A randomised controlled trial found that gut-directed hypnotherapy delivered by psychologists was effective in relieving IBS symptoms, with benefits persisting at 9-month follow-up. Group hypnotherapy was as effective as individual sessions, potentially offering a new treatment option for IBS patients.
A universal forensic DNA database could alleviate challenges and controversy surrounding law enforcement's use of public and private genomic data. The proposed database would contain only a small subset of genetic markers, revealing less sensitive medical information.
An international study has discovered 35 kidney genes linked to chronic kidney disease risk, bringing a step closer to understanding, diagnosing, and preventing the disease. The study used next-generation RNA sequencing on one of the largest collections of human kidneys.
A 3,980-year-old volcanic eruption on Deception Island had a Volcanic Explosive Index of 6 and ejected 30-60 cubic kilometers of ash. The caldera collapse triggered a seismic event and had significant climatic impacts in the southern region.
A new study using crowdsourced field size data shows that smallholder farms contribute substantially to world food production, making up 40% of the global agricultural area. The research provides a detailed map and estimates of field sizes at the global, continental, and national levels.
A randomised controlled trial found that a whole-school approach using restorative practice improved student-reported indicators of bullying and mental wellbeing. The programme also showed small but significant benefits for smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use among students.
Researchers at German Primate Center found that MERS virus mutations make it more resistant to the human immune system. This could lead to a rise in severe cases and potentially trigger a pandemic.
A team of researchers has discovered a single protein that induces spiral motion in another molecule, causing cells to twist and trigger lateralized behavior. This protein, Myosin 1D, is capable of inducing asymmetry at all scales, from molecular to behavioral levels.
Research at Lund University discovered a link between fathers' smoking habits and son's sperm count, with men whose fathers smoked having 41% lower sperm concentration. The study adjusted for maternal nicotine exposure and socioeconomic factors.
Physicists at the University of Warwick have developed a new test to spot quantum coherence in nature, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum technologies like computers and sensors. The test clarifies the conditions under which biological systems may exploit quantum mechanics.
A hypothetical 'solar geoengineering' project aiming to halve anthropogenic radiative forcing by injecting sulphates into the lower stratosphere is technically possible, but unreasonably costly with current technology. The estimated development costs for an airframe and engine modifications are under $2 billion.
The journal publishes its first articles on technology, machine learning, waste water treatment, and remote sensing, addressing advances in these areas. All articles will be free to access during the first two years of publication.
Researchers found strains of Enterobacter bugandensis on the ISS with antimicrobial resistance patterns similar to those on Earth. The strains included genes involved in virulence and disease, raising concerns about potential health implications for future missions.
Researchers from the Luxembourg Institute of Health uncover distinct microglial signatures in response to acute inflammation, highlighting potential benefits for resolving inflammation. Their single-cell transcriptomic study provides new resources for understanding brain disorders and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Scientists have discovered that specific molecules produced by intestinal bacteria are altered during three instances associated with human obesity. The study also found that the gut microbiome undergoes fluctuations in a 24-hour rhythm and influences circadian biology, predisposing individuals to obesity and glucose intolerance.
Researchers found that ants' subdivision into groups reduces disease risk by changing behavior and interaction patterns. Colonies protect the queen and most valuable individuals from pathogens, with a high correlation between predicted spore load and mortality.
When working ants take a sick day, they alter their social interactions to protect vulnerable members. By changing their behavior, the colony reduces the risk of fungal infection and maintains social distancing.
The article argues that men should take intentional action to combat implicit and explicit biases that have kept women from advancing in the field. Women are often underrepresented in leadership positions due to societal perceptions and biases.
Research finds early human ancestors played no role in driving megaherbivore diversity, instead blaming environmental change and CO2 decline. The decline of these large mammals began 4.6 million years ago, before the emergence of tool-bearing hominin species.
The study found that the microbial communities of corals' calcium carbonate skeletons showed greater richness compared to tissue and mucus microbiomes. This suggests that co-evolution between corals and their microbiomes occurred over time, with specific groups of microbes evolving together more recently.
Researchers have created a new method to efficiently extract rare-earth metals, including scandium, from aluminium industry waste. This innovation could reduce environmental hazards and conserve mining resources.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a biocompatible hydrogel that naturally adheres to cartilage and the meniscus, eliminating the need for special membranes and sutures. The composite double-network hydrogel has shown superior adhesive properties and is poised to revolutionize treatment for soft tissue injuries.
A study by University of Utah researchers suggests that grassland expansion, driven by falling atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, drove the decline of giant mammals over the last 4.6 million years. The research provides a convincing counter-argument to long-held views on human ancestors' impact on ancient African faunas.
Researchers have gained a better understanding of how cells regulate hydrogen peroxide, an intracellular messenger linked to several diseases. This discovery may enable the development of more sensitive and specific fluorescent biosensors to visualize endogenous H2O2 in real-time.
Scientists have made fruit flies transparent using a new clearing method, allowing for high-resolution imaging of complex neural networks. This breakthrough enables the study of the connectome and behavior of Drosophila melanogaster, with potential applications in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a new species of gigantic dicynodont, Lisowicia bojani, in Poland. The species is estimated to be around 4.5 meters long, 2.6 meters high, and weigh 9 tons, making it the largest non-dinosaurian terrestrial tetrapod from the Triassic period.
Researchers at LMU München developed a molecular motor that can rotate unidirectionally in response to external energy input and is independent of temperature. The new motor's unique behavior allows it to rotate faster at lower temperatures, extending its potential applications.
The study reveals that biomechanical factors play a crucial role in shaping plant organs, with mechanical stress and deformation influencing leaf geometry. The research provides insights into the formation of complex 3D shapes in plants, which can inform the creation of bioinspired structures in soft materials like hydrogels.
Researchers from the Institute of Nuclear Physics analyze the S&P 500 index and predict a catastrophic financial meltdown in up to a dozen years. The Hurst exponent, which measures system susceptibility to change, has been steadily falling below 0.5 since 2008.
The life expectancy gap between rich and poor in England is increasing, with the poorest women's life expectancy falling since 2011. The study reveals that the richest live up to 9 years longer than the poorest men and women.
A new study challenges the traditional hypothesis that ancient hominins led to the decline of African megaherbivores. The research reveals that environmental changes, such as changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide and tropical grassland expansion, drove the long-term decline of these large-bodied species over 7 million years.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have identified a small RNA molecule that significantly affects antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria. Without this molecule, the bacteria are more sensitive to penicillins and produce less of the enzyme degrading these antibiotics.
The discovery of Lisowicia bojani, a massive four-legged creature from the Late Triassic period, suggests that mammalian ancestors could reach gigantic body sizes and challenge established beliefs about dicynodonts.
A study of 4,943 former UK ICU patients found that 46% experienced anxiety, 40% depression, and 22% PTSD. Patients reporting symptoms of depression were 47% more likely to die from any cause during the first two years after discharge.
The Faraday Institution's £1.6m supercomputer will accelerate UK research on EV batteries by simulating fast-charging, low-