Metabolomics offers a unique opportunity to examine genotype-phenotype and genotype-environment relationships in cancer patients. By analyzing metabolic profiles, researchers can identify specific signatures that predict pharmacological responses to treatments.
A new study published in Science suggests that loss of mossy cells plays a critical role in both convulsive seizures and memory problems associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. In a mouse model, researchers found that turning on mossy cells prevented seizures from transitioning into convulsions.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that birds and primates share similar brain cell types linked to cognitive abilities, such as goal-directed behaviors. This finding suggests that these species may have evolved intelligence independently, despite their distinct anatomical structures.
Mathematicians at National Research University Higher School of Economics have found a link between earthquakes and currency jumps, using the Japanese ETAS approach. This method predicts financial risks with 40% accuracy, comparable to traditional econometric models.
Scientists have found that rocks rich in the mineral berthierine, a toxic to decay bacteria, are more likely to preserve soft tissue fossils. This discovery provides a mineralogical signature to find exceptional fossils and potentially supports the search for life on other planets.
A 16-year study found that over 100,000 orangutans were lost on Borneo due to changes in land cover, with many disappearing from intact forest areas. Effective partnerships with industries and public education are key to the species' survival.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have discovered the neural circuit controlling cuttlefish's dynamic skin papillae, enabling 3D camouflage. The discovery opens up new avenues for biologically-inspired material design and may shed light on cephalopod perception.
A new study finds that consumer and industrial products are a dominant urban air pollution source, contributing as much as the transportation sector. Particle-forming emissions from chemical products are twice as high as those from vehicles, causing lung damage.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that a specific set of nerve cells, known as mossy cells, controls the spread of seizures throughout the brain. Inactivating these cells facilitates the spread of electrical hyperactivity, leading to full-blown behavioral symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Scientists used a computational model to show that sepsis treatment needs multiple-step targeting for effective therapy. The study suggests 'precision medicine' is necessary due to the complexity of individual patient responses.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that old-growth forests in Costa Rica's Coto Brus region have a greater variety of bird species compared to second-growth forests. This suggests that maintaining large areas of primary forest is crucial for conservation efforts.
A study of nearly 800 postmenopausal women found that four commonly used prognostic breast cancer tests have varying abilities to predict disease recurrence. The tests, including Oncotype Dx and Prosigna Risk of Recurrence Score, were compared for their accuracy in predicting whether the cancer will return after five years.
Research suggests that children's attribution biases and emotional intensity are linked to the quality of their friendships. Children with hostile biases may engage in negative interactions, while those with benign biases may exhibit pro-social behavior when emotions are intense.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible-light image of Tropical Depression Sanba on Feb 15, revealing wispy clouds and low-level circulation center without rainfall. The depression was centered in the Sulu Sea, moving northwest towards the South China Sea with maximum sustained winds at 23 mph.
A team of geophysicists and atmospheric scientists has discovered a new way to identify the movement and intensity of hurricanes, typhoons, and other tropical cyclones using seismometers. By analyzing 13 years of data from the northwest Pacific Ocean, they found statistically significant correlations between seismic data and storms.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Stanford have discovered a new function of the receptor kinase FERONIA in Arabidopsis plants. The study shows that FERONIA acts as a sensor in the cell wall to maintain its integrity and protect against environmental assaults.
Four NYU faculty members have been awarded Sloan Research Fellowships for their outstanding contributions to science and engineering. Miranda Holmes-Cerfon develops mathematical tools to study mesoscale materials, while Tianning Diao works on sustainable synthetic methods for pharmaceutical products.
Researchers created an open-source data atlas of human kidney development, providing detailed molecular and cellular information. The dataset will accelerate stem cell-based technologies for kidney replacement and regeneration therapies.
A Rutgers University study found that most large storm surges in the Northeast are caused by non-hurricane extratropical cyclones. These storms include nor'easters and other low-pressure systems that generate tighter pressure gradients and longer-lasting onshore winds.
Tropical Cyclone Gita remained a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, tracked by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite. The storm showed symmetrical circulation and weakening cloud tops, indicating reduced uplift.
