Plant breeding technologies using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can alter MYB genes to increase compounds that generate flavor and color in fruits and vegetables. This technology can inform conventional breeding programs and create products with consistent nutrient distribution.
A Yale University study found that drinking artificially-sweetened beverages is associated with a significantly lower risk of colon cancer recurrence and death. Participants who drank one or more 12-ounce servings of artificially sweetened beverages per day experienced a 46% improvement in risk, compared to those who didn't.
A retrospective study of 179 patients with chronic hepatitis C found that original and generic direct acting antivirals achieved sustained virologic response in over 90% of patients. The original medicines group showed slight superiority, but the generic medicines group still demonstrated high efficacy.
Recurrent injury rates were six times higher in girls' soccer and nearly three times higher in girls' basketball without athletic trainers. Schools with athletic trainers better identified athletes with concussion and applied evidence-based injury prevention strategies.
Researchers discovered a new protein, ZHX2, that over-accumulates in cells lacking VHL gene function, promoting cancerous growth and potentially serving as a novel therapeutic target for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The study's findings suggest a potential new approach to treating the most common type of kidney cancer.
A new study has proposed the maximum bioaccumulation level of 9 metals that poses no ecological risk to aquatic organisms. The study, conducted in mining areas in Asturias, has established ecological threshold concentrations for 7 metals and two metalloids, which are considered safe levels for conservation.
A recent study in North Carolina found that former inmates were 40 times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than the general population within two weeks of release. Even a year later, overdose death rates remained 10-18 times higher among formerly incarcerated individuals.
Perinatal exposure to phthalates impairs the development of rats' brains, leading to reduced neurons and synapses. The study also shows deficits in cognitive flexibility, suggesting potential negative effects on behavior. Researchers used environmentally relevant phthalate concentrations to simulate human exposures.
A Rutgers study explores the wellbeing of aging Asian-Americans, finding that social activity, family connections, and cultural values are essential to improving health and lowering depression. The research challenges the 'model minority myth' and highlights the need for culturally sensitive healthcare approaches.
The British Library Endangered Archives Programme has extended a UTA-led project to digitize colonial documents in Cuba by another six months. The project aims to capture over two million documents, shedding light on the African diaspora in Cuba between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found biomarkers in melanoma that can help tailor immunotherapy treatments. The study suggests that some patients with advanced melanoma may not benefit from combination therapy, but could do well with single-agent treatment.
The Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) successfully measured the cosmic-ray electron spectrum in an energy range from 11 GeV to 4.8 TeV, significantly improving statistical power and reducing systematic uncertainties. The findings will aid in understanding high-energy cosmic rays and dark matter.
Researchers found α-band power reduction and decreased EEG complexity in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive impairment (SCI). Nonlinear EEG analysis during cognitive tasks highlights potential early markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
New research reveals that gyms with tanning beds target people at higher risk of skin cancer, increasing the likelihood of addictive behavior. People who tan in gyms tend to be heavier tanners and more likely to experience addiction.
The NYSCF Research Institute has developed a novel bioengineering technique called Segmental Additive Tissue Engineering (SATE), allowing for the creation of large-scale, personalized bone grafts. This technology overcomes limitations of current treatments, such as immune rejection and limited size and shape options.
The Atlantic Ocean circulation is slowing down due to natural fluctuations, but this slowdown will lead to more rapid surface warming in coming decades. The study suggests that the current's speed determines how much surface heat gets transferred to the deeper ocean, and a quicker circulation would send more heat to the deep Atlantic.
A new quick soil test aims to determine nitrogen need by measuring protein presence. This method has the potential to reduce fertilizer waste and mitigate environmental problems associated with excessive nitrogen use.
China's livestock population tripled between 1980 and 2010, driven by demand and wealth, but also facilitated by subsidies and weak regulations. The transition has significant domestic and global impacts, including increased animal feed imports, GHG emissions, and nitrogen losses.
