The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is funding open-source software projects to improve image analysis and visualization in biomedicine. The projects will focus on developing and maintaining tools such as scikit-image, ImageJ, and CellProfiler to accelerate basic research and benefit the entire field.
A new drug has been shown to reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms and increase abstinence in those trying to quit, according to a Yale-led study. The medication works by inhibiting the enzyme that degrades anandamide, a brain chemical that acts on brain cannabis receptors.
The study identifies genes associated with longevity in parrots, including telomerase, which may also play a role in human aging. The researchers also found parrot-specific gene-regulating regions near neural development genes linked to human cognition.
Researchers at WSU have developed a 3D-printed glucose biosensor that outperforms traditional methods in terms of stability and sensitivity. The new technology uses direct-ink-writing and reduces waste, making it more cost-effective and customizable for individual patients.
A study of 12,615 participants found that good exercise performance was associated with lower risks of cardiovascular death, cancer death, and other causes of death. The findings suggest the importance of fitness for longevity.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have created a new method to sequence individual cells from patient blood or bone marrow, capturing specific gene programs active in each cell. This allows for more precise diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma by identifying unique genetic blueprints for each patient.
A new EU Horizon 2020 project aims to produce therapeutic substances in baker's yeast, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. Researchers will map the biosynthetic pathways of Indian snakeroot to create a sustainable production route.
Researchers found that mice exposed to weightlessness during a 30-day spaceflight displayed altered immune systems, with impaired B lymphocyte production and persistent effects after return to Earth. The study suggests potential concerns for astronauts' health and highlights the need for countermeasures.
Patients with early-stage breast cancer who had a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy showed comparable 10-year recurrence and survival rates following axillary radiotherapy or axillary lymph node dissection. The study also found that axillary radiotherapy was associated with significantly less lymphedema, a common side effect of surgery.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a series of molecules that may provide more reliable relief for people with autoimmune diseases. The new inhibitors target Janus kinase, offering potential treatment options for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology discover CLIP-170's critical role in T cell activation by relocating the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) to the cell surface. This process is essential for immune response initiation and could lead to improved cancer immunotherapy.
A new high-pressure mineral, Maohokite, has been discovered and found to contain Fe3+, replacing the previously believed Fe2+, in the Earth's lower mantle. This discovery was made by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science.
Researchers explore deprescribing as a solution to polypharmacy, highlighting factors contributing to its prevalence in older adults. The study identifies complex healthcare delivery issues, co-morbidities, and marginalization of patients as key contributors.
A new study published in a medical journal found that black women with early-stage breast cancer have worse outcomes than white women, even after receiving the same treatment. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 patients and found that black women had a lower survival rate and higher recurrence of invasive breast cancer.
Global seabird food consumption decreased by 13 million tonnes between 1970 and 2010, while fisheries increased their catches of prey species. Seabirds are facing extinction due to unfair competition with massive vessels for food, entanglement in fishing gears, and plastic waste.
Researchers discovered a way to manipulate the Tat gene circuit to activate latent HIV in cells, making them susceptible to immune system destruction or drug therapies. This could lead to a cure for HIV by targeting the latent reservoir.
A review paper highlights the importance of infusing heart-healthy behaviors into all aspects of children's lives, starting from early childhood. The authors suggest that modifiable risk factors in children can be prevented by educating on healthy habits early in life, leading to similar health outcomes as those who were never unhealthy.
A new method for estimating health data accuracy combines HIS data with probability surveys to provide a more accurate assessment of an intervention's coverage. This allows for better planning and management of health systems and policies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study published in Scientific Reports presents a conservation mitigation matrix for mitigating the impacts of climate warming on sea turtle nesting success. The research team found that simple measures such as shading with palm leaves and relocating nests can effectively prevent female-only turtle populations.
The study discovered fractal characteristics in gene expression, enabling the prediction of gene-to-gene interactions. This knowledge can help scientists engineer cells to perform specific tasks, such as drug delivery for cancer treatment.
The University of Bern has seen four researchers secure ERC Consolidator Grants, supporting their own research teams and promoting young scientists. The funding will enable more than a dozen doctoral students and post-docs to be appointed, advancing talent in these areas.