Researchers found four cases of amyloid beta pathology in brain blood vessels after childhood neurosurgery, sparking concerns over potential transmission of protein pathology. The study's findings were supported by a review of medical literature and suggest that neurosurgical instruments may be responsible.
A comprehensive map of butterfly evolution has been created using a 35-fold increase in genetic data, revealing key relationships between species and classification units. The study confirms swallowtails are a sister group to all other butterflies, while blues are nested within hairstreaks.
Researchers discover ebselen alleviates testicular symptoms and prevents sexual Zika transmission in mice. The antioxidant treatment also shows promise in preventing the virus's spread among humans.
The inaugural issue of The CRISPR Journal features a range of articles on CRISPR biology, technology, and genome editing. Research highlights include progress in treating genetic diseases, such as hereditary blindness and Batten disease, using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
The study reveals that Bornean orangutan populations are declining faster than expected, with deforested areas and agricultural land showing the most significant rates of decline. However, some populations appear to be relatively stable, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts to prevent further losses.
A new study by Northwestern University found that gay and lesbian youth experience less psychological distress when in a romantic relationship, suggesting the benefits of initiatives like citywide 'queer proms' to promote healthy dating behaviors.
Researchers developed a printing technique combining molecular self-assembly with additive manufacturing to create complex biological structures. This allows for the study of biological scenarios such as cancer growth and immune cell interactions, potentially leading to new drug development.
Induced pluripotent stem cells have strong immunogenic properties that provoke a systemic, cancer-specific immune response. The study suggests iPS cells may one day be used as a patient-specific cancer vaccine, potentially preventing tumor development months or years later.
Researchers observe groups of three photons interacting, forming a new kind of photonic matter. The bound photons acquire mass and travel slower than non-interacting photons.
Keivan Stassun, a renowned astrophysicist, has been awarded the 2018 AAAS Mentor Award for his dedication to mentoring underrepresented minority students. The award recognizes his innovative mentoring models that have led to the growth of numerous Ph.D. graduates in physics and astronomy.
Researchers created biodegradable bandages with antibacterial properties, accelerating tissue regeneration twice as quickly as usual. The bandages also prevent scarring and promote normal skin covering tissue regeneration.
A new medical guideline from the University of Alberta suggests that the benefits of medical cannabis for pain treatment may be outweighed by its harms. The guideline recommends considering medical cannabinoids only in specific cases with adequate evidence and after standard therapies have been tried.
Research highlights shortcomings in pregnancy preparation and prenatal care for women with diabetes, calling for improved care coordination and technology use. A nationwide commitment is needed to deliver integrated reproductive and diabetes healthcare interventions to enhance pregnancy outcomes.
A study has identified areas where animals can adapt to changing climates through a process called evolutionary rescue. These zones, known as polymorphic zones, allow both brown and white individuals to coexist in winter, promoting rapid evolution towards winter brown coat colors.
Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than those without asthma. In contrast, long-acting asthma preventers do not appear to reduce fertility, suggesting that improved asthma control could lead to faster conception rates.
A large cohort study found higher yogurt intake was associated with a 30% reduction in myocardial infarction risk among women and a 19% reduction in men. Yogurt consumption also showed significant reductions in cardiovascular disease risk when combined with an overall heart-healthy diet.
A new composite material made from antibacterial copper nanoparticles has shown excellent antibacterial resistance and durability. The material was tested on cotton and polyester fabrics, which showed strong resistance to bacterial infections even after being washed multiple times.
Researchers have identified a unique packaging method of genes in early embryos that helps regulate their expression. This study provides insights into the mechanisms controlling embryonic development, which may impact gene expression and inheritance, including predisposition to diseases like cancer.
Researchers challenge the notion that the sugar industry shifted blame to fat by examining historical archives and oral history. Despite alleged 'smoking gun' evidence, the authors found no conclusive proof of a sugar conspiracy, highlighting the complexity of scientific funding and policy-making in the 1960s.
Researchers found that countries with greater gender equality have a paradoxical effect on women's participation in STEM fields, with higher gender equality leading to lower female graduation rates. This is due to personal academic strengths and interests driving girls towards non-STEM fields over STEM.