A study found that elephants are responsible for 37% of seeds produced viable seedlings, while smaller forest animals like deer have lower effectiveness. This suggests that declines in megafauna populations could impact the tree's reproductive success and forest ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers evaluated Stanford University's work on the tiny mummified body, concluding genetic abnormalities could explain perceived abnormalities. However, Otago-led experts found no evidence for these anomalies, revealing normal skeletal development in a fetus.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool are investigating snake venom compounds to treat microbial keratitis, a serious eye infection. They aim to develop anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa agents to reduce damage to the cornea and prevent sight loss.
New research from the American Heart Association found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of first and recurrent heart attacks, even in areas with moderate-to-high levels of traffic pollution. Moderate cycling for four or more hours per week cut the risk of recurrent heart attack by 31 percent.
Researchers have identified two protein domains that mediate toxicity in ALS and FTLD, revealing a key role for stress granules in disease progression. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these neurodegenerative diseases.
A 45% increase in rejected requests for knee and hip surgery has been revealed by an investigation by The BMJ. The number of patients being refused these operations has risen to nearly 1,700, causing stress for doctors and patients alike.
Researchers found that increasing blood sugar levels improves memory and mood in older adults, making them more motivated to perform difficult tasks. This study suggests that short-term energy availability may be an important factor in older adults' motivation, leading to better cognitive engagement and confidence.
Research finds that babies born to mothers with depression in pregnancy show altered behavior and biological changes, linked to depression-induced inflammation. These changes may contribute to a higher risk of depression in children born to depressed mothers as adults.
Researchers have identified simpler computer models that can accurately predict current beach conditions from past data, enabling faster and more reliable detection of fecal microbes. The new approach combines wavelet transform and artificial neural network analysis, requiring only bacterial data from the past, with no additional inputs.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed a new laser material that combines high power density, ultra-short pulses, and superior thermal shock resistance. The material is achieved through a novel materials processing strategy that dissolves high concentrations of neodymium ions into alumina crystals.
A new study found that following a Mediterranean diet was positively associated with academic grades and verbal ability in adolescents. The diet's effect on sleep quality may be an underlying factor contributing to these improvements.
Research suggests VMMC has already impacted Zimbabwe's HIV epidemic and will continue to provide significant health and economic benefits. By 2021, the program aims to reach 80% coverage among 15-29-year-olds and 30% among 10-14-year-olds.
Researchers at UCSF discovered thymic tuft cells play key role in preventing autoimmunity by displaying proteins to train T cells, similar to gut sensory cells. The finding could lead to better understanding of autoimmune diseases and potentially regulate thymus function.
Researchers found anomalous oxygen isotopes in an ancient Canadian lake bed, hinting at life on ancient Earth's surface. The study provides evidence of a lower gross primary production during the Proterozoic eon, shedding light on the evolution of life on Earth.
A team of toxicologists led by FEFU researchers found that carbon nanotubes and silicon nanotubes exhibited acute toxic effects on Heterosigma akashiwo microalgae at concentrations as low as 100 mg/l. Silicon nanotubes were more toxic than carbon nanotubes due to their smaller size and hydrophilic properties.
A 1.4 billion-year-old lake deposit in Ontario has provided fresh evidence of the Earth's atmosphere and biosphere during a time leading up to animal life. The findings suggest that oxygen levels were much lower than today, with primary productivity being less than half as high.
The Rising Sprawl-Tuned Autonomous Robot (RSTAR) is a highly maneuverable search and rescue robot that can creep, crawl and climb over rough terrain. It uses adjustable wheel legs to adapt to different environments and overcome obstacles.
A new study reveals the ancient migration routes of barley cultivation across Eurasia, with distinct routes for different types of barley populations. The research uses genetic analysis of living crops to track the spread of barley, which was domesticated around 10,500 years ago in the Near East.
A study found that women with a history of pregnancy, particularly those giving birth to five or more children, may be at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Incomplete pregnancies were also shown to reduce the likelihood of Alzheimer's development.
Researchers have identified P38 alpha as a crucial protein in activating brown fat cells to burn excess fat and eliminate the risk of obesity and related diseases. The study found that mice genetically modified to lack P38 alpha were protected against obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Researchers at Chapman University found that African dust storms can contribute to the development of larger, more powerful hurricanes like Hurricane Sandy. The study, published in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, aims to improve forecasting for extreme weather events.
