Researchers discovered that a mutation in the C9ORF72 gene causes toxicity in nerve cells, leading to ALS and FTD. By reprogramming blood cells into motor nerve cells, they found that adding supplemental protein could stop degeneration, highlighting potential new drug targets.
Microplastics in soils and freshwaters can have damaging effects on ecosystems, triggering adverse reactions in organisms and potentially disrupting hormone systems. Humans also ingest microplastics through food, highlighting the need for reliable data on microplastic degradation and effects.
Researchers have found that the loss of a tumor suppressor in triple-negative breast cancer provides clues for novel treatments. Drugs targeting PLK1, AURK and CHK1 may be effective for 20-30% of patients with RB-deficient tumors.
Researchers identified natural compounds that repel fire ants by activating a type of ion channel highly expressed in the insect's antennae and legs. These compounds, including one found in cinnamon, were found to be less effective at activating the fire ant version of this channel compared to honey bees.
A study by Jessica Ridgway found that viewing oneself as a 3-D avatar can lead to negative psychological consequences, including decreased mood and body satisfaction. Self-discrepancy theory explains why this is the case.
A recent study found that 37% of ACOs have a management partner, who provides essential services such as data analysis, administrative support, and care coordination. These partnerships enable smaller organizations to participate in ACOs and improve quality, with management partners also providing financing and acting as 'ACO-enablers'
Researchers at University of Utah Health identified a mechanism that activates T cells, a key component of the immune system, in patients with persistent Lyme arthritis. This activation mechanism triggers inflammation and arthritis by producing inflammatory molecules that accumulate around the joints.
A new study from Ohio State University found that women whose family members or friends died of cancer are more likely to approach breast cancer prevention aggressively. Women with traumatic experiences perceive breast cancer as a death sentence, while those with positive experiences see it as a hardship that can be overcome.
Scientists identified a calcineurin variant CnAβ1 that reduces cardiac hypertrophy and improves heart function by preserving mitochondrial ATP production. This study may lead to new treatment strategies for conditions like aortic stenosis.
Research suggests that an aging immune system may be a stronger reason for age-related cancer risk increase than previously thought. The study found a strong correlation between declining T cell production and increasing cancer incidence in both men and women.
A new study reveals that the collapse of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in North America approximately 16,000 years ago led to significant climate variations in West Antarctica and the tropical Pacific. The research suggests a previously undocumented inter-polar climate change mechanism.
Research found that women with estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer had an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight compared to those with other types. The study also showed a lower birth rate among breast cancer survivors, with only about 8% having children by 10 years after diagnosis.
Scientists found little evidence of negative impact from two major mass extinctions on ray-finned fishes, with no significant changes in body shape or jaw shape. The group's remarkable modern diversity is attributed to 400 million years of evolution.
A statistical analysis found that most Legionnaires' disease cases in Flint can be attributed to the city's switch to the Flint River water source. The study also identified a specific strain of Legionella isolated from Flint residences that is not easily detectable by common diagnostic tests.
Researchers discovered that disabling the Bsr-k1 gene in rice plants boosts their resistance to multiple diseases without compromising grain yield or weight. This breakthrough has significant implications for breeding disease-resistant rice varieties.
A study by researchers at the Higher School of Economics found that only 2.4% of Russian companies have corporate universities, compared to 28% in Europe. Investing in a corporate university may not be sustainable in the long-run and can create risks for companies.
Research analyzes earthquake sequences in eastern Ohio from 2013-2015, finding that hydraulic fracturing increases seismic hazard with maturity of activated faults. Deep earthquakes tend to be larger and persist after HF ceases, suggesting a long-term impact on seismic hazards.
A new veterinary medical ethics committee has been developed at North Carolina State University to aid caregivers in navigating complex care situations. The committee, consisting of seven members, operates independently from the hospital's academic and business aspects to provide a fair and open discussion of ethical issues.
Children born prematurely make fewer friends and are less accepted by peers in early childhood, but improve as they enter school. Interventions can help social interaction skills before school age to prevent later problems.
A 29-year study on cover crops and no-till cotton fields found that cover crops offer benefits in the long term, even if they reduce short-term profits. The research team analyzed data from a unique 29-year period to determine the economic impact of cover crops.
