Tropical Cyclone Ava made landfall along northeastern Madagascar's coast, as captured by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite. The eye of the storm was about 10 nautical miles wide and had strengthened into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 90 knots.
Researchers successfully developed antibodies that disabled the Plasmodium vivax malaria parasite from infecting humans by hijacking a protein crucial for iron delivery. The discovery solved a decades-long mystery and brings the world closer to a potential effective vaccine against P.vivax malaria.
A new study uses deep learning methods to identify genes involved in embryonic development, fetal transition, and cancer. The research may lead to innovative strategies for induced tissue regeneration and cancer treatment.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $8 million to establish a new center for research into alcohol addiction. The Wake Forest Translational Alcohol Research Center will study behavioral and neurobiological factors associated with vulnerability and resilience to alcohol use disorder.
Researchers have developed soft, electrically activated devices that mimic the expansion and contraction of natural muscles. These devices can be constructed from low-cost materials, are able to self-sense their movements and self-heal from electrical damage.
An international team has discovered an 'astonishing' overabundance of massive stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy. The study used detailed analyses of nearly 1,000 massive stars to determine their distribution, revealing that massive stars are much more abundant than previously thought.
Scientists at Rice and Swansea universities discovered that removing contaminants from carbon nanotubes enhances their conductivity. Vacuum annealing at high temperatures reduced surface contamination, allowing accurate resistance measurements. This breakthrough could lead to more consistent results in nanoscale devices.
Researchers have discovered an ancient irrigation system in northwestern China that allowed farming communities to cultivate crops in one of the world's driest desert climates. The system, built around 3rd or 4th century A.D., used check dams, irrigation canals, and cisterns to feed small farm fields and support livestock production.
A study published in the journal Brain uses a combination of imaging techniques to examine tau build-up in patients with Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. The findings support the transneuronal spread hypothesis, suggesting that tau starts in one place and spreads throughout the brain.
Observations of a nearby star-forming region have revealed that large stars are more prevalent than predicted by models. The study found that there were many more stars at high masses, with a top-heavy initial mass function expected to generate exotic objects like black holes and neutron stars.
Researchers propose a new interpretation of quantum mechanics, where the wave function represents a real existence rather than a mathematical description. This idea is demonstrated through an encounter-delayed-choice experiment, showing that a quantum object can exhibit both particle and wave behavior depending on the measurement.
Researchers found a correlation between saltwater disposal and earthquake occurrence up to 125 km, but reducing small faults didn't affect larger earthquakes. To reduce large fluid-triggered earthquakes, injecting less water appears to be the solution.
A recent study found that 58% of children with asthma, food allergy, epilepsy, diabetes, or juvenile arthritis screen positive for a mental disorder within a month of their diagnosis. Anxiety disorders were the most common type, affecting up to 42% of children six months after diagnosis.
Scientists analyzed various natural hazards like earthquakes, space weather events, and floods to understand their impact on power grid recovery time. The report highlights the importance of integrating risk assessment and management efforts across policy areas and improving cross-jurisdictional emergency management capabilities.
The USDA has awarded a grant to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for research on solvent fractionated lignins, aiming to develop polymeric products for building and construction sectors. The project will help integrated biorefineries enhance U.S. energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used precision editing to target metabolic pathways in the gut, reducing inflammation in mouse models of colitis. The strategy, which targets specific bacterial species, prevented or reduced inflammation without affecting healthy gut bacteria.
The ocean is losing its breath, with low-oxygen sites increasing fourfold in the open ocean and tenfold in coastal waters since 1950. Climate change and nutrient pollution are driving this decline, which can stunt growth, hinder reproduction, and lead to disease or death.
Researchers have discovered a key cellular receptor involved in ovarian cancer metastasis, CXCR4, which can be targeted with inhibitors to reduce tumor cell dissemination. High expression of CXCR4 is associated with aggressive variants of the disease.
Scientists confirm that a decline in chlorine levels resulting from the international ban on CFCs is leading to less ozone depletion in the Antarctic winter. The study found a 20% decrease in ozone loss from 2005 to 2016, with a steady annual decline of 0.8%.
