Scientists from ANU and overseas have discovered the oldest colours in the geological record, dating back 1.1 billion years. The bright pink pigments were extracted from marine black shales of the Taoudeni Basin in Mauritania, West Africa, and are more than half a billion years older than previous pigment discoveries.
Scientists have created a new way to selectively turn neural circuits on and off without surgery. By combining ultrasound waves, gene therapy, and synthetic drugs, researchers can noninvasively control specific brain regions and cell types. This technique has implications for treating neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Researchers at MIT developed nanoparticle 'backpacks' that hold immune-stimulating drugs and attach them directly to T cells, enhancing their activity without harmful side effects. In a study of mice, the approach led to tumor disappearance in over half of treated animals, offering new hope for treating solid tumors.
Research found that popular mental health apps portray mental health as ubiquitous and manageable through self-help apps, potentially leading to overdiagnosis. The study's authors caution that this approach can be problematic, especially for those with severe mental health issues, who may need external support.
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) recognizes Dr. Andrew Adey's contributions to cancer development and progression research. His novel single-cell technologies are being used worldwide to understand epigenetics and disease models.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that senolytic drugs can significantly improve health span and life span in elderly mice by removing senescent cells. The study showed that administering senolytics orally improved physical function, increased daily activity, and extended remaining life span by 36 percent.
Scientists have discovered genetic mutations in healthy people's blood that can reveal their high risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) years before they develop the disease. The study found that blood tests can identify these changes, which could lead to earlier detection and monitoring of people at risk.
Typhoon Maria appeared as a well-organized storm on July 9, with coldest cloud top temperatures reaching minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA's predictions indicate the storm will maintain typhoon status and make landfall in southeastern China on July 11.
A new study found that levels of α-Gal antibodies vary with age and are higher in low transmission zones. IgM response was associated with protection against clinical malaria, especially in infants, while total IgG were linked to malaria risk. The results suggest α-Gal could be a promising molecule for future malaria vaccines
Researchers have found that widespread transfer of genes between species has radically changed the genomes of today's mammals. L1 and BovB jumping genes were transferred between 759 species across various domains of life, including plants, animals, fungi, reptiles, and insects.
Researchers identified clusters of circulating tumour cells in blood samples from patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, which had not spread to other organs. The presence or absence of these clusters was associated with the spread of cancer to other organs.
Young baseball players who exceed pitch count limits are more prone to elbow injuries. Researchers found that throwing high numbers of pitches per day and games played were associated with an increased risk of pain.
A new study shows that young patients who underwent surgery for isolated meniscus tears between 1990 and 2005 experienced significant improvements in functional outcomes. The average IKDC score increased from pre-operative levels, indicating a lasting improvement in knee health.
A recent study suggests that young athletes with shoulder instability can benefit from arthroscopic stabilization when properly selected. The procedure resulted in low revision surgery rates (6%) and high return to sport rates (82%) at a minimum follow-up of 2 years.
PCRAM researchers review the development of phase change materials and propose a new understanding based on octahedral structure motifs and vacancies. This leads to decreased power consumption in phase transitions, enabling nanosecond or even sub-nanosecond operation.
Researchers create nanodevices using kirigami-inspired technique to filter out circularly polarized light, potentially enabling new applications in sensing, computation, and communications systems. The approach could lead to smaller, more efficient detectors and nanoscale optical isolators for laser optical communications systems.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have developed an algorithm to better identify seriously ill hospitalized patients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their medical care. The data-driven approach aims to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures and improve end-of-life planning.
The foundation awarded six new Damon Runyon Clinical Investigators, who will receive $450,000 each to develop their cancer research programs. Three others received Continuation Grants totaling $300,000, supporting their ongoing research.
NASA's Aqua satellite gathered temperature data on Hurricane Beryl, showing coldest cloud top temperatures near -70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is a compact hurricane with hurricane-force winds extending up to 10 miles from the center.
A new study by UCL academics found that people from smaller cities are twice as likely to migrate than those from larger cities. The research revealed that the size of origin and destination cities significantly impact migration behavior.
