tax was implemented. In contrast, bottled water consumption increased by 58%.
The new treatment combination including ravidasvir and sofosbuvir has shown extremely high cure rates, even among hard-to-treat patients, with a 97% success rate reported in the Phase II/III trial. The treatment is priced affordably at $300 for a 12-week course, offering an alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers discovered that specific RNA molecules recognize and combine based on complex shapes to form cellular droplets. This understanding may help prevent the transition to an aberrant, solid state associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that initial estimates of Ebola's genome change rate were due to biased computer models and limited virus sample data. The team's new calculations show a slower, more accurate mutation rate over time.
Researchers found parallel genetic changes in closely related species, making them vulnerable to viral jumps. This raises concerns about emerging infectious diseases like HIV and SARS coronavirus.
A PATH study in Uganda found that self-administration of subcutaneous DMPA enables women to continue using injectable contraception longer than those receiving traditional injections. The study showed a 46% reduced risk of discontinuation among self-injecting women, with younger women benefiting most.
Scientists have engineered an extremely low loss nanostring that vibrates for minutes with a period of a microsecond, allowing them to 'hear' the sound of photons in a laser beam. The researchers hope to use this technology to detect weak light forces and potentially cool mechanical objects to absolute zero.
Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that a population of 'bad' antibodies, usually silenced due to harm to the body, can be activated to fight disease. The 'redeemed' antibodies become powerful weapons to combat diseases evading the immune system by disguising themselves as normal body tissue.
The POPLAR trial found that atezolizumab significantly improved overall survival compared to docetaxel in previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Long-term overall survival benefits were observed across histology and PD-L1 expression levels.
A team of scientists, including those from Google, developed a computer program that can identify structures in unstained brain cells. The program learned to spot features such as cell nuclei, dead cells, and specific types of brain cells by analyzing stained images.
A large-scale study in Punjab, India found that mass treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection using decentralized care and generic DAAs resulted in high cure rates among almost 20,000 individuals. The study validated the efficacy and safety of this approach, with over 90% of patients achieving sustained virological response.
Planets in short-period binary star systems are at risk of being ejected due to tidal forces, which slow down stellar rotations and expand orbital periods. This process removes at least one planet in 87% of multiplanet circumbinary systems, making them less suitable for habitability studies
Researchers at UCLA have identified four distinct subtypes of melanoma with varying levels of sensitivity to ferroptosis, a type of self-inflicted cell death. These findings suggest new treatment approaches for dedifferentiated melanomas by combining ferroptosis-inducing drugs with multiple cancer therapies.
Erin Riggs, MS, CGC received the ACMG Foundation Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award for her platform presentation on resolving copy number variant discrepancies. The award aims to recognize genetic counselors' contributions to clinical genetics services.
Two targeted therapies, MLN128 and CB-839, individually target the metabolism of key nutrients glucose and glutamine, respectively, to treat squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. Researchers found that when used in combination, these drugs could reduce tumor growth in aggressive lung cancer.
Cognitive deficits affect 40-65% of MS patients, impacting daily living and employment status. Cognitive abilities decline when patients convert from RRMS to SPMS, particularly in learning new information and mental processing speed.
A new international study found that the popularity of charismatic animal species like tigers and pandas may contribute to their extinction due to misperception. The researchers suggest that companies using images of threatened species for marketing purposes provide information on conservation efforts.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a device that exposes human lymphomas to fluid flow similar to that in the lymphatics and parts of the lymph node. The team found that certain subsets of DLCBL lymphoma respond differently to fluid forces, regulating expression levels of adhesion proteins known as integrins and B-cell receptors.
Researchers at UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have demonstrated that deep learning can enhance microscopic details in photos taken by smartphones, approaching the quality of laboratory-grade microscopes. This technique could bring high-quality medical diagnostics to resource-poor regions, using inexpensively produced attachments.
A UMass Amherst geoscientist will spend 45 days in a closed habitat on a NASA research mission to study human adaptations during space travel. The experiment aims to optimize the quality of life and work flow for future astronauts, simulating isolation, confinement, and remote conditions.
A study reveals that charismatic species are often misperceived as having healthy populations, leading to complacency and reduced conservation efforts. The researchers propose that companies contributing to the creation of these representations should support conservation initiatives.
A new study published in The Lancet found that regular drinking above the recommended UK guidelines for alcohol could take years off one's life. Drinking more than 5 drinks per week was linked to a higher risk of stroke, fatal aneurysm, heart failure, and death.
Researchers discovered three evolutionarily distinct types of kidney cancer, each with its own evolutionary path. The study sheds light on the fundamental principles of cancer evolution and could lead to future clinical tests for more accurate prognoses and personalized treatment.
Researchers at CU Anschutz are working on stem cell-created skin grafts to treat Epidermolysis Bullosa, a debilitating inherited skin disease. The $3.8M grant from the DoD will help move technology into clinical trials, bringing hope for potential cures.
Researchers have discovered that atomic vibrations can modulate the macroscopic electric polarization of ferroelectric materials. The study uses ultrafast x-ray diffraction to track charge dynamics and link them to macroscopic properties, paving the way for high-speed electronics.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University found rapamycin can 'cure' cells with genetic defects, restoring normal cell function. The study identified 12 genes responsible for temperature-triggered defects in fission yeast cells.
DAAs therapy in Scotland significantly reduced HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis presentations, with a 29-39% reduction. Early treatment initiation also showed lower lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years.
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores how injured black men in Philadelphia perceived their psychological symptoms after injury and the factors that guided their decisions to seek professional mental health help. The study found that despite suffering from severe psychological symptoms, very few ...
