A new study suggests that early HIV treatment can prevent brain atrophy and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of timely antiretroviral therapy. By analyzing MRI data from patients with early HIV infection, researchers found that cART treatment halted volume loss and cortical thinning in several brain regions.
A study comparing child mortality in England and Sweden reveals that the UK's higher rates are driven by factors such as lower birth weights, preterm births, and congenital anomalies. The authors propose population-wide programs to improve maternal health and socioeconomic circumstances to reduce these disparities.
Researchers have discovered that plant cells use glutamate receptor-like proteins to build complex communication networks, with cornichon proteins regulating calcium ion concentrations. This finding opens new avenues for understanding cell-to-cell communication in plants and animals.
Two independent studies found that mistletoe lacks key components of the cellular machinery to convert glucose into ATP. This loss is associated with a remodeled respiratory chain and reduced ATP generation by mitochondria.
A new international study found that frequent sauna bathing is associated with a reduced risk of stroke. The study involved 1,628 men and women aged 53-74 years living in eastern Finland and showed a significant decrease in stroke risk with increasing frequency of sauna use.
A recent study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that large variability in urine concentrations makes it impossible to determine an administered dose from a single untimed urine sample. This highlights the need to reconsider the use of urine tests for detecting salbutamol doping, as many violations will go unn...
Researchers develop new technology to analyze how cells remove damaged mitochondria, providing a clearer picture of the dynamics involved. This discovery sets the stage for detailed studies of mitochondrial damage, cell death, and disease.
Aging mice with fewer Merkel cells experience greater mechanically induced itch, suggesting a potential explanation for the loss of mechanical itch control under aging and chronic conditions. The study's findings contradict the intuitive notion that fewer sensory neurons would lead to weaker sensations.
MIT researchers have discovered the factors that determine whether a DNA knot moves along the strand or jams in place. By manipulating the electric field strength, they can induce knots to move towards one end of the molecule, potentially enabling more accurate genome sequencing and knot removal methods.
The study reveals that bone's mineral crystals have a hierarchical structure integrated into the larger-scale skeleton, with 12 levels of hierarchy. The combination of mineral and protein forms continuous networks to provide strength essential for functional bones. This breakthrough builds on previous studies and sheds light on the uni...
HRL Laboratories joins DARPA's Assured Autonomy program with the Expressive Assurance Case Toolkit (ExACT) to ensure autonomous vehicle systems perform as programmed without unsafe behavior. The tool kit mathematically verifies algorithms lead to safe and reliable system behavior, considering physics and dynamics of the system.
A Northeast sea slug has been found to store millions of algal plastids in its gut lining after pilfering them from the brown alga Vaucheria litorea, a food source rich in tiny solar panels. The sea slug survives solely on photosynthesis for up to six months by protecting and utilizing the stolen plastids.
Researchers have identified a novel regulatory step in autophagy, shedding light on the anti-cancer potential of PI5P4K inhibitors. Targeting these proteins could be a promising approach for cancer therapeutics.
Researchers at EPFL identify a protein, Spaid, produced by the bacterium Spiroplasma poulsonii, which induces male-killing in fruit flies. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon and has significant implications for fields of symbiosis, sex determination, and evolution.
Researchers discovered tiny DNA fragments, mtDNA, in patients' blood samples that are associated with disease flare-ups. These molecules can trigger an inflammatory response and damage to healthy tissues, causing symptoms of bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
Researchers found that topical treatment with live Roseomonas mucosa was safe and associated with reduced disease severity in adults and children with eczema. The study's findings support further evaluation of this potential new therapy for atopic dermatitis, a condition linked to increased risks of asthma, hay fever, and food allergy.
A new UBC study explores the benefits of team mindfulness in reducing interpersonal conflicts and improving teamwork. When teams practice mindfulness, they experience reduced conflict and better focus on tasks, leading to improved job satisfaction and psychological well-being.
Scientists at the University of Turku have discovered an efficient way to transform solar energy into chemical hydrogen through photosynthesis of green algae, extending hydrogen production by several days. The new method shows that a major obstacle to efficient hydrogen production is not oxygen, but competition between metabolic pathways.