Particle physicists at TU Dresden have observed the scattering of W and Z bosons in two different processes, providing new insights into the weak interaction. This discovery is one of the outstanding results presented at ICHEP2018 and involves a collaboration with research groups from around the world.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that exposure to greenspace reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. People living close to nature also experience reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels.
A new study found that six out of eight state-level policies aimed at reducing alcohol use during pregnancy have unintended consequences, leading to worse birth outcomes. These policies included mandatory warning signs, child abuse laws, and civil commitment laws, which made women reluctant to seek prenatal care.
Researchers identified phosphatidylethanoloamine as a potent anti-inflammatory lipid found in Francisella tularensis bacteria, which can impair host immune response. Synthetic versions of the lipid also showed therapeutic potential against dengue fever virus.
A UCLA-led energy research center will accelerate research on new types of chemistry and materials for rechargeable batteries, increasing capacity, stability and safety. The center aims to impact intermittent renewable energy sources and electric vehicles.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified the body's microreactors for innate immunity, which could lead to novel treatments for infections and autoimmune diseases. The discovery involves a DNA-sensing enzyme that forms droplets that act as tiny bioreactors creating molecules to stimulate the immune system.
People with opioid use report higher rates of physical and mental health conditions, as well as other substance use. Opioid intensity is also associated with increased involvement in the criminal justice system.
A study by the University of Portsmouth found that potentially 180 deaths in British waters from 2007-2016 were avoidable if victims wore lifejackets. Anglers aged 41-50 are at highest risk, with leisure angling having the second-highest fatality rate.
Scientists adapted thermal proteome profiling technique to study bacteria's protein behavior, revealing novel drug resistance mechanisms and insights into bacterial cell function. The technique allows researchers to investigate thousands of proteins simultaneously, offering potential breakthroughs in understanding antibiotic resistance.
New research using ancient DNA from 8,000-year-old skeletons in Southeast Asia has resolved a long-standing controversy about the origins of the region's population. The study found that present-day Southeast Asian populations derive ancestry from at least four ancient populations, contradicting both competing theories.
Researchers at University of Innsbruck investigate proton exchange reaction using laser-induced vibration excitation. They find that the laser does not enhance the reaction, but rather amplifies a competing reaction process, highlighting the importance of controlling molecular interactions in chemical reactions.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered a critical link between DNA binding by ETS transcription factors and the onset of melanoma. By mapping UV-induced DNA damage throughout the human genome, they found elevated mutation rates at specific genes, confirming UV-induced DNA damage as a major risk factor for melanoma.
A new HIV vaccine candidate has triggered desired immune responses in humans and monkeys, demonstrating robust protection against infection. The 'mosaic' vaccine contains a patchwork of genetic sequences found among various HIV strains, providing broad protection against the many strains prevalent worldwide.
Researchers at MIT have developed a machine-learning model that automates molecule design for pharmaceuticals, speeding up the process while producing better results. The model uses molecular graphs to select lead molecule candidates and modify their structures for higher potency.
A new research alliance in Bavaria is investigating the impact of climate change on ecosystems, focusing on four subprojects: measuring biodiversity and ecosystem performance, simulating climate scenarios and drought stress, landscape types and adaptability, and investigating vegetation with satellite data.
Patients with heart failure experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety are at higher risk for progressive heart disease and adverse outcomes. Psychotherapy may offer advantages over medications as a treatment option for these patients.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed a revolutionary approach to 'freeze' bacteria using synthetic reproductions of natural antifreeze proteins, improving preservation and application in various industries. The new technique outperforms traditional methods, reducing additives and increasing recovery rates.
A recent study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that obesity and overweight are associated with chronic disease risks for survivors of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study included 7,287 adults with TBI who underwent inpatient acute rehabilitation.
Tropical Storm Fabio's strong convection has dissipated, replaced by a swirl of low- to mid-level clouds. Ocean swells from the system are causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along southern California and Baja California coasts.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering is leading a $1 million project to advance design and manufacture of nuclear plant components via 3D printing. The team aims to develop innovative dissolvable supports, topology optimization, and microstructure design to reduce costs and improve structural integrity.