A team of scientists from UC Davis used the ising model to study pistachio tree synchronization, finding that magnetic connections between trees can explain their synchronized behavior. The study, published in PNAS, provides new insights into ecological systems and their effects in natural and managed environments.
The Tomato Expression Atlas provides a comprehensive map of gene expression across all tissues and developmental stages of the tomato fruit. This database offers unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution and interactivity, enabling researchers to investigate biological processes important for fruit development.
Researchers discovered a protective mechanism in the immune system that shields against recurrent bacterial skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Gamma delta T cells, which account for less than 1% of lymph node cells before infection, multiply and provide protection against subsequent infections.
Researchers have shed new light on the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system, revealing that all seven planets are mostly made of rock and contain up to 5% water. The study also found that five planets lack a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere, similar to Neptune or Uranus.
A study using Avida-ED curriculum found that students who used the digital evolution software improved their understanding of evolutionary principles, including variation, randomness, and natural selection. The tool also increased acceptance of evolution among students, suggesting it could be an effective educational tool.
Magnetic soil nanoparticles are primarily composed of magnetite, formed by soil wetting and drying cycles. This finding suggests that magnetic variations in Chinese Loess Plateau soils can be used as a benchmark for testing paleoclimate models.
Researchers found that Love Island series 3 delivered 559 million tobacco 'impressions' to the UK population, including 47 million to children under 16. The study emphasizes the link between young people's exposure to on-screen tobacco imagery and starting to smoke.
Researchers have made significant advancements in HIV vaccine production, using robotics and gene editing technology to improve yields and reduce costs. The new methods could lead to more effective vaccines with higher efficacy rates, potentially increasing protection against the AIDS virus.
A new hypertension disease gene has been identified by Ute Scholl's team, which alters blood pressure regulation. The study focused on familial hyperaldosteronism type II, an inherited condition causing high blood pressure due to overproduction of aldosterone.
The proposed immunological model suggests that diseases such as cancers and infectious diseases may be linked to declining T-cell production with age. Therapies targeting improved T-cell production in the aging immune system could hold promise for treatment options.
Researchers have successfully fabricated nanocrystalline diamonds using plasma vapor deposition, enabling the creation of micro-anvils with pressures up to 500 gigapascals. The high-pressure capabilities of these nanocrystalline diamonds hold promise for studying materials under extreme conditions.
Researchers have developed a new method to differentiate cancerous tissue from healthy tissue in prostate cancer patients using PSMA PET/CT scans. The study found that a cutoff value of SUV max = 3.15 can accurately diagnose prostate cancer with high sensitivity and specificity.
Experiments suggest that farsightedness is negatively associated with risk-taking and positively associated with choosing increased future rewards. Analysis of over 90 million tweets reveals a connection between future thinking and decision-making.
The new design doubles the conversion efficiency of conventional systems, allowing for greater bandwidth and resolution in detecting pollutants and diseases. The technology also enables the miniaturization of such systems onto a chip, leading to new applications for molecular detection and remote sensing.
USC researchers found that nearly 50% of dementias begin with damaged gatekeeper cells, leading to small vessel disease and white matter disease. Controlling fibrinogen levels may reverse or slow white matter disease in a mouse model.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital examines why some practices have adopted Medicare's annual wellness visit while others have not. Practices that did offer the visits saw increased revenue and stability of patient assignment, but those caring for underserved populations had lower rates of adoption.
Researchers discovered a new quantitative relation to identify promising material combinations for organic solar cells. The discovery enables chemists to evaluate different mixtures before manufacturing devices, optimizing performance and reducing processing time.
Researchers have discovered a safe antimalarial dye that kills malaria parasites at an unprecedented rate, curing patients within two days. The addition of methylene blue to artemisinin-based combination therapies prevents the spread of malaria, with male parasites disappearing from the bloodstream more quickly than female parasites.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataract as the general population. The relative risk is highest among individuals aged between 45 and 54, who are up to 5.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with cataract than their healthy counterparts.
A KAUST team has developed a device that can tap into the constant energy emitted by Earth's surfaces and atmosphere, as well as waste heat from industrial processes. The 'rectenna' design uses quantum tunneling to convert infrared waves into useful electricity.
