Researchers developed a hybrid catalyst that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen efficiently, addressing previous limitations of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. The new material, made of iridium dinuclear heterogeneous catalysts attached to a tungsten oxide substrate, offers improved stability and recyclability.
A rare genetic defect in the WDR1 protein impairs the ability of lymphocytes to rearrange their actin cytoskeleton, leading to aberrant T-cell activation and B-cell development. This study expands the phenotypic spectrum of WDR1 deficiency, highlighting its impact on both innate and adaptive immunity.
Researchers found that nanoplastics caused damage to the DNA and cell membranes of mussels, leading to oxidative stress and changes in gene expression. The study highlights the potential long-term consequences of consuming mussels contaminated with nanoplastics.
A Northwestern University study suggests that multiple pregnancies can lead to accelerated biological aging in women, as measured by telomere length and epigenetic age. Women with more pregnancies showed signs of faster cellular aging, even when currently pregnant, which challenges the idea that pregnancy itself makes women look younger.
A new study found that middle-aged individuals with orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, are at a greater risk of developing dementia and stroke decades later. Those with orthostatic hypotension had a 54% higher risk of dementia and twice the risk of ischemic stroke compared to those without it.
A study by researchers from the University of Bristol identified key risk factors for hip replacement infections, including patient age and health conditions. The research found that certain surgical approaches and implant materials reduced the risk of infection, while others increased it.
A study by Weizmann Institute researchers found that a gene normally protecting against cancer, p53, can switch allegiance in the tumor microenvironment, supporting cancer growth. Eliminating this protein from cancer-associated fibroblasts reduced their ability to promote tumor growth and metastasis.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered that meningeal lymphatic vessels in the brain play a crucial role in maintaining healthy brain function, and dysfunction can contribute to cognitive decline. Treating these vessels with a molecule increased fluid flow and improved learning and memory tasks in aged mice.
A new study by University of Illinois engineers shows that chemicals used to prevent mineral buildup in drinking water pipes can actually make biofilms thicker and softer, allowing bacteria to reproduce more easily. This can lead to increased risk of pathogen release and waterborne illness.
Researchers have discovered a second-generation drug that can silence the gene responsible for inherited ALS by injecting it into rodents. The new version of the drug is more effective at reducing SOD1 protein production and delaying disease progression. It may be ready for early-stage clinical trials.
Researchers confirm that pigeons rely on familiar smells to find their way home, not artificial odors. A study published in Journal of Comparative Physiology A found that pigeons exposed to natural environmental odorants performed significantly better at homing.
Rice University researchers found widespread contamination by E. coli and high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in water and sediment samples collected after Hurricane Harvey. These findings highlight the need for caution when handling stagnant floodwaters, especially for immunocompromised individuals or those with open wounds.
Researchers have successfully generated brain tissue with all major cell types using organoid technology, providing a more accurate representation of human brain development. This breakthrough enables the study of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease in laboratory-dish models.
Prof. Doron Lancet and colleagues propose a new chemical model that supports the 'Lipid World' concept, where lipids can store and transmit information, leading to compositional reproduction and Darwinian evolution. The researchers argue that life could emerge before DNA and RNA.
Researchers have discovered a new link between gene LLRK2 and Parkinson's disease, suggesting that therapies currently being developed for a small group of patients may benefit everyone with the disease. The study also found that LRRK2 plays a key role in clearing excess alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's.
A global biodiversity collapse is predicted unless concerted action is taken to reverse species loss in the tropics. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable development and effective conservation interventions to preserve and restore tropical habitats.
Researchers created an artificial enzyme that catalyzes a Diels-Alder reaction on the surfaces of living human cells, achieving up to a 50% yield. This breakthrough could lead to the development of therapeutic drugs targeted to specific organs and cells, reducing side effects.
A new compound with potential to treat visceral leishmaniasis has been discovered through collaboration between the University of Dundee, GSK and Wellcome. The compound works by inhibiting an enzyme called CRK12, offering a novel approach to tackling the disease.
Golden-crowned sparrows have different ways to assess dominance status depending on whether the interaction is with a familiar bird or a stranger. With familiar birds, social recognition governs dominance relationships, while with strangers, crown plumage takes center stage.