A new report recommends steps toward achieving global regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing approaches for acute inhalation toxicity. The report highlights the need for more efficient and human-relevant methods that don't use animals, with working groups formed to gather reference data and conduct testing.
The US cancer death rate has dropped 26% since its peak in 1991, resulting in nearly 2.4 million fewer cancer deaths. This decline is mainly due to reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) created an individual access right to genomic data, but its implementation has been marred by controversy and conflicting regulations. Bioethicists and safety regulators have raised concerns about the misuse of genetic data, while lawmakers argue that GINA solves a non-existent problem.
Scientists warn that the world needs to address climate change and nutrient pollution to halt the decline of ocean oxygen. Low oxygen levels can stunt growth, hinder reproduction, and lead to disease or death in animals, while also triggering toxic chemical releases.
Scientists at Tohoku University found that a protein called TRIM48 labels PRMT1 for destruction, leading to ASK1 hyperactivation and cancer cell death. This study reveals new potential therapeutic targets for treating cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
Research suggests that anthropomorphic virtual assistants can elicit concern about seeking help, particularly among individuals who believe intelligence is a fixed trait. This can lead to lower performance and incorrect answers in online learning settings.
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have discovered a genetic mechanism that controls developmental traits related to grain production in cereals. The study found that precise regulation of plant hormones, specifically brassinosteroids, can modulate growth and differentiation of unique inflorescence morphology.
Researchers developed macrophage nanosponges that can safely absorb and remove endotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines from the bloodstream. These nanosponges improved survival rates in mice with sepsis by preventing systemic inflammation and reducing bacterial counts.
A new set of principles addresses the moral challenge of climate change by providing scientifically-grounded tools for investors and companies to assess corporate strategy. The principles include committing to net zero emissions, developing a profitable net zero business model, and setting quantitative mid-term targets.
A new UK study suggests that sticking to healthy New Year's resolutions can lead to a significant reduction in cancer risk. The research found that each additional healthy behavior was associated with an 8% decrease in cancer risk.
Researchers found that germline variations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 predispose children to develop leukemia and increase their chances of developing a second cancer. The variants are associated with reduced gene activity and were five times more frequent in pediatric ALL patients than those without the disease.
Regular sleep disruptions associated with difficulty disengaging attention from negative information, leading to intrusive thoughts and increased risk of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that inadequate sleep contributes to the persistence of negative thoughts, making it harder for individuals to ignore them.
A type of soil-dwelling bacterium produces a molecule that induces death in melanoma cells by targeting mitochondria. The molecule, mensacarcin, shows powerful anti-proliferative effects and can activate pathways to apoptosis, or programmed cell death.
Researchers at University of Queensland developed a new supercharged antibiotic called vancapticins that target bacterial membranes, potentially revitalizing old antibiotics. The rebooted vancomycin has the potential to treat MRSA and VRE, addressing the growing threat of multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Researchers at Osaka University developed an acid-tolerant green fluorescent protein, Gamillus, that can withstand low pH environments. The protein exhibits superior acid tolerance and nearly twice the brightness of reported GFPs, making it a powerful tool for imaging in acidic organelles.
Tropical Cyclone Ava has strengthened with a more well-formed storm and strong thunderstorms over central Madagascar, posing heavy rainfall risks. The storm is expected to intensify further by January 5, potentially reaching 70 knots (80 mph) before moving south of the island nation.
Researchers found a correlation between Arctic warming and extreme UK weather events, particularly winter storms and summer rainfall. The study suggests that changes in the North Atlantic jet stream and Greenland high-pressure blocking may be driving these trends.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have created a new drug-like compound that activates only the kappa opioid receptor, a key step in developing better pain medications. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective opioids with reduced side effects.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich successfully halted an autoimmune reaction in the early stages of islet autoimmunity, a key step in developing potential treatments for type 1 diabetes. The study reveals that inhibiting the miRNA181a/NFAT5 axis can increase Treg formation and reduce immune activation.
Researchers developed a method to measure ocean temperatures over the last 24'000 years with high accuracy using noble gases in Antarctic ice cores. The study shows that the concentration of noble gases in the atmosphere is strongly correlated with the average ocean temperature, allowing conclusions to be drawn about past climate states.