Researchers have identified two compounds that can safely block malaria transmission when added to existing treatment regimens, promising progress toward eliminating the disease. The study's findings suggest that these compounds can effectively prevent the spread of P. falciparum malaria, including its drug-resistant forms.
A new global database of surface ozone observations has been released, providing insights into ozone pollution trends and patterns worldwide. Despite decreasing emissions in North America and Europe, many regions still experience excessive ozone levels, posing health concerns for populations.
A new study estimates that vaccines can prevent up to 36 million deaths and 24 million cases of medical impoverishment in 41 low- and middle-income countries by 2030. The poorest populations are expected to benefit the most from vaccine programs, with a significant impact on health and economic outcomes.
A team of researchers at UC Riverside has received a $1 million award to investigate the role of membrane transporters in guiding steroid hormones into cells. They aim to show that transporters, not diffusion, are responsible for hormone entry and develop new drugs with greater specificity.
Nonhuman primates modify their vocalizations based on listener presence, kinship, and rival interactions. Flexible usage of vocalization may link nonlinguistic communication to language development.
The new bioresorbable optical fiber Bragg gratings can be used to sense pressure at joints or act as tiny probes that can safely reach and assess the heart and other delicate organs. The sensors could also improve laser-based tumor removal techniques by delivering accurate real-time temperature sensing.
Researchers found 17% of working African elephants in Zimbabwe ecotourism facilities tested positive for tuberculosis antibodies, linking seropositive status to time in captivity. The study highlights the importance of managing elephant health for conservation and human safety.
Converting tobacco fields to solar farms can provide a lucrative alternative for farmers, potentially generating 30 gigawatts of clean energy in North Carolina. Solar panels can withstand extreme weather conditions and offer significant profits compared to traditional farming.
Researchers at McGill University discovered a molecular mechanism that allows viruses to evade the immune system by modifying glycoproteins on CD8+ T cells. This pathway can be targeted to restore immune function and control chronic viral infections.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that an enhanced recovery program reduced hospital length of stay, narcotic use, and total direct pharmacy costs. The protocol improved clinical outcomes and provided financial benefits to hospitals.
The foundation grants nearly $4.1M to support innovative early career researchers and breakthrough scientists conducting basic and translational cancer research. The recipients receive funding to pursue novel projects, with the goal of making paradigm-shifting breakthroughs in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Scientists found that glo vapour triggered only two gene changes in human airway tissue, whereas cigarette smoke caused thousands of changes. This suggests glo vapour may cause less damage to cells compared to smoking conventional cigarettes.
A protein called ZFP36L2 is essential for eggs to complete normal development and fertility. Female mice lacking this protein in their eggs are infertile due to a failure in global transcriptional silencing.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetes-related complications in Germany result in high healthcare costs. The research analyzed data from over 300,000 people with type 2 diabetes and estimated the costs associated with each complication, including eye disease, kidney damage, and cardiovascular diseases.
The marbled crayfish, a single female ancestor of all Marmorkrebs specimens, exhibits epigenetic mechanisms that enable rapid adaptation to various environments without genetic variation. This clonal genome evolution shares similarities with tumor development, where environmental factors influence gene regulation and adaptation.
A new collection captures the long-neglected human side of science through peer-reviewed stories on conservation. The collection highlights the emotional highs and lows of scientists working to preserve species and ecosystems.
Researchers created human intestinal 'mini-guts' to study the immune response to bacteria at different developmental ages. The study found that premature infants have an exaggerated immune response, contributing to NEC's pathogenesis.
A new study reveals that fentanyl can increase pain sensitivity in animals by lowering their pain threshold. The researchers found that blocking calcium signaling inside sensory neurons prevents this effect, suggesting a possible mechanism for hyperalgesia.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness vanadium dioxide's unique properties for ultra-low-power electronic devices. By adding germanium to the material, they can lift its phase change temperature to over 100°C, enabling new technologies in space communication, neuromorphic computing, and autonomous vehicles.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a new type of magnesium-oxide cathode material that promises higher energy density, improved safety, and reduced costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough could enable more efficient and sustainable energy storage for renewable energy sources.