Scientists have developed a new drug discovery system that can specifically target phosphatase enzymes, which were previously considered undruggable. The system identified a molecule that successfully targeted a phosphatase to reduce accumulation of disease-associated proteins in mouse brains.
Research on cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promising results in treating rare seizure disorders, with clinical trials halving the number of seizures in 40% of children and young adults. However, more studies are needed to determine its efficacy for other ailments, as some patients experienced side effects.
Researchers have discovered that using information to extract work on a quantum scale is possible, but it comes with a catch: some information may be lost in the process. Quantum backaction allows researchers to measure particles without fully collapsing their superposition states, resulting in negative information.
A national clinical trial found that prehospital plasma transfusion can reduce mortality in traumatically injured patients with severe bleeding. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a 9.8% increase in survival rates among patients who received two units of plasma during air medical transport.
A 20-kilometer-wide lake of liquid water has been detected beneath Mars' southern ice cap using the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding instrument. The presence of dissolved salts could lower the melting point, allowing the lake to remain liquid
A new study found that kissing up to the boss can lead to depleted self-control resources, increasing susceptibility to bad behavior such as incivility and skipping meetings. Employees with high political skill were less prone to engage in deviance after performing impression management.
New class of materials has been identified that can be used to make batteries that charge faster. Lithium ions move through the materials at rates that exceed typical electrode materials, resulting in a much faster-charging battery. The researchers found that these materials, known as niobium tungsten oxides, do not result in higher en...
Current tropical forests' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide is being compromised by deforestation and climate change, threatening global temperature rise goals. Researchers estimate that forests are currently absorbing as much CO2 as they generate through deforestation and degradation.
Australian researchers have discovered a team of tiny molecules, called microRNAs, that can reverse a 'switch' in cancer cells making them less aggressive. The discovery could lead to safer and more effective cancer treatments by combining the molecules with chemotherapy.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new combination therapy using three drugs to block growth from without and within, potentially relieving resistance in lung cancer patients. The approach was successful in mice and may help extend the lives of thousands of lung cancer patients.
Researchers found a significant drop in hospital admissions for toxic effects of so-called legal highs after UK government restrictions and local council measures were implemented. This led to healthcare savings, suggesting that these measures were effective in preventing drug-related harm.
Researchers at Nemours Children's Hospital investigated Zika's effects on neuroblastoma cell lines, finding potential as a treatment option. The virus targets developing nerve cells while leaving normal cells alone, providing hope for new therapies.
A new theory suggests that a dynamical system singularity may not be a physical reality, allowing the universe to evolve infinitely. The study, published in Physical Review D, proposes an alternate gravity model that includes quadratic scalar invariants and corresponds with Alexei Starobinsky's inflational theory.
A team of mathematicians from around the world collaborated to solve real-world problems faced by industry. By applying mathematical models to the manufacture of stackable fabricated potato chips, they aimed to predict cooking times, optimize chip position, and improve the overall efficiency of the process.
A team of EPFL researchers has created a new type of transistor using excitons, enabling effective operation at room temperature. The breakthrough uses two 2D materials to manipulate exciton lifespans and control their movement, paving the way for optoelectronic devices with reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency.
Researchers have developed a hybrid origami drone that can switch between stiff and flexible structures depending on the situation. The drone's unique structure allows it to absorb shock upon impact, reducing damage and increasing safety.
A new study found that men's reports of lifetime sexual partners are skewed by extreme numbers and estimating rather than counting, contributing to the notorious 'gender gap'. Adjusting for attitudes towards casual sex and excluding paid-for partners narrowed the gap.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed a technique to fabricate ceramic ultra-thin films using solution process, achieving high power conversion efficiency. The technique eliminates the need for heating, drastically reducing production cost and environmental impact.
The study shows that increased liquidity leads to a more volatile appetite for risk in the market, causing all stocks to become more risky. This volatility affects the Sharpe ratio, which measures excess return for additional risk, ultimately making investors need compensation for taking on higher-risk assets.
Typhoon Wukong developed a clearly visible eye in a NASA Terra satellite image on July 25, 2018. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 65 knots (75 mph) at the time of observation, and forecasters predict it will quickly weaken as it tracks over cooler waters.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that adults who use sunless tanning products continue to engage in risky tanning behaviors, such as indoor tanning and sunburn. The researchers suggest that these products may inadvertently reinforce desires for tanned skin, making them ineffective in reducing skin cancer rates.