Researchers from Utah State University and the University of Sheffield explore evolutionary predictability using data on cryptic body coloration in stick insects. They found that natural selection drives change, but environmental fluctuations and complex ecological processes limit prediction.
Researchers create a computer program that predicts glioblastoma tumor growth with high accuracy, focusing on the role of L1CAM in accelerating cell spread. The model offers new opportunities for researchers to simulate various scenarios and test potential treatments.
A study from McMaster University found that Ontario jails have high rates of opioid overdose deaths compared to the general public. Researchers recommend increased collaboration between healthcare and correctional systems to provide better treatment options for those in custody.
A new mutation on the X-chromosome has been identified as a potential contributor to earlier onset ovarian cancer in women. The study also found an association between this mutation and higher rates of prostate cancer in fathers and sons.
A stem cell vaccine created from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has been shown to elicit strong immune responses in lab mice, effectively eliminating breast, lung, and skin cancers. The vaccine also prevented relapses in animals with removed tumors.
Researchers discovered that cuttlefish can maintain dynamic 3D skin shape for over an hour through a unique muscle tension mechanism. This physiology is thought to conserve energy while camouflaging from predators or waiting for prey.
Researchers at the University of Maryland created a photonic chip that generates single photons and steers them around bends in the road. The device mitigates issues by rethinking crystal hole shapes and patterns, ensuring reliable transit for individual photons.
Scientists discovered a motor nerve dedicated to papillary and skin tension control in the stellate ganglion, allowing papillae to hold shape for over an hour. The study also found similarities between the neural circuit controlling papillae and squid skin iridescence.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that individuals who do not recognize their own memory problems are nearly threefold more likely to develop dementia within two years. This lack of awareness is associated with impaired brain metabolic function and higher rates of amyloid deposition, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a software tool using machine learning to predict reaction yields, reducing time and cost for synthesizing new medicines. The tool, which can handle up to four reaction components, uses random forest models to accurately forecast yields for thousands of reactions.
Recent studies have compared human and mouse kidney development, revealing deep conservation of certain processes but also significant differences in gene expression and cell structures. The findings provide new insights into the processes directing cells to form functional kidney structures and may help guide emerging stem cell techno...
A global survey of genetic testing labs reveals inconsistent protocols for analyzing BRCA genes, which could impact cancer susceptibility. The study calls for global best-practice guidelines to ensure consistency in test results.
Researchers found a significant association between rapid increases in air pollution and cardiovascular risk, even in clean air cities. Nitric oxide increases of over 20 μg/m3 within 24 hours doubled the risk of heart attack.
Linda Sealy has been selected to receive the 2018 Lifetime Mentor Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for her work in recruiting and mentoring underrepresented minority students. She has mentored over 55 students through completion of their PhDs at Vanderbilt University.
A major review of evidence highlights a link between fluctuations in female sex hormones and the development of allergies and asthma. Analysis of over 500,000 women found that starting periods before age 11 and irregular periods were associated with a higher rate of asthma.
A Virginia Tech student research team has discovered the Melt Mat, a thermally absorptive blanket that increases melting rates by threefold without any effort or energy input. The product can be used on residential driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and athletic fields to save municipalities millions and homeowners from snow shovel duty.
Researchers developed a rapid and efficient way to wrap liquid droplets in ultrathin polymer sheets, reducing the time from minutes to seconds. The technique exploits the dynamics of droplet impact and demonstrates robust results for various shapes and fluid combinations.
Penn researchers have identified a neurological syndrome in US government personnel serving in Havana, Cuba, who reported hearing unusual noises and experiencing memory and thinking dysfunction, vision and balance problems. Rehabilitation interventions appear to improve symptoms.
A team of researchers from Osaka University has identified adult endothelial stem cells capable of generating fully functional blood vessels. The discovery was made by isolating a population of endothelial cells expressing the glycoprotein CD157 and testing their ability to form new blood vessels in injured mice.
Researchers discovered that a common blood pressure medication, methyldopa, can prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in up to 60% of those at risk by blocking a specific molecule. The study used a supercomputer and found that methyldopa not only blocks the DQ8 molecule but also doesn't harm other immune cells.
