The non-photosynthesizing orchid Gastrodia pubilabiata mimics rotting mushrooms to attract fruit flies for pollination. It also survives by absorbing nutrients from fungal hyphae of mushrooms. This unique trait allows the plant to thrive in environments with limited sunlight.
The circadian clock controls the speed of cell division and growth in synchronization with day and night cycles, regulating key cell cycle genes. The discovery has implications for understanding plant growth and productivity, as well as potential therapeutic tools to delay tumor development in humans.
A new drug, siponimod, has been shown to slow the progression of disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis for the first time. The trial involved 1645 patients and found that those given siponimod had a 21% lower risk of disability worsening compared to placebo.
New research reveals that students in lower-ability groups are often stuck with a reduced curriculum, one-to-one time with teachers, and limited opportunities for independent learning. This can create a 'culture of dependency' on teachers, hindering their ability to develop independence and self-confidence.
A multi-institutional study validated age-based NT-proBNP diagnostic cutoff levels for diagnosing acute heart failure in patients seen at hospital emergency departments. The study found that a level below 300 strongly excluded a heart failure diagnosis, and the results were consistent across all groups of participants.
A consortium of 60 scientists will apply single-cell technologies to experimental model systems, combined with genome editing and advanced microscopy. This will help understand how cells stay healthy or progress towards disease and develop effective therapeutics. The project also aims to improve early diagnoses and intervention.
Researchers discover bassoon gene mutations associated with a rare brain disorder, PSP-like symptoms, and cognitive decline. The study highlights the importance of analyzing BSN gene mutations in patients with neurological disorders.
A study by Indiana University found that 93% of pregnant women had detectable levels of glyphosate in their urine, correlating with shortened pregnancy lengths. Glyphosate exposure is suspected to be primarily through dietary intake of genetically modified food items and caffeinated beverages.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism underlying severe childhood neurodegeneration, caused by gene mutations that disrupt mitochondrial energy production. The study found that these mutations interfere with the function of an enzyme involved in protein transport into mitochondria.
A team of plant geneticists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a protein receptor on stem cells that issues different instructions depending on the peptide fragment activating it. This multi-functional receptor has important implications for boosting crop yields, particularly in crops like corn and rice.
The study found that silver-nitrate/fluoride-varnish treatment reduced tooth decay in children aged 2-14. However, the treatment did not significantly alter the natural oral microbiome.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators explores the influence of biological sex on transplant outcomes. Researchers found that female donor sex is associated with increased transplant organ rejection rates in male recipients, while hormone receptors may play a role in these differences.
New research suggests that stiffer connections allow for better exchange of physical cues during coordinated movements, requiring more effort from partners. This study explores the impact of stiffness on human interaction and its potential applications in physical training and rehabilitation.
Cytokinins have been found to play a vital role in the communication mechanisms of bacteria, plants and animals, regulating growth, development and disease resistance. The research has also uncovered new details on how cytokinins evolve and activate enzymes, challenging previous assumptions.
Researchers at Penn State designed a new material with twice the piezo response of existing commercial ferroelectric ceramics. The material's unique structure increases its dielectric properties and piezoelectric effect, making it suitable for medical ultrasound applications.
Researchers discovered a highly specific neural circuit in mice that responds to hunger to create an analgesic effect, suppressing inflammatory pain and allowing the animals to seek food. The study found that acute pain can also suppress hunger, suggesting a hierarchy of needs prioritizing survival behaviors.
The DFG is investing €10 million in three new research groups to explore the concept of power in humanities and its applications. Researchers will investigate protective mechanisms against mechanical stress in cells, as well as develop a regional microsimulation model for policy analysis.
Researchers developed a new screening test for endometrial and ovarian cancers using cervical fluid samples from routine Pap tests. The test, called PapSEEK, detected cancer cells in 81% of endometrial and 33% of ovarian cancers, with improved sensitivity when using different sampling methods.
Researchers detected evidence of a sudden sea-level rise in the northern Aegean Sea around 7,600 years ago, coinciding with a standstill in the Neolithic revolution. This event likely caused flooding of low-lying coastal areas and delayed settlement development.