Researchers have found that injection of adalimumab into Dupuytren's disease nodules reduces the development of myofibroblasts, the cell type causing Dupuytren's disease. The study shows promising results, bringing new hope to patients with this disabling condition.
Researchers used high-energy laser beams and optical sensors to observe nitrogen behavior at extreme conditions, confirming it exists as a liquid metal. The findings shed light on the fundamental nature of nitrogen and its potential role in the planet's atmosphere evolution.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism of estrogen receptor signaling regulated by fibronectin, which boosts cancer cell growth and survival. Fibronectin prolongs the activity of estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, allowing them to become resistant to common endocrine therapy drugs.
Researchers develop a novel approach to create tailored, tough polymers for 3D printing. The new method uses an ester-activated vinyl sulfonate ester as a chain transfer agent, reducing the risk of shrinkage cracks and increasing material flexibility.
The University of Hong Kong research team developed a C-reactive protein sensor integrated onto a medical catheter, enabling real-time CRP sensing with a thickness less than one micrometer. This allows doctors to take immediate actions, speeding up testing and curing of inflammation by 30 times.
A new HIV vaccine candidate has been shown to be safe and induce an immune response in both healthy adults and rhesus monkeys. The vaccine protected against infection with an HIV-like virus in monkeys and showed comparable results to those seen in humans, paving the way for a phase 2b clinical efficacy trial.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed smart bandages with integrated pH and temperature sensors that can detect infection and inflammation. These bandages can deliver targeted drug treatments to improve the chances of healing for chronic wounds, which are a significant medical problem affecting millions of people worldwide.
Researchers found that consuming savory umami-rich broths can cause subtle changes in the brain that promote healthy eating behaviors. The study used laboratory tools to detect changes in brain activity while participants made food choices, and found that the broth reduced saturated fat intake in those at higher risk of obesity.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a new method for turning skin cells into pluripotent stem cells by activating the cell's own genes, eliminating the need for artificial gene introduction. This breakthrough enables efficient and physiological cellular reprogramming using CRISPRa technology.
A recent study found that antibiotic susceptibility assays may yield unreliable results due to variations in inoculum levels. The findings suggest that clinical microbiology laboratories must adhere closely to standardized methods and target inoculum levels to obtain accurate testing results.
Researchers developed a logic-based model incorporating information about developmental signaling pathways to predict disease progression and outcome in neuroblastoma. The model proved accurate in predicting outcomes in children less than 2 years old with 91% accuracy.
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have successfully metallized nitrogen under extreme conditions, revealing a pressure-temperature region above 125 GPa and 2500 K. This breakthrough sheds light on the interplay between molecular dissociation, melting, and metallization in nitrogen.
A study published in Scientific Reports refutes the long-held hypothesis that zebra stripes aid cooling, instead revealing no significant temperature difference between black and white stripes.
Researchers have discovered a potential malaria vaccine target in the ICAM1 binding motif, which is critical to the parasite's virulence. Children with higher antibody levels to this motif had lower rates of clinical and severe malaria.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have developed a technique to manipulate molecules within cells, enabling precise targeting and minimizing side effects. This breakthrough has significant potential for treating diseases such as cancer, autism, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered biomarkers that can accurately identify hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, a rare but increasingly common strain of the bacterium. The discovery provides a clear roadmap for developing a diagnostic test to optimize patient care and epidemiologic surveillance.
The National Trends in Disability Employment - Monthly Update (nTIDE) reports a modest downturn in employment for working-age people with disabilities, marking the end of a 26-month job gain trend. The labor force participation rate also decreased, from 33.0% in June 2017 to 32.5% in June 2018.
A new approach uses machine learning to generate computer-generated X-rays to supplement real images, increasing the size of training sets for AI systems. This method improves classification accuracy for common and rare conditions by up to 40%, overcoming a challenge in applying artificial intelligence to medicine.
Researchers discover mTORC1 regulates cell growth and metabolism in developing T cells, favoring development of unconventional T cells. Disrupting mTORC1 leads to metabolic changes, altering T cell fate.
A fourth-generation retinoid, trifarotene, has been found to target only one particular retinoic acid receptor, reducing side effects. The study suggests that trifarotene may be particularly useful for treating large skin surface areas, such as the back and chest.