Researchers discovered that plant-fungal relationships can break down due to the emergence of more efficient nutrient sources. Plants often replace fungi with other cooperative partners or evolve new strategies, such as becoming carnivorous plants to obtain essential nutrients.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a highly elastic biodegradable hydrogel for bio-printing of materials that mimic natural human soft tissues. The material can generate multiple types of human soft tissues, including skin, skeletal muscles, blood vessels, and heart muscles.
Researchers propose a novel two-part system combining gas hydrates and membranes to separate impurities from natural gas. The integrated system aims to improve performance, reduce costs and diminish ecological side effects compared to benchmark technologies.
Researchers have developed a sophisticated membrane design that boosts water flux by five-fold, surpassing traditional nanofiltration membranes. The new system exhibits excellent water-salt separation ability and maintains high water permeability and selectivity.
A new research project in the UK aims to study the impact of tyres and clothing on the marine environment. The project will explore how tiny plastic particles from these sources enter waterways and oceans, affecting marine life.
The PRECISE4Q project aims to develop computer-based predictive modeling to personalize and optimize treatment strategies for stroke patients. The project will collect large data sets from different sources, integrating them into self-learning computer models to minimize the burden of stroke on individuals and society.
Researchers developed a novel PET tracer that targets joint inflammation and can visualize active inflammation sites in arthritic joints. The tracer, fluorine-18 F-FEDAC, shows promise for early detection of rheumatoid arthritis, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
A study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that people are willing to sacrifice themselves for others, consider victim age, and swerve onto sidewalks to minimize lives lost, contradicting ethically acceptable behavior and political guidelines. Researchers aim to initiate discussions on how self-driving vehicles sho...
A new study reveals that thermal physiological differences allowed Greater Antillean anoles to occupy different microclimates, facilitating species coexistence. The research found that species diverged in thermal tolerance and sprint performance, with warmer environment species having higher maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures.
Researchers report that expanding community-level control programs for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) can reach more children than traditional school-based programs. In a pilot study, community-based deworming and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions showed a 58% reduction in STH infections among participating children.
Researchers discovered a connection between genes controlling hair color and innate immune response in mice. Gray hair is associated with activation of the innate immune system, which produces signaling molecules to fight off viruses and bacteria.
A team of researchers has identified approximately 2,600 genes essential to the growth and survival of Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly malaria parasite. These findings could aid in the development of new or improved antimalarial drugs, highlighting key targets for future research.
A 24-hour fast can reverse age-related decline in intestinal stem cells' regenerative capacity. Fasting induces a metabolic switch that enhances stem cell function, which can be reproduced by activating PPARs with a molecule.
A study by Université de Montréal researchers found that 38% of countries' populations are exposed to methylmercury levels higher than safe for foetal development, with high-risk areas including the Maldives and South Korea. Industrial fishing has increased mercury exposure, especially in coastal and island nations.
Salk scientists develop a new way to study brain cell connections, revealing how communication is altered in people with schizophrenia. By creating multiple types of neurons from stem cells and observing their interactions, the team showed that CA3 pyramidal neurons form physical connections both to other CA3 neurons and to DG neurons.
Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing a realistic model of human skin on artificial robotic muscles. This innovation could lead to more successful transplants for burns patients and revolutionize healthcare.
Researchers at USF Health have identified 2,600 essential genes in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This breakthrough is expected to accelerate drug and vaccine development, potentially saving millions of lives.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that women who consume more fast food and less fruit take longer to become pregnant. The research, which analyzed data from over 5,500 women, suggests that a diet rich in fruits and low in fast food can improve fertility and reduce the time it takes to get pregnant.
Dilip Soman, a leading behavioral economics expert, has been awarded the Canada Research Chair in Behavioral Science and Economics. He will use his research to inform social policy and improve consumer wellbeing through behavioral change.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that consuming walnuts increases beneficial microbes that produce butyrate, a compound supporting colonic health. Walnut consumption also reduced LDL-cholesterol levels and secondary bile acids, potentially reducing colorectal cancer risk.
The SAEM18 Annual Meeting will feature six plenary presentations on various topics in emergency medicine, including laryngeal tube vs endotracheal intubation and socioeconomic status and bronchiolitis severity. The meeting aims to advance academic emergency medicine through education, research, and advocacy.