Researchers at Swansea University have identified a new species of venomous snake found only in Australia. The Weipa bandy-bandy, a small black and white banded snake, poses no risk to humans but its venom may hold potential for future drug developments.
Death rates from heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers are higher in low- and middle-income tropical countries compared to high-income Western nations. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, account for 90% of deaths in Western countries due to late diagnosis and inadequate treatments.
A study found that perinatally HIV-infected youth on integrase inhibitors have a higher risk of dental caries. The study also showed that initiating protease inhibitors at age six or older is associated with less gingival inflammation and lower DMFT scores.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new class of highly elastic aerogels with adjustable network density, allowing for tailored porosity. These materials exhibit excellent thermal insulation, surpassing conventional materials like polyurethane foam, and can be bent, rolled, twisted, and cut into desired shapes.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that soil microorganisms degrade films composed of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable polymer. This discovery demonstrates the true biodegradation of a plastic material in soils, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution.
A study by University of Warwick and Fudan University found strong connection between brain regions associated with short-term memory, self, and negative emotions in depression sufferers. This connection leads to increased rumination thoughts impairing sleep quality.
New research highlights the importance of targeted clinical trials to address the shortage, with 142 active trials worldwide and only 29 disease-modifying therapies in phase 2 or 3 development. The study suggests that considering biomarkers and risk factors can increase the power per patient screened to detect potential treatments.
Researchers have developed a new procedure to generate human brain 'organoids' capable of myelination, modeling the brain's structure and function more closely than ever. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding and treatment of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease.
A recent study reveals that the marine heatwave had a significant impact on fish and invertebrate communities across the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. The loss of coral was only part of the story, with changes also occurring in other animal populations.
A new study provides a roadmap for conservation efforts in human-modified landscapes, helping prioritize protection of fragile ecosystems. The research highlights the importance of forest cover and waterways in determining amphibian distributions.
Researchers have found that improving lymphatic vessel function can enhance cognitive ability in aged mice and reduce the accumulation of harmful amyloid plaques. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers developed a simple body-shape analysis method to identify the geographic origins of yellowtail snapper, outperforming more costly techniques. The method detected subtle differences in fish shape between locations, allowing accurate identification of 80% of the test sample.
New research suggests women respond positively to benevolent sexist gestures due to their ability to signal a willingness to protect and provide. Despite previous assumptions that such behaviors are undermining, women still find these men more attractive, even recognizing the potential harm.
According to Dr. Fauci, sustained ART-free remission involves suppressing latent virus without daily medication. Two approaches are being explored: intermittent non-ART interventions and stimulating the immune system to exert long-lasting control over HIV.
A new diagnostic blood test developed by Banyan Biomarkers Inc. has been validated to correctly identify 99.6% of patients without traumatic brain injury (TBI) on head CT scans. The test reduces unnecessary head CT scans, radiation exposure and healthcare costs associated with TBI treatment.
Researchers have demonstrated direct evidence of biodegradation of polymers like PBAT in agricultural soil, tracking carbon into CO2 and microbial biomass. The study suggests polyesters as a practical alternative to alleviate detrimental plastic accumulation.
Neural circuits use inhibition to adjust excitatory inputs, producing more selective responses. Inhibitory connections often originate from neurons that prefer opposite directions of motion.
The NY Genome Center will create tools for personalized treatment and tackle questions about tumor biology across genetically diverse populations. Researchers aim to improve outcomes for patients by increasing participation of underrepresented ethnic groups in genomic databases.
A recent study found that Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) is crucial for the self-renewal and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. Removal of PD-1 from these cells led to reduced proliferation rates, highlighting its importance in maintaining stem cell function.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that southwest Amazonia was a key region for early crop cultivation, with evidence of manioc, squash, and other crops dating back over 8,000 years. The findings indicate that people in the region transitioned to agriculture before 6,000 years ago, leading to landscape modification.
Scientists at the University of Washington have developed a method to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells by surface passivation, which significantly boosts their efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to thinner and more flexible solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency.
Researchers found that LRRK2 protein activity may contribute to Parkinson's disease development in up to three percent of patients without gene mutations. The study identified LRRK2 as a key player in neurobiological pathways affected by the disease.