A new web-based mapping tool shows the land laid bare by mountaintop coal mining in central Appalachia each year, going back more than three decades. The tool estimates that between 1985 and 2015, an average of 21,000 acres was converted to bare earth and rubble annually.
An international team of materials scientists developed a way to boost the efficiency of organic solar cells by incorporating fluorine atoms in polymers. This process increased cell efficiency from 3.7% to 10.2%, making polymer-based cells a promising technology for power generation.
A KAIST team introduced Agile 3D Sketching with Air Scaffolding, combining hand motions and pen-based sketching to create 3D shapes. The technique allows designers to reduce time while enhancing accuracy in defining proportion and scale of products.
The ANRS CLEAC study found that early antiretroviral therapy in infants reduces the risk of death in early childhood and decreases the viral reservoir, promoting a healthier immune system. This benefit persists into late childhood and even adulthood, marking a significant milestone in HIV treatment.
Researchers developed a sensor to detect early-stage Parkinson's disease from patient breath, achieving 79% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The device detected differences in the exhaled breath of newly diagnosed patients, outperforming diagnostic smell tests and ultrasound scans.
Researchers emphasize need for more targeted trials to detect potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease, citing only 42 active trials on disease-modifying therapies. The study also identifies promising compounds and approaches to target amyloid and tau proteins, as well as repositioning existing drugs.
The Centauro robot has been designed to assist rescue workers in disaster scenarios, with capabilities including robust locomotion, high strength manipulation, and harsh interactions. Its mobility skills have been validated through various tasks, such as manipulating heavy objects and breaking wood pieces.
Ben Kirtman, a University of Miami Rosenstiel School professor, has been recognized as an American Meteorological Society Fellow for his outstanding work in weather, water and climate. He is known for developing prediction systems and studying the limits of climate predictability.
Australian researchers found that follistatin, a naturally occurring hormone, can enhance the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy and prevent kidney damage in lung cancer patients. The 'two birds, one stone' approach has shown promising results in mouse models.
Scientists have identified a new target for treating pneumonia, which shows promise in restoring tight barriers and improving fluid clearance. The target is ENaC-alpha, a subunit of natural channels that mediate sodium uptake and play a role in fluid movement.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new experimental protocol to create synthetic fossils in the lab. This method uses sediment filtration to mimic the conditions of deep burial and has successfully preserved soft tissues, including feathers and leaves, similar to exceptional fossils. The findings offer insights i...
A new study reveals that El Niño diversity arises from the interaction between Eastern and Central Pacific oscillations, leading to irregular occurrence and complex behavior. This understanding is crucial for predicting El Niño events accurately in a warming world.
Research on ancient coral cores from the Great Barrier Reef reveals two distinct periods of rapid sea level fluctuations between 22,000 and 19,000 years ago. These findings challenge current understanding of glacier dynamics and suggest that climate models may need to be revised to account for faster changes.
Thyroid cancer incidence has tripled in the US over 25 years, with over 50,000 people diagnosed annually. Experts propose measures to reduce overtreatment, such as active surveillance for small papillary thyroid cancers and more conservative surgical approaches like lobectomy.
The James Webb Space Telescope boasts unparalleled capabilities, including a revolutionary lightweight carbon-composite material and exceptional load-bearing capability in extreme temperatures. Its advanced design enables it to unfold flawlessly by remote control and operate at extremely low temperatures.
A new study finds contact sports associated with an increased risk of Lewy Body Disease (LBD), which can cause Parkinson's disease and dementia. LBD was linked to problems with movement, cognition, depression, sleep, and visual hallucinations, independent of CTE pathology.
The US Department of Energy awards Rice University researchers $1.1 million to develop single-particle spectroscopy techniques and analyze mechanisms to improve nanoparticle-based electrocatalysts. The goal is to fine-tune nanoscale electrocatalysts for future applications in various industrial processes.
A new screening tool developed at the University of British Columbia can pinpoint the highest risks of forced labor in seafood supply chains. The tool was tested with 18 companies and identified areas where working conditions met minimum principles, were unknown, or were inadequate.
Namibia achieved high levels of viral load suppression among women and adults, with progress attributed to targeted expansion of prevention and treatment services. However, gaps remain in western Africa, particularly among young women and men, highlighting the need for expanded primary HIV prevention and treatment resources.