A new integrated system, ABECCS, combines algae production with bio-energy and carbon capture to act as a carbon dioxide sink while generating food and electricity. This sustainable technology has the potential to reduce greenhouse gases and provide nutritionally valuable products.
A recent study by Tel Aviv University and Harvard University researchers highlights the challenges of nanoparticle-based cancer-targeting strategies. They suggest ways to refocus collaborative work, emphasizing personalized nanocarriers based on cancer type and biomarker profile.
Scientists identified critical genetic changes that can lead to kidney cancer, with the first mutation occurring in childhood or adolescence. The findings suggest that early detection and intervention may be possible, particularly for high-risk groups.
Research analyzing 30 years of data reveals that large wildfires significantly increase annual river flow, but also lead to increased contaminants like sediment and nutrients. Prescribed burns, on the other hand, show no significant impact on river flows.
Researchers at Linköping University developed new methods to predict ecological roles of species in ecosystems. They found that a species' environment influences its role, particularly in predator-prey interactions. The study focuses on marine ecosystems but may inspire research on land-based habitats.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered glandular myoepithelial cells that can regenerate airways after severe injury. These reserve stem cells can develop into new replacement cells in both submucosal glands and the lining of the airway, offering a potential therapeutic target for lung diseases.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology develop a peptide vaccine that induces protective T cells and decreases plaque size in atherosclerotic mice. The vaccine targets the 'bad cholesterol' protein and expands a class of protective T cells, curbing inflammation.
Researchers engineered a donor cornea with genes that inhibit vascularization, reducing the risk of tissue rejection in high-risk patients. The study shows promising results for gene therapy in preventing corneal graft rejection.
A new study found that mountain erosion can also release CO2 into the atmosphere, far faster than it's absorbed by newly-exposed rock. Tiny microbes in mountain soils 'eat' ancient organic carbon, spewing out CO2.
Researchers bridge the gap between organic and theoretical chemistry by proving the validity of 'curly arrows' in depicting chemical reactions. The study provides a new method to model electronic structure during chemical reactions, connecting traditional depictions with state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculations.
UCR researchers have developed a cost-effective way to improve the removal of pollutants from wastewater using Advanced Oxidation Processes. By adding a co-catalyst, they can dramatically reduce the amount of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous catalyst needed, preventing the formation of an iron-containing sludge.
Researchers at the University of Washington have designed a convenient and natural product that uses proteins to rebuild tooth enamel and treat dental cavities. The new technology restores mineral structure found in native tooth enamel, enabling daily use as part of preventive dental care routine.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identify a hormone that stimulates thirst in response to nutrient stresses, challenging traditional views on hydration. The study's findings suggest that FGF21 works through a novel pathway to increase water intake, potentially limiting alcohol consumption and protecting against its effects.
INRS is awarded over $1.57 million to support four promising research projects focused on ecotoxicogenomics, high-speed bio-imaging, synaptic dysfunction in motor neuron diseases, and quantum materials
The study reveals that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) can directly bind to DNA at NF-kappaB sites, one at a time, turning down inflammation genes. This finding could lead to reinterpretation of previous studies and potential development of targeted drugs.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators present research on cloud computing, exhausted T cells, breast cancer risk in childhood cancer survivors and clinical trial design for CAR-T therapy in solid tumors. The platform St. Jude Cloud provides unique analysis tools and visualizations of pediatric cancer genomics data.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals the genetic basis of structural diversity among trichothecene toxins produced by fungi. The analysis of genomic sequences and molecular biology experiments found that different combinations and versions of TRI genes are responsible for the diversity of trichothecene structures.
Researchers have developed a way to detect gravitational waves from faint black hole mergers, allowing them to study populations of black holes at vast distances. The new method is estimated to be one thousand times more sensitive than previous techniques, and will enable the detection of thousands of previously hidden black holes.
Researchers analyzed 8.3 million organizations and found that female leaders increased the number of women in top- and middle-management positions in public organizations.
A study found that patients with a treating pivot nurse had higher patient satisfaction scores and better quality-of-life outcomes compared to those without such support. The coordinated care improved patients' understanding of their disease, treatment side-effects, and overall strength in fighting cancer.
A new study published in NeuroRegulation found that smartphone overuse is associated with higher levels of loneliness, anxiety and depression. The study suggests strategies such as turning off push notifications, scheduling focused work periods and engaging in face-to-face interactions to combat digital addiction.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that a series of volcanic eruptions in the mid-500s CE resulted in a prolonged period of cold and darkness, making it difficult for humans to survive. The poor climate conditions significantly reduced food production and vitamin D levels, further weakening the already hungry population.
A comprehensive study found that higher cigarette prices would add to years of life lived and cut billions of dollars in treatment costs for families worldwide. The analysis concludes that lower-income individuals would benefit the most from higher prices, with a 50% increase resulting in 67 million men quitting smoking.
A new study suggests that high-quality cervical cancer screening can be effectively done using automated technology, which could improve coverage in underserved regions. The researchers developed a novel risk score algorithm based on computer-scanned liquid-based slide features to separate HPV-positive women for treatment.
Researchers at University of British Columbia developed a new hydrogel-based eye drop that effectively treats glaucoma by quickly absorbing and reaching the back of the eye. The treatment, which contains cannabigerolic acid, was tested on donated pig corneas and showed promising results.
Dr. Steven Harrison received the 2018 Richard King Trainee Award for his article on resolving variant interpretations submitted to ClinVar, published in Genetics in Medicine. The award recognizes high-quality research by trainees in genetics and genomics.
Researchers found that microglia's immune response to inflammation can create a 'memory' that worsens Alzheimer's and stroke. The study suggests that environmental factors could trigger long-term changes in the brain's immune cells, leading to increased disease severity.