The giant exoplanet WASP-69b carries a comet-like tail made of helium particles escaping its gravitational field propelled by ultraviolet radiation from its star. The team analyzed the planet's atmosphere using the CARMENES instrument, revealing a stronger and longer-lasting dimming of starlight in a region where helium gas absorbs light.
Researchers used brain scans to identify patterns that distinguish individuals with DID from healthy controls, achieving an accuracy of 73%. The study provides the first evidence of a biological basis for diagnosing DID, potentially preventing unnecessary suffering through earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
A parrot genome analysis found high rates of conserved mutations in genes supporting an abnormally long lifespan and cognitive abilities. The study identified several dozen parrot-specific genes important for traits like sound imitation and complex social behaviors.
Researchers have made improvements to fluoride-based batteries that allow them to operate at room temperature, potentially rivaling lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough could lead to the development of high-energy density batteries with wider operating voltage and stability.
A new study finds that 9m elderly men and 14m elderly women in India suffer from disabilities, with diabetes having the highest correlation to disability. The researchers suggest that acting in a timely way to address chronic morbidity can help minimize the burden of disability.
Researchers have developed a new way of making rechargeable fluoride batteries that work at room temperature, potentially increasing battery lifespans up to eight times longer. The breakthrough uses liquid components and a specially designed electrolyte, allowing for more efficient energy storage and release.
A new study reveals that animal movements can trigger direct or indirect feedback effects altering landscapes' capacity to absorb or release carbon. This integration of animal ecology and remote sensing can improve predictions and management of carbon cycling across ecosystems.
Recent studies at SABCS 2018 highlight radiation therapy's efficacy in treating breast cancer, with trials refining treatments to provide more options for patients. Accelerated partial breast irradiation has been shown to be non-inferior to traditional whole breast irradiation.
A systematic review of research has concluded that visual inspection alone is not sufficient to diagnose skin cancer accurately. Key findings include the limited effectiveness of smartphone applications in detecting melanomas and the potential benefits of dermoscopy and teledermatology.
A study investigated whether older people's slower reading speed is due to 'strategic' reasons or if it's inevitable. The researchers found that older participants' reading speed didn't decrease when their reading speed was externally increased, suggesting that the age-related slowdown may be necessary for understanding text.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that nearly half of people covered by expanded Medicaid felt their physical health improved, while more than a third reported improvements in mental or dental health. Enrollees who were employed also reported better job performance and had easier times looking for jobs.
Researchers at PNNL and UCLA verify Gibbs' theory for materials forming row by row, bypassing the nucleation barrier. This discovery provides clues for designing microelectronics and bodily tissues with better control and efficiency.
Babies younger than 6 months fail to recognize their mothers' faces when watching mobile phones, but improve face recognition at around 5.5 months through increased brain activity in response to profile views. Longitudinal testing of 14 babies from 3-8 months old provided key insights into developmental changes in face recognition skills.
A mobile application will register natural head and body movements, distinguish between different skin tones and lighting conditions, and capture vital signs such as pulse rate. The project aims to expand beyond a 'wellness app' classification by the FDA, to an FDA-approved tool that can be used globally.
Researchers use newly connected tools to map out previously inaccessible details of a high-temperature superconductor's phase diagram. The study reveals interesting characteristics on the 'far side' of the dome, including simpler quirkiness that disappears on the overdoped far side.
Michael Hall's discovery of the TOR protein as a central controller of cell growth and metabolism has contributed to our understanding of cancer development. Rapamycin and its derivatives are now used in targeted cancer treatment, extending life expectancy for some patients with advanced cancer.
New research shows that shy individuals are more prone to 'hangxiety' - anxiety during a hangover - compared to extroverts. This study found a significant increase in anxiety levels among shy drinkers, suggesting a potential rebound effect after a night of drinking.
Researchers found that customization features inspiring autonomy, community, and competence led to increased tracked workouts and weight lifted. Relatedness and competence also predicted user behavior, with gender playing a role in these effects.
Africanists conduct research in Germany, focusing on spontaneous language learning strategies. A joint Bachelor's degree program in African Studies will also be established, combining linguistic expertise with other research branches.
