Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy method to target damaged kidney cells, which could lead to improved treatment for chronic kidney disease. The approach uses adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver genetic material to targeted cells, showing promise in slowing or reversing cell damage.
A recent study by University of Queensland researchers has uncovered a new brain pathway that enables zebrafish to detect and respond to visual threats from predators. The findings reveal that the thalamus plays a crucial role in processing visual information, which is then transmitted to other parts of the brain for escape responses.
Researchers have created a water-soluble molecule that can measure pressure in solution, offering new possibilities for materials sciences, catalysis, and other fields. The molecular ruby-based system shows promising results with high sensitivity, outperforming traditional gemstone ruby measurements.
Researchers discovered that spiders can detect and respond to electric fields, which provide lift and trigger ballooning behavior. The study suggests that variation in atmospheric electric fields may explain dispersal patterns in spiders and other animals.
A genetic marker associated with salt sensitivity in blood pressure has been discovered, which could lead to a simple diagnostic test. The finding is relevant given that nearly all US adults exceed the recommended daily salt intake and is linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
The NHS treats over 2 million wounds annually at a cost of £5.3 billion. Professor Peter Vowden highlights the need for improved systems of care to reduce this burden.
A large-scale screening of antibiotic combinations has identified over 500 pairs that improve antibiotic effectiveness against multi-drug resistant bacteria. These pairings could help combat antibiotic resistance by selectively targeting harmful bacterial species, reducing the development of resistance and its transmission.
A new study investigates the extremely rapid changes in electron density in specific sites of the caffeine molecule using ultra-fast laser pulses. The results show that positive charge migration along a molecular backbone depends on the timing and interplay of ionisation channels.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with changes to brain structure similar to those seen in early-stage dementia. The study suggests that screening for OSA and treating it could help prevent dementia in older adults.
An international research team has identified a new LysM receptor kinase called NRFe involved in the symbiosis between legumes and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. The study found that NRFe plays a crucial role in robust symbiotic signalling in Lotus japonicus.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between left-right brain asymmetry and melatonin production in fish, shedding light on pineal gland function. The study found that a protein called Bsx controls the development of the pineal complex, leading to disrupted sleep-wake cycles.
The Gaia Sausage refers to an ancient head-on collision between the Milky Way and a smaller dwarf galaxy, dubbed the Sausage galaxy. The impact, which occurred around 8-10 billion years ago, reshaped the galaxy's structure, forming its inner bulge and outer halo.
A study by the European Commission Joint Research Centre found that even with strong efforts, residual carbon emissions will reach over 1000 gigatons by the end of the century, exceeding the level needed to achieve the 1.5°C target. Accelerated energy efficiency improvements and electrification are necessary to limit warming.
A study published in The BMJ found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are associated with reduced risks of major bleeding compared to warfarin. Apixaban was shown to have the lowest numbers needed to treat over six months to avoid one extra major bleed.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that mothers' adherence to healthy lifestyle practices can significantly lower the risk of childhood obesity. The study, which examined data from over 24,000 children and their mothers, found that following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy wei...
A new study reveals that African savanna herbivores can extract useful information from alarm calls of other species, particularly those with similar predators. The research found that herbivores respond strongly to alarm calls from vulnerable species, but also exhibit an independent effect of acoustic similarity.
Researchers from IST Austria introduce a new framework to overcome social dilemmas and foster cooperation, considering feedback that affects players' actions. The framework extends the theory of repeated games, enabling the design of systems that maximize cooperation.
An international team of astronomers tested the Strong Equivalence Principle using a unique triple star system. They found that even extremely dense neutron stars fall at the same rate as lighter objects, confirming Einstein's general theory of relativity.
The University of Sussex has successfully tested 5G technology, delivering 100 times faster broadband speeds than traditional 4G networks. This achievement paves the way for faster data rates, increased productivity, and the potential to revolutionize industries such as manufacturing and automotive.
A team of astronomers tested Einstein's theory of general relativity using a three-star system and found almost no detectable difference between the pulsar and inner white dwarf, indicating little room for alternative theories of gravity. The study confirms that relativity still applies even in extreme gravity systems.
Primary care physicians can play a crucial role in addressing the opioid overdose crisis by expanding access to medication-assisted treatment. Buprenorphine treatment has been shown to be effective in treating opioid use disorder, but its adoption is hindered by misconceptions and barriers. Expanding primary care buprenorphine treatmen...