The team developed a process to make sequential polymers by switching light on and off, allowing precision control over physical properties. This method simplifies existing synthesis methods and has potential for creating new polymers with desired functionality.
A newly designed chimera could simultaneously decrease the expression of three growth factors that are over-expressed in some cancers, leading to cancer cell death. The molecule has potent anti-tumor activity and is non-toxic, simple to produce, and cost-effective compared to traditional treatment strategies.
Scientists developed artificial wings that mimic earwig folding patterns, featuring resilin biopolymer for rapid springing motion. The innovation allows for faster folding and deployment than conventional mechanisms.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that mass azithromycin treatment significantly decreased yaws among schoolchildren in Ghana. The provision of a single oral dose reduced both seropositivity and skin lesions consistent with yaws one year later.
A new study reveals that U.S. South Asians with Type 2 diabetes consumed fewer beneficial nutrients than healthy South Asians, including dietary fiber and essential vitamins. The research highlights the need for improved dietary habits to manage blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
New results from IMPORT LOW trial show women treated with partial or reduced breast radiotherapy report fewer side-effects, including less change in breast appearance. The study found that over half of patients did not experience moderate or marked side-effects at any point.
Researchers warn that achieving water quality goals for the Gulf of Mexico will take decades, as decades-long nitrogen buildup from agriculture poses a long-term problem. The study suggests major changes in agricultural and river management practices are necessary to improve water quality.
Researchers have discovered that PAWS1 plays a significant impact in controlling the Wnt signalling pathway, which is associated with developmental defects and diseases like alopecia and colorectal cancer. The study found that PAWS1 mutations can inhibit Wnt signalling, leading to potential interventions for these conditions.
A study has revealed that women played a significant role in transporting Corded Ware pottery across the Baltic Sea, with many arriving from Estonia and Finland. The research found that these female artisans mixed crushed ceramic fragments into Finnish clay to create their distinctive pots.
A study found that triclosan inhibits target genes in the malaria parasite during two crucial stages of its lifecycle in humans. Triclosan also performed well in tests against resistant parasites, making it a potential dual specificity antimalarial.
Breast cancer experts are urging men to participate in clinical trials to discover better treatment options. The research highlights the benefits of targeted treatments, such as reducing radical surgery and improving cosmetic results for men with breast cancer.
A 2-billion-year-old chunk of sea salt provides evidence for the transformation of Earth's atmosphere into an oxygenated environment. The study suggests that the Great Oxidation Event was a significant and rapid change in oxygen production, contrary to previous estimates.
Researchers at National University of Singapore study the effect of silicon crystal periodicity on high-energy ion trajectories in thin crystals. They found that thinner crystals enable more precise control over the distribution of transmitted ions.
A novel study found sex-specific responses to maternal diet and androgen excess in animal offspring, with female offspring developing anxiety-like behavior due to maternal androgen exposure. Male offspring were unaffected by maternal androgens but displayed anxiety-like behavior on a high-fat-high-sucrose diet.
Researchers found that tuberculosis patients with lower blood concentrations of key medications are more likely to be contagious. This discovery highlights the need for routine checks and potentially increased dosages to control the spread of the disease.
Scientists at Princeton University have developed a method to control the metabolism of living cells using light, enabling the production of commercially valuable chemicals. This technique allows for the creation of biofuels like isobutanol, which could potentially replace gasoline as a vehicle fuel.
Aarhus University's study found that 9% of participants in a health check were psychologically vulnerable and lacked assistance from medical doctors or psychologists. The study suggests that including mental health assessments in health checks can help identify those in need, enabling targeted support and prevention.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics has identified a mutation in the muskelin 1 gene that causes lethal acrodermatitis, a deadly skin condition in bull terriers. The discovery enables veterinarians to test for the disease and prevent breeding of affected dogs.
A novel algorithm has been proposed to simulate the color appearance of objects under chromatic illuminants, addressing the fundamental question of human color perception. The algorithm successfully simulated differences in color appearance for #theDress image, which sparked debate over its colors online.
Researchers found that cancer cells from lymph node metastases can invade blood vessels and spread to distant organs like the lung and brain. This study suggests that lymph node metastases could be a source of fatal distant metastases, requiring targeted treatment.