A recent study found that paramedics using the new drug droperidol sedate patients nearly 70% quicker than those receiving midazolam, with fewer side effects. The Queensland Ambulance Service introduced droperidol in 2016 to reduce violence against paramedics.
The QUT Design Lab has partnered with the Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary to develop an Australian-first 'hospital' burrow for treating manged wombats. The prototype design aims to improve treatment times and survival rates, with data collected in a field study helping refine the design.
Researchers developed structured core-shell polymer filaments to improve the strength of 3-D printed plastics. The new filaments have a polycarbonate core and an olefin ionomer shell, which self-reinforce the printed parts and make them more resistant to impacts.
Researchers have found a complete skull of the iconic toothed bird Ichthyornis dispar, providing new insights into its transitional features. The fossil reveals a modern-looking brain and a remarkably dinosaurian jaw muscle configuration.
A machine learning algorithm diagnosed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with comparable or better accuracy than human experts, based on 5,511 images. The study aimed to improve diagnosis, which is currently highly subjective and variable.
Researchers at UTA are investigating the biochemical mechanism of ovarian hormones regulating cholesterol balance in the blood, aiming to open up new therapeutic avenues for treating cardiovascular disease. The study may lead to preventive treatments and customized therapies.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a new type of catalytic reaction that generates ammonia from nitrogen and water using an electric field and nanoscale carbon spikes. The process occurs at room temperature and could lead to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly methods for fertilizer production.
A study in southern Mozambique found that nearly 40% of people diagnosed with HIV do not disclose their status during diagnosis campaigns. This phenomenon can lead to errors in tracking progress towards the 90-90-90 target and wasting valuable resources.
Researchers find that many invertebrates, including corals and molluscs, can produce omega-3 fatty acids through enzymes called desaturases. This breakthrough challenges the long-held principle that marine microbes are responsible for primary production of omega-3.
Brazil's new synchrotron light source, Sirius, has selected 23 suppliers from 18 firms to develop its high-tech components. The suppliers were chosen based on their ability to develop world-class advanced technologies and meet the project's strict parameters.
The DynaMORE project aims to develop a personalized computer model that can measure and enhance psychological resilience in individuals. The model will provide support to those experiencing difficult stages of life or trauma, offering recommendations to improve resilience and prevent stress-related problems.
Researchers capture images of measles viruses as they emerge from infected cells, gaining insights into the internal organization and potential antiviral strategies. The study reveals a scaffold-like matrix protein acting as a framework for viral assembly.
Plants use chemical signals in soil to adapt to stressed neighbors, altering root growth and leaf development. Researchers discovered that brief aboveground disturbances can impact underground communication, affecting plant growth.
A new study links low vasopressin levels in cerebrospinal fluid to impaired social abilities in monkeys and children with autism, suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition. The researchers hope to further explore the hormone's role in autism diagnosis.
Researchers found a potential biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in monkeys with low social behavior, which had lower arginine vasopressin concentrations in their cerebrospinal fluid. This discovery suggests that AVP may be a target for developing new drugs to alleviate social impairment in ASD patients.
Researchers have developed new mathematics to understand how proteins work together as an integrated network within cells, enabling them to adapt and reset themselves after exposure to a new stimulus. This finding has potential applications in various fields, including cancer therapies and understanding the human hormone system.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE used Google Street View images to estimate walking, cycling, and other travel patterns in cities. The researchers found strong correlation with data from the 2011 census and Active People Survey, suggesting that Google Street View has great potential for understanding urban travel.
Populations of freshwater dolphins in the Amazon basin are declining rapidly, with both boto and tucuxi species facing severe decline rates. The study reveals that these species would be classified as Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List criteria if current trends continue.
Peter Wasserscheid receives second Advanced Investigator Grant from European Research Council to explore fundamental new concept in catalysis based on metal droplets with low melting point. This research has the potential to replace expensive precious metals with cost-effective alternatives.
A new framework helps interpret engravings on stone artifacts, suggesting Neanderthals engaged in symbolic activities. Researchers analyzed a flint flake from Crimea and concluded that the incisions were deliberate, requiring fine motor skills and attention to detail.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a method to analyze concretions using L-shaped cross-plot diagrams, revealing that they grow quickly due to the presence of organic matter. The study found that concretions can preserve well-preserved fossils of soft tissues, which are rarely fossilized under other conditions.