A study of 348 preschoolers who survived cardiac surgery found hearing loss in 21.6% of children, associated with language and cognitive problems by age four. Researchers recommend early hearing evaluations between 24-30 months to increase timely medical intervention.
A novel system, called a thermal resonator, converts daily temperature swings into electrical power. The device takes advantage of the ambient temperature fluctuations that occur during the day-night cycle, making it suitable for remote sensing systems without requiring batteries or other power sources.
A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that children with reading challenges may have lower than expected binocular vision test results, which could be compounding their academic difficulties. The study suggests that full eye examinations can be a valuable tool for identifying and addressing these issues.
A new study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that self-sampling followed by HPV testing can identify twice as many women at risk of cervical cancer. This method also reaches women who have previously chosen not to participate, while reducing costs and increasing effectiveness.
A new study suggests that increased precipitation in the East Asian region led to erosion and the transport of dust into the North Pacific Ocean, which in turn fertilized the ocean surface waters, pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. This process may have contributed to a cooling of the Earth's climate 2.7 million years ago.
The CRISPR Journal debuts with original research papers on plant editing, gene drives, and therapeutic applications. Researchers make progress in targeting specific mutations for inherited diseases like retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that xenon gas can limit blast-induced brain injury by preventing damage from developing. The study suggests that xenon could be a viable treatment option after blasts occur, potentially reducing debilitating symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new stem-cell based treatment for stroke that reduces brain damage and accelerates the brain's natural healing tendencies. In preclinical studies, the treatment showed a 35% decrease in brain atrophy rates and a 50% reduction in brain tissue loss.
Researchers found that tree communities are reorganizing with saplings growing closer together, but long-term biodiversity and carbon storage implications unclear. The study challenges previous theories of devastating effects on plant communities and carbon storage.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified how lysozyme and penicillin work together to cause recurrent infections, shedding light on why some patients become resistant to antibiotics. The study also reveals the formation of L-forms, bacteria that can grow in human tissue without cell walls, leading to recurring infections.
The Australian fire beetle uses its heat sensors to detect hot spots and avoid them when approaching a freshly burnt branch. The IR organs are relatively insensitive, and the beetles seem to rely on their sense of smell to detect forest fires.
The passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria over Puerto Rico temporarily disrupted the acoustic activity of snapping shrimp, reducing their calls, while increasing fish choruses. The storms also had lasting effects on insect sounds in dry forests, with a marked reduction in sounds after Hurricane Maria.
A new study reveals genetic variations in blood vessel inflammation and drug metabolism genes increase the risk of severe dengue shock syndrome in Asians and Europeans. These genetic factors can be used to develop targeted treatments for vulnerable populations.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic tool called SHERLOCK, which has been enhanced to detect multiple targets at once and show results on a paper strip. The new feature increases sensitivity 100-fold, allowing for the detection of low concentrations of genetic material in samples.
Researchers developed the DNA Endonuclease Targeted CRISPR Trans Reporter (DETECTR) system, allowing quick detection of diseases such as HPV using Cas12a. The system involves adding reagents in one reaction and uses isothermal amplification to boost target DNA cuts, resulting in a fluorescent readout.
Researchers from IOCB Prague and IP CAS demonstrate a strong converse piezoelectric effect at individual molecules of heptahelicene derivative on a silver surface. The study provides new insights into the electromechanical behavior of individual molecules, opening up possibilities for nanoscale molecular devices.
A study led by Duke Health found that a short course of the Alzheimer's drug donepezil can reverse structural and genetic brain changes caused by alcohol exposure in rats. This reverses dendritic spine density, affecting learning and memory. The research identifies a specific gene target for potential repair.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based method, DETECTR, to detect viral DNA, including cancer-causing HPV types. The system uses a molecular flare gun to identify specific DNA targets, enabling fast and reliable medical tests with minimal equipment requirements.
A study published in Medical Care found that the Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the uninsured rate among adult cancer survivors, with a 38% relative decrease. Cancer survivors eligible for Medicaid expansion under the ACA had the largest reduction in uninsured rate, with a 16.7 percentage point drop.