A new study by University of Sussex researchers recommends targeting highly educated women and retirees for electric vehicle sales, citing their environmental awareness and characteristics that make them ideal customers. The study highlights the need for a nuanced approach to increase electric car ownership, transcending gender neutral...
A study published in Microbiome found that maternal diet during pregnancy can influence the infant gut microbiome, with varying effects depending on delivery mode. Vaginal delivery was associated with a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium and Enterobactericeae, while caesarean section was linked to increased Streptococcus and Clostridium.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found a clear correlation between elevated blood glucose levels in mothers and the risk of heart defects in their babies. Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk, especially those with high blood glucose levels during early pregnancy.
Researchers at Tohoku University studied the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake to understand the causal mechanism. They used seismic tomography and found that both the upper Okhotsk plate and lower Pacific plate contributed to the formation of a hard patch responsible for the earthquake.
The unique properties of horseshoe crab blood make it invaluable for drug and safety testing, but over-harvesting poses significant risks to the species' health and ecosystem. Alternative tests and conservation strategies are needed to ensure a sustainable supply.
Bacteria can reduce liquid viscosity and make it flow frictionlessly. Researchers at the University of Bristol found that bacterial suspensions can exhibit negative viscosity, a phenomenon previously thought impossible in physics. This discovery could lead to the development of bacteria-powered machines.
The CNIC is leading a five-year Leducq Network project investigating genetic and environmental factors that promote clonal hematopoiesis and its link to cardiovascular disease. The project aims to understand the impact of clones on cardiovascular health and explore ways to modify their effects.
A new study found that moths with larger hindwings and longer tails have a higher chance of escaping bats due to their ability to deflect sonar. Researchers tested four different hindwing shapes in real-time dogfights between bats and moths, revealing that the larger the hindwings and longer the tails, the better the moths' chances.
A study published in Science Advances suggests replacing rice with alternative crops like maize, finger millet, or sorghum could reduce irrigation water demand by 33 percent while improving iron and zinc production. However, more research is needed to evaluate the potential benefits on a case-by-case basis for each district.
Researchers developed thermally and chemically durable organic frameworks with large surface areas and fluorescence properties. The new materials have wide specific surface areas and can withstand high temperatures and acidic environments.
Scientists have identified two small-molecule compounds that specifically target the STING protein, which plays a key role in triggering an immune response. These compounds effectively blocked STING-mediated cellular activation and demonstrated therapeutic potential in mouse models of autoinflammatory disease.
New research found that natural car vibrations cause sleepiness in drivers within 15 minutes, impacting cognitive performance. The study suggests incorporating features to disrupt vibration-induced drowsiness in future car seat designs.
A randomized trial found that a 14-week nut-rich diet significantly improved sperm quality, including increased count, vitality, and motility. The study also showed a reduction in sperm DNA fragmentation, associated with better male fertility.
Researchers at McGill University used sMRI and PET scans to track brain degeneration in early-stage Alzheimer's disease, revealing a link between cholinergic neurons and cortical regions. The study suggests that combining PET with sMRI may be a powerful tool for diagnosing Alzheimer's before cognitive symptoms appear.
Researchers have discovered a possible treatment approach for cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), the most common cause of dementia and stroke in older adults. Studies with rats showed that treating SVD can reverse changes in blood vessels in the brain associated with the condition, as well as prevent damage to brain cells.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have created a new tagging device called FerriTag that allows for the precise visualization of proteins within human cells. This breakthrough method eliminates the need for external tags, reducing cell damage and enabling more accurate studies on protein behavior.
A team of researchers at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science has discovered a gene in plants called Heat Inducible Lipase 1 (HIL1) that helps protect them from excessive heat. This gene enables plants to modify their fats, which stabilize chloroplast membranes and prevent damage from high temperatures.
The journal has published 4103 articles, 45 newly described animal families, and 8977 species, with a focus on open access and collaboration. Recent issues include a study on mid-sized carnivores in urbanized Europe and the discovery of a new shrub frog species in China.
Research at Osaka University reveals SATB1's vital role in maintaining pluripotency of hematopoietic stem cells, influencing self-renewal ability and lymphoid lineage differentiation. High SATB1 expression enhances lymphoid differentiation ability.
Researchers at Caltech developed an artificial neural network made of DNA that can accurately identify handwritten numbers. The network, designed by Kevin Cherry, uses a 'winner take all' competitive strategy and undergoes complex reactions to classify molecular information.