A Massachusetts General Hospital team developed a dual-modality approach to reactivate the inactive X chromosome, increasing MECP2 protein expression up to 30,000-fold. The treatment may provide meaningful treatment for patients with Rett syndrome and other X-linked disorders.
Experts warn that the World Health Organization's new plan fails to address the growing burden of disease and healthcare needs among older populations. Despite making up over 12% of the world's population, older people are overlooked in the draft General Programme of Work.
The ICON and GOLD missions are teaming up to provide comprehensive observations of the ionosphere, a little-understood area close to home. By capturing detailed remote and in situ data, these missions will help improve situational awareness for astronauts and humans on the ground.
Researchers at NRL have developed a method to reduce optical losses in hexagonal boron nitride devices, enabling more efficient lasers and nanoscale optics. This breakthrough has significant applications for ultra-high resolution microscopes, solar energy harvesting, optical computing, and targeted medical therapies.
A new study suggests that consuming sufficient amounts of choline during pregnancy can lead to enduring cognitive benefits in offspring. Half of the women in the study consumed 480mg/day and the other half 930mg/day, with faster information processing speeds seen in those who received more choline.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a circadian rhythm disorder caused by the acceleration of biological clocks. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutic alternatives to toxic treatments.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for somatostatin receptor PET imaging in neuroendocrine tumors. This AUC addresses several clinical scenarios for diagnosing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
Researchers sequenced ancient HBV genome from 16th-century mummified child, confirming pathogen's long history in humans. The findings suggest the evolution of this virus is complex and has changed little over 450 years.
A global network of 1,000 ground stations is proposed to track environmental interactions and link with satellite data for comprehensive monitoring. The initiative aims to address climate change, air pollution, and other environmental challenges by providing a cohesive dataset.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that a common CLL treatment may be less effective in patients with a specific protein marker. Combining ibrutinib with drugs blocking this protein could prevent tumor cells from sheltering in lymphoid organs, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique to detect placental perfusion abnormalities in pregnancies with fetal congenital heart disease. Global placental perfusion decreased and regional variation increased as pregnancies progressed, indicating early warning signs of placental dysfunction.
A new study finds that girls with autism often struggle more than boys with performing routine tasks and making small talk, even when standardized tests are normalized for sex. This suggests that girls with autism may be 'camouflaging' their symptoms, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.
A study by University of Chicago researchers found that specific strains of commensal bacteria can improve response rates to immunotherapy for patients with advanced melanoma. The presence of these beneficial bacteria enhances T-cell infiltration and killing of cancer cells, leading to a vigorous and durable response.
A recent study found that complete inactivity has a greater impact on the muscle power of older people than young individuals. This loss of muscle mass is more pronounced and can lead to increased decline in metabolic health and functional capacity.
A study found that worms that can self-fertilize have lost approximately one-fourth of their genes, including those giving male sperm competitive edge. This shift may be driven by reduced competition among male worms, allowing populations to grow faster.
Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have invented multifunctional cyanine compounds that can be used for detection, imaging and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery has been granted US patents and a Chinese patent.
Researchers studied native biocrusts, discovering that specific compounds are transformed by and strongly associated with specific bacteria. The study links microbial community structure to soil chemistry, shedding light on the roles of soil microbes in the global carbon cycle.
A new analysis reveals a significant increase in maternal mortality rates in Texas, with a 87% rise from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting of maternal deaths to inform prevention efforts and save lives.
Three new species of zoantharians were discovered in the Indo-Pacific region, expanding our understanding of coral reef diversity. One species was named after President Tommy Remengesau of Palau, highlighting the nation's support for marine conservation.
A new single-cell sequencing tool, TSCS, has provided a clearer understanding of how ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) progresses to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Genome evolution occurs in the ducts before cancer clones can be disseminated, and most mutations evolve within the ducts prior to invasion.
Building stronger health systems in Madagascar could significantly reduce plague outbreak severity, as recent epidemics have shown. Improvements include staffing, infrastructure, supply chain enhancements and surveillance data integration.