Early introduction of peanuts into the diet may prevent the development of peanut allergy in high-risk infants. Oral immunotherapy is a promising approach to allergen desensitization for children with known peanut allergies, increasing threshold amounts before experiencing reactions by at least 25 times.
A study found subtle but significant differences in perceived hospice quality among patients in different settings. Family members of patients at home rated hospice quality as excellent, while those in nursing homes reported the least. The findings suggest that tailoring communication to patient setting is crucial.
A team of researchers has mapped the biochemical networks of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, identifying key pathways that facilitate virus replication. The study's findings have significant implications for controlling mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
Nancy Kinner, a leading oil spill expert, is available to discuss new research on dispersant technology. The research indicates that smaller droplets are created by applying chemical dispersants to oil slicks, posing new challenges for protecting human health and marine habitats.
A MSU team is working to support Latino migrant farmers in Michigan by providing training and resources to improve farming practices. The project aims to increase the sustainability of small-scale farms, particularly those owned by Latino farmers, who are increasingly transitioning from industrial farms to independent land ownership.
The American Geriatrics Society has launched a new platform providing resources and tools for hospitals to implement the AGS CoCare: Ortho model, which aims to improve care and lower health costs for older adults with hip fractures. The platform offers self-directed training modules, expert mentoring, and a networking platform to help ...
A team from Lehigh University's Industrial and Systems Engineering department participated in a workshop on big data optimization algorithms, theory, applications and systems. Researchers presented their work on Interior Point Methods, machine learning methodologies, and other topics relevant to big data analytics.
Researchers developed a novel verification method to prove large-scale entanglement with only a single measurement run, significantly reducing time and resources required. This breakthrough enables the reliable benchmarking of future quantum devices with unprecedented efficiency.
Scientists have manufactured a component capable of hosting Majorana particles, which could become stable building blocks of a quantum computer. The team used platinum to assemble the topological insulator with aluminium, leading to unexpected and exciting changes in the superconductivity.
A Rutgers University study confirms that an abundance of wild bees is essential for efficient pollination in agricultural settings. The research found that over half of the observed species were necessary for pollination at one or more farms, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.
Recent research by Children's Hospital Colorado found that loss of control eating impacts bariatric surgery success rates in adolescents. The study, published in Pediatrics, revealed that patients who engaged in loss of control eating after surgery experienced poorer weight loss outcomes.
Research identified gene variant ABCC2's role in eliminating chemotherapy, affecting treatment response. Variants associated with high drug elimination rates may lead to reduced treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new CRISPR-Cas9 protein, NmeCas9, that can edit both DNA and RNA with high precision. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic possibilities for diseases caused by genetic mutations in RNA.
Researchers at the German Primate Center have improved DNA transfer in gene therapy by modifying viruses to produce a protein called CD9, which increases exosome production and virus efficiency. This results in an 80% infection rate, making gene therapies more efficient.
A new medical imaging technology has enabled doctors to detect bacteria deep inside patients' lungs for the first time. Early tests indicate it can diagnose harmful bacteria in less than 60 seconds, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
A large-scale study of genetics and smoking habits sheds new light on the complexities of controlling blood pressure, identifying potential genes of interest for new treatments. The research found surprising links between blood pressure and genes related to addiction, metabolic problems, and kidney disease.
The Intelligent Systems for Geosciences community is using AI to improve decision-making in water management. Computational tools like directed networks are helping visualize connections and patterns in datasets, enabling more informed choices.
A new clinical trial using a tailored intervention may minimize lung cancer occurrence and mortality rates for those at higher risk. The study will compare the effectiveness of counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and gain-framed text messaging in supporting high-risk smokers who want to quit.
Scientists estimate tens to hundreds of well sites could be needed in the UK to extract shale gas, with hundreds to thousands of wells drilled over several years. The researchers used data from the UK's milk and fuel transportation industries as a comparator for any future UK shale gas industry.
A new study found that autonomous vehicles can minimize environmental impacts with energy-efficient design and operational benefits outweighing increased energy use from sensors and computers. The study showed a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for electric powertrains versus internal-combustion engines.