Physicists have developed two novel principles for optical spectroscopy, allowing for the direct observation of excitation-excitation interactions and energy transport in systems. This breakthrough enables the study of dynamic properties such as energy transport in natural light-harvesting systems and artificial dye aggregates.
A new study led by Francisco Ramírez from the University of Barcelona identifies key areas to protect 20% of sea bird populations in Patagonia. The research uses a multidisciplinary approach to define marine areas of interest in conservation, considering ocean currents and coastal ecosystems.
Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study DNA supercoiling and its impact on knot formation. They found that supercoiled regions can persistently lock in place critical contact points in DNA knots, making it easier for specialized enzymes to untie them.
Researchers found that past warming events suggest climate models underestimate long-term warming and amplification of warmth in polar regions. Sea levels may rise six meters or more even if the world meets the 2°C target, according to an international team of researchers from 17 countries.
A recent study reveals that the fastest rates of species formation occur at high latitudes and in cold ocean waters, contradicting the long-held assumption that tropical environments are evolutionary hot spots. The research found that cool-water and polar ocean fishes formed new species twice as fast as average tropical fish.
Researchers have determined the atomic structure of the Origin Recognition Complex (ORC) bound to DNA, revealing its role in selecting replication origins. The study reveals that ORC selects DNA sites based on their unique structure rather than specific base sequences.
Scientists used tiny radio tags attached to Asian hornets to track them to five previously undiscovered nests in southern France and Jersey. The technique has the potential to help protect Britain's beleaguered pollinator populations from the invasive species' devastating impact on honeybees and other pollinators.
A new review of evidence suggests the brown bear may have gone extinct earlier than thought, with dates ranging from late Neolithic to early medieval periods. The study aims to clarify the unclear previous evidence and sheds light on the possible reasons behind their extinction.
A recent study published in Science Advances analyzed the most complete foot of an ancient juvenile Australopithecus afarensis, discovered in Ethiopia. The findings suggest that the child spent more time in trees than adults, utilizing its backup plan to survive despite walking upright at a young age.
Researchers found that stabilizing dysfunctional endothelial cells with approved drugs reverses cellular dysfunction in a rat model of cerebral small vessel disease. The study suggests a potential new treatment for vascular dementia, which is a major cause of cognitive disability in the elderly.
A study published in The BMJ found that children of mothers who follow a healthy lifestyle have a substantially lower risk of developing obesity. The research suggests that if both mothers and their children stick to a healthy lifestyle, this could result in an even further reduction in the risk of childhood obesity.
An international team of scientists has successfully created a hybrid embryo from Southern White Rhino eggs and Northern White Rhino sperm using assisted reproduction techniques. The breakthrough is published in Nature Communications today, offering hope for the survival of the endangered species.
A nearly complete foot from Dikika, Ethiopia, exhibits ape-like foot characteristics that challenge the long-held assumption of bipedalism in A. afarensis. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of bipedality and highlights the importance of juvenile specimens in understanding trait development.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new co-design technique that merges the design of antenna and electronics, resulting in improved modulation and reduced waste heat. The innovation enables longer talk time and higher data rates in millimeter wave wireless communication devices for future 5G applications.
Researchers have determined the entire DNA sequence of pneumococci isolated from patient blood, relating genetic variation to over twenty disease manifestations. The study identified specific bacterial genes linked to infection severity and mortality, providing new diagnostic tools.
A team of researchers from TU Wien has successfully guided sound waves through an air-filled tube containing irregular obstacles using their wave manipulation concept. By precisely controlling loudspeakers along the tube, they were able to counteract complex dispersal and enable the sound wave to pass with minimal restriction.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a sound wave-based platform that can separate circulating tumor cells from blood samples with high efficiency, making it suitable for clinical use. The technology uses acoustic force to push larger cancer cells into a separate channel, preserving the functions and native states of the cells.
Researchers have characterized plasma turbulence at the outer edge of Wendelstein 7-X, a critical step in understanding how to build energy-producing reactors. The study reveals that turbulence propagates in the direction of ion flow and changes character upon changes in magnetic topology.
A new study found that surgeons have a substantial impact on genetic testing rates among breast cancer patients who need it. High-volume surgeons were more likely to refer patients for testing, while those with lower volumes saw less of a correlation between risk factors and testing rates.