Researchers developed AlphaZero, a generalized game-playing program that can learn any game through self-play reinforcement learning. The system mastered complex games like chess, shogi and Go within hours of self-learning and outperformed state-of-the-art AI programs.
A large Nordic study found liraglutide reduces the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death among type 2 diabetes patients. The study also showed a lower risk of cardiovascular death and any cause of death with liraglutide treatment.
Researchers at University of Utah Health found a 16 percent increased risk of miscarriage for women exposed to elevated air pollution levels, particularly nitrogen dioxide. The study suggests air quality is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and highlights the need for constructive solutions.
A recent study published in Nature Immunology reveals that lung-resident memory B cells can provide more effective immunity against influenza infections. These cells are able to respond quickly and produce antibodies after a second infection, suggesting they play a crucial role in respiratory virus immunity.
The Launch Years initiative, supported by a $6.68 million grant, seeks to address barriers in math progress between high school and college. It rethinks current structures and policies to create new pathways for more students, including first-generation college students and those from low-income families, to thrive in college.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia celebrates European Commission approval of LUXTURNA, a one-time gene therapy treating vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy. The therapy has received regulatory approval in both the US and EU, offering new hope for patients with progressive blindness.
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with persistent opioid use have a higher rate of complications, longer hospital stays, and increased costs compared to those without opioid use. The study found no significant difference in mortality rates between the two groups.
A new Central American butterfly species, Catasticta sibyllae, has been named after Maria Sibylla Merian in recognition of her groundbreaking work on the metamorphosis of butterflies and moths. Merian's discoveries, made centuries ahead of her time, were instrumental in changing the course of entomology.
A new paper argues that promoting climate change as a moral issue can help solve the problem, rather than relying solely on scientific arguments. Governments and policymakers must appeal to a range of values, including fairness, duty, and patriotism, to make progress in addressing climate change.
Preliminary findings from the Health Effects Institute's Energy Research Committee reveal potential exposure pathways to residents near UOGD operations. The literature review identified associations between UOGD and perinatal effects, asthma, cancer, hospitalizations, and self-reported health symptoms.
Researchers found that a combination of climate and weather factors, including a pyro-cumulonimbus cloud, led to the formation of a firenado in the Carr Fire. The vortex was spinning with the power of a class three tornado and contributed to the fire's rapid spread.
A new second-generation positron emission tomography (PET) tracer has been identified for imaging tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease patients. The tracer, 18F-RO-948, showed promising results in a human evaluation study, outperforming other novel tau-specific radiopharmaceuticals.
Researchers have identified a brain region that controls both social memory and aggression, revealing a complex link between the two behaviors. The discovery sheds light on psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, where altered CA2 function may contribute to abnormal social behaviors.
Researchers explore novel approaches to monitoring opioid use in municipal wastewater, offering a rapid, cost-effective solution to supplement existing data. The method can identify hot spots of drug use and predict shifts in consumption patterns, aiding in the development of effective intervention programs.
MIT engineers develop a new technique to test soft materials' properties by mimicking the sound sequences used by bats and dolphins in echolocation. This approach enables rapid characterization of materials such as drying cement, clotting blood, or saliva over time.
A recent analysis of published studies suggests that cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, can reduce seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy. The median frequency of monthly seizures decreased with cannabidiol treatment, with many participants experiencing a 50% or greater reduction.
A new study found that underweight and morbidly obese individuals are at an elevated risk of hospitalization with influenza-like illness. The risk follows a 'U' shaped curve, indicating those at both extremes have a higher likelihood of developing severe symptoms.
Researchers used neon isotopes to study Earth's mantle formation, finding evidence of rapid early planet formation and delivery of vital compounds. The findings support the idea that a planet must reach a certain size before absorbing these ingredients, which is consistent with observations of other solar systems.
Research reveals that African American race, rural residence, and low socioeconomic status are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes in adolescent mothers. Social determinants of health play a crucial role in driving inequalities in adolescent perinatal health.
The study of hagfish inner ear development sheds light on the evolutionary process. The team found that key genes controlling development are expressed similarly across vertebrates, including lampreys and hagfish.