The symposium highlighted new discoveries about oral exRNA biology, providing insights into saliva's unique fraction of exogenous RNA. Researchers discussed leveraging salivary extracellular RNA to improve research and practice in the field of dental and oral health.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego discovered that bacterial communities employ percolation theory to effectively communicate over long distances. This strategy allows cells to signal each other and maintain a balanced community by regulating growth and resource distribution.
A systematic review suggests that active patient engagement can inform education, tools, planning, and policy, leading to improved quality of care and governance. Higher levels of patient engagement are associated with more substantial outcomes, such as redesigning care systems and adding support services.
The SPRINT MIND Study found significant reductions in the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and combined risk of MCI plus all-cause dementia through intensive blood pressure control. This study provides the strongest evidence to date on reducing MCI and dementia risk through cardiovascular disease treatment.
A new study by a Virginia Tech geoscientist reveals that the Yellowstone super-volcano was powered by a gigantic ancient oceanic plate, not heat from the Earth's core. This ancient plate broke into pieces, resulting in explosive volcanic eruptions over the past 16 million years.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have identified a signaling pathway that activates the NLRP3 inflammasome implicated in several severe chronic inflammatory disorders. Blocking the CMPK2 enzyme may result in new treatments for osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and lung cancer.
The study found that provinces receiving high PEPFAR funding experienced significant reductions in infant mortality, saving the lives of many Kenyan children. However, the effectiveness of the program varies across countries and regions with different HIV prevalence rates.
A recent study by Anna Neuheimer and colleagues found that adult fish adjust their spawning time to match the timing of their prey, allowing their offspring to survive. This adaptation is crucial for population size and future fisheries catch, as it enables young fish to meet their food needs in a seasonal environment.
Researchers at Field Museum create 'Easy-Bake fossils' by simulating the fossilization process in a lab, allowing for more accurate interpretations of ancient organisms. The method enables scientists to study the preservation of soft tissues and biomolecules, shedding light on evolution and biology.
A recent study found that patients who smoke often misunderstand the benefits and limitations of lung cancer screenings. While LDCT scans can lower mortality rates, they do not reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to prevent this disease.
Rural East African communities that hosted annual health fairs saw higher overall survival and viral suppression rates compared to standard care. Annual multi-disease health fairs delivered patient-centered, streamlined HIV care, resulting in fewer new HIV cases, better control of hypertension and diabetes, and lower TB rates.
A recent study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that over half of female students in Ontario experience moderate to serious psychological distress. The survey also revealed a strong link between technology use and mental health issues, with 20% of students spending five or more hours on social media daily.
Researchers discovered that MMP20, an enzyme essential for tooth development, degrades the basement membrane to initiate enamel formation. The study's findings suggest that MMP20 plays a crucial role in regulating tooth growth and may be involved in various dental disorders.
The incidence of tickborne infections in the US has risen significantly over the past decade. Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, accounts for most reported cases, with over 30,000 annual cases in the US but an estimated 10 times that number.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that unisexual salamanders rarely borrow DNA from other species, despite persisting for millions of years. The study suggests that their unique reproductive strategy may be linked to environmental changes or specific interactions with other species.
Contrary to expectations, diamond doves don't adjust their movements to accommodate flexible perches. They use generalized behaviors regardless of perch stiffness, losing energy during takeoff on flexible branches.
Researchers developed a novel antibacterial glass ionomer cement with chlorhexidine-encapsulated mesoporous silica, which significantly enhances anti-biofilm ability and maintains mechanical properties. The study proposes a new strategy for preventing secondary caries by using this modified GIC.
A recent study published in Journal of Dental Research found a strong correlation between the amount and frequency of sugars intake among children. Reducing consumption frequency leads to decreased amount consumed, highlighting the importance of balanced diet habits for oral health.
Scientists at Scripps Research discovered that inhibiting Rad52 can target and kill tumors with a deficient gene, such as triple-negative breast cancers. This approach exploits synthetic lethality, where cells with both defects die, reducing side effects and toxicity.
Researchers found an inverse association between Mediterranean diet adherence and psoriasis severity, suggesting patients with severe psoriasis adhered less strongly to the diet. The study analyzed data from over 35,000 participants and used a scoring system to assess dietary adherence.