New studies track transshipment of fish catch worldwide, revealing key findings on vessel types, fisheries involved and seafood supply chains. The research provides a complete, global view of transshipment and demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to address critical challenges.
A new light device has been developed by the University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Trust, showing an average 83% improvement rate in treating finger ulcers caused by systemic sclerosis. The therapy combines infrared, red, and ultraviolet light and can be administered at home, offering a potential game-changer for ulcer treatment.
Tropical Storm Jongdari strengthened into a tropical storm on July 24 with more organized bands of thunderstorms and deep convective banding. The storm is forecast to make landfall just south of Tokyo on July 28, moving in a northerly direction.
A new research study by Lehigh University's Eric P.S. Baumer found that current Facebook users are more likely to be middle-aged, female, not seeking employment, and from higher-income households. Respondents who had looked for work in the past four weeks were more likely to have deactivated their accounts. The study also reveals socio...
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that boys tend to form tighter-knit groups than girls in secondary school, with factors like location and schedule influencing their social networks. The research surveyed over 1,200 year 7 pupils across four UK schools, finding that popular children remain popular over time.
Researchers found that immune cells called neutrophils may be disrupting the moisturizing glands of the eyelid, causing dry eye. The study suggests that inflammation is a common cause of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and could lead to new treatment strategies.
A catheter-based procedure to close a type of 'hole in the heart' is strongly recommended for patients under 60 with a history of stroke, reducing the risk of future stroke more than antiplatelet therapy. The guideline also suggests anticoagulation over antiplatelet therapy for patients who value preventing strokes over risk of bleeding.
Scientists can now study the Sun's complex motions using sound waves captured by NASA and ESA. This sonification technique provides a unique probe into the star's inner workings, revealing huge rivers of solar material flowing around its core.
A team of international researchers has developed a lasing system that produces phonons, the energy products of oscillation, or vibration. By tuning the system to create resonance, they can trigger mechanical movement that generates an acoustic wave. This breakthrough could lead to new medical and materials science applications.
A study found that ciprofloxacin exposure accelerates the progression of aortic diseases in mouse models. The antibiotic disrupts the extracellular matrix, leading to cell death and tissue damage.
A new film premiering this weekend sheds light on the experiences of LGBTQ young people in care, highlighting vulnerability, risk, and resilience. The study found that support is limited by a lack of knowledge and confidence among professionals.
Disrupted transportation routes in nerve cells cause Parkinson's disease by destroying synapses and leading to cell death. Researchers identified alpha-synuclein protein as the trigger for these traffic jams.
A study found that women and older people are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials for heart disease, with women making up only 29% of participants. This lack of representation could have adverse consequences on care for these patient groups, as their bodies respond differently to treatments.
A team of scientists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has developed a method to increase the yield of clean, renewable energy source bio-hydrogen. By temporarily inactivating a gene that slows hydrogen production, they created a new strain of bacteria that produces 46% more hydrogen than naturally occurring forms.
Researchers found that liquid hog manure increases water infiltration depth into cracking clay soils, but not beyond 39 inches. This discovery suggests not all clay-rich soils behave the same, and knowledge gaps remain about soil water flow in vertisols, especially with organic additions.
A new Tel Aviv University study suggests that an intravenous injection of a potent enzyme can reduce inflammation and scarring that prevent neuronal regeneration after spinal cord injury. The treatment aims to lower levels of glutamate, released in toxic quantities after trauma, to moderate the damage and enable neuronal cells to survive.
A study by University of Bonn researchers found that the 'anterior insular' brain region is more active in risk-averse individuals and less active in experienced stock traders. Risk optimism and tolerance also play a significant role in stock purchase decisions.
Researchers at UCalgary discovered the key target of a toxin that worsens sepsis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The findings suggest an antibody targeting this toxin could prevent platelet aggregation and organ failure, offering new hope for patients in intensive care.
Non-syndromic Dentinogenesis Imperfecta is characterized by discolored teeth with a blue-gray or yellow-brown color and translucent appearance. Chronic Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) may be associated with the disorder, caused by mutant dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene mutations.