Researchers found a significant association between cured meat consumption and mania, suggesting nitrates may contribute to the abnormal mood state. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 1,000 individuals with and without psychiatric disorders.
A new machine-learning model has shown promising signs of being able to predict undiagnosed dementia in primary care, with an accuracy of 84%. This could significantly reduce the number of those living with undiagnosed dementia in the UK from around 50% to 8%.
A TGen-led study has found a link between DNA methylation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese patients. The research identified four genes that may represent potential targets for new therapeutics.
Defect-free boron arsenide has a record-high thermal conductivity, drawing heat away from hotspots much faster than current materials. This breakthrough could improve performance and reduce energy demand in various electronic devices.
Researchers found that cancer patients developing skin diseases after anti-PD-1 therapy can do so even after treatment has concluded. The median time to develop skin disease was four months after starting treatment, but in one case, it took over three years.
Researchers at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center have identified miR-27b, a microRNA, as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment. The study found that suppressing miR-27b enhances the expression of PDHX, a protein involved in cell metabolism, which helps suppress tumor progression.
The Planck mission's final data supports the standard cosmological model with exceptional accuracy, providing a wealth of information about the Universe's content and rate of expansion. However, some limitations and anomalies remain, particularly regarding the Universe's expansion rate.
Researchers found that a mother's microbiome determines the risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in her offspring. By manipulating the microbiome through diet or probiotics, it may be possible to prevent autism-like disorders.
A study found that CT scans may increase brain tumor risk in children, with dose-response relationships observed between radiation exposure and tumor incidence. The researchers caution that careful justification and optimization of pediatric CT scans are essential to minimize risks.
Jan M. Friedman, a Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia, is receiving the Arno Motulsky-Barton Childs Award for his exceptional contributions to human genetics education globally. He has produced influential work on clinical genetics education and has led efforts to increase its presence in medical schools.
Exposure to nicotine during pregnancy may impair a baby's cardiorespiratory responses, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Nicotine replacement therapies may not protect infants from SIDS, and their use is not considered safe during pregnancy.
Researchers identified a new compound called MPS that is over 100 times more potent than the existing drug ethosuximide in reducing neurodegeneration in nematode worms. This discovery may enable novel treatments for human neurodegenerative diseases.
A Belgian study emphasizes the need for human-based tools in treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic liver disease impacting millions globally. The study proposes a roadmap to better understand NASH's biological mechanisms, crucial for developing effective treatments.
Physicists discovered that charge density waves (CDW) compete with superconductivity for conduction electrons, but also assist through phonon coupling. At a certain threshold level of disorder, CDW disappears and superconducting transition temperature is reduced.
A new study by Florida State University researchers has found that tiny phaeodarian organisms in the ocean's twilight zone are consuming up to 20% of sinking, carbon-rich particles before they reach the deep ocean. This discovery suggests a significant impact on Earth's carbon cycle and challenges current climate dynamics.
A study published in The BMJ found that adding sulfonylurea drugs to metformin for type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, all-cause mortality, and severe hypoglycemia. Continuing metformin when introducing sulfonylureas is safer than switching.
Leukemia cells infiltrate the central nervous system by grabbing onto laminin proteins and zipping down into the meninges region where cerebral spinal fluid circulates. This discovery arms researchers with new ways to target this pathway and potentially shut it down.
A study found that lowering the default amount of opioid pills prescribed in a health care system's electronic medical record was associated with a decrease in the total number of opioids prescribed systemwide. This change involved reducing the default number of opioid pills from 30 to 12 in 2017.
Researchers used satellite and acoustic technology to track baby white sharks for the first time, confirming their movement patterns and seasonal migrations. The study found that the New York Bight serves as a primary nursery for young white sharks, providing them with a refuge from predators.
Researchers at MIT have designed a polymer material that can change its structure in response to different wavelengths of light, converting from rigid to softer and self-healing states. The material, composed of polymers attached to a light-sensitive molecule, can reversibly switch between two different topological states.
A new University of Guelph study found that exposure to positive comments on social media improved participants' attitudes about recovery from non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The study suggests that harnessing social media and online content can instill hope, foster recovery, and provide reliable resources.