The symposium presented new discoveries about oral exRNA biology, including its use as a biomarker for diagnosing disease and tracking its progression. The study of salivary proteome and its diagnostic applications was funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Research suggests that antibiotic use in late adulthood is associated with a higher risk of death from heart disease and overall mortality. Women who take antibiotics for extended periods, particularly in middle adulthood, are more likely to experience increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular-related deaths.
A study found that smoking and obesity individually increase the risk of periodontitis, with their effects being multiplicative. The research discovered unique bacterial patterns in obese smokers and non-smokers, highlighting the need for precision dentistry incorporating multiple metrics.
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that restricting the essential amino acid methionine triggered the formation of new blood vessels in skeletal muscle, suggesting improved vascular function may contribute to benefits of dietary restriction.
Researchers at Chalmers University found that ships in the English Channel have the highest rate of sulphur violations in northern Europe, with up to 98% non-compliance. The lowest compliance rates were observed in the western part of the channel and Baltic Sea.
A new study reveals that millions of Americans are searching for and purchasing illicit marijuana online, with the majority of search results linking to mail-order retailers. The study found that marijuana shopping searches nearly tripled in the US between 2005 and 2017, peaking at over 2 million searches per month.
Scientists at NIH highlight innovations that can expedite vaccine development, shortening the timeline from decades to months. These advancements enable the application of standardized manufacturing processes to multiple vaccines, creating a collective database on safety and accelerating preclinical development.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing a small drug molecule that can block JAG1, a cell surface protein found on triple-negative breast cancer cells. The new therapy aims to reduce tumor growth and metastasis, with fewer side effects than aggressive chemotherapy or radiation.
Researchers found that medical expenses account for approximately 4 percent of bankruptcy filings, contrary to commonly cited estimates. Poor health leads to negative economic consequences, including a 20 percent drop in earnings and an 11 percent drop in employment among adults aged 50-59 who were hospitalized.
Low back pain affects an estimated 540 million worldwide, causing disability and costing £10.7 billion to UK society. UK briefing notes reveal the condition is often mistreated against best practice guidelines, with a 12% increase in years lived with disability over two decades.
A meta-analysis of 692 patients with vascular malformations found that they had lower scores on a health survey, indicating increased bodily pain and mental health distress compared to the general U.S. population. This study highlights the importance of addressing the quality of life for patients with these conditions.
A recent study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found a significant link between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The research highlights the importance of closely monitoring NSAID use for heart health, particularly among high-risk individuals.
Researchers developed a new approach using biodegradable gels containing immune-stimulating drugs to deliver immunotherapy directly to the surgical site, preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis. The method showed promising results in mice with breast, lung, and melanoma tumors, offering hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
A recent resurgence in mumps cases in the US is attributed to declining immune protection from the mumps vaccine. Researchers propose a booster dose at age 18 as a potential solution to maintain population immunity and control outbreaks.
New research reveals that CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are closely linked to ALS progression, with patients having higher numbers of Tregs experiencing slower disease progression. This discovery provides a promising approach for developing new therapies to treat ALS.
Researchers have developed a new method to boost the efficiency of photocatalysts using hollow gold-silver nanoshells. This innovation could lead to the production of large amounts of hydrogen gas using only water and sunlight. The technique has the potential to provide a clean and affordable source of energy.
J. Bernard Machen, a renowned educator and researcher, has been awarded the AADR Honorary Membership for his dedication to public health and dental research. The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) recognized Machen's innovative leadership in dental education and unwavering support for research and discovery science.
A new study reveals that spraying beneficial bacteria can increase soybean yields and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers. This innovative approach boosts root nodules, leading to higher crop yields and increased sustainability.
Researchers found that talimogene laherparepvec, a genetically modified herpes virus, can be safely administered into active cancer in the liver to stimulate the immune system and destroy cancer cells. The treatment has been well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
The NEWT Center at Rice University has developed an energy-saving technology to remove pollutants from water. The polymer mat attracts hydrophobic contaminants, which are then destroyed by photocatalytic titanium dioxide under light exposure.
Researchers at STRI found that predatory bats can learn to recognize new foods from other bat species as quickly as they do from their own species. This ability helps explain how bats adapt to environmental changes and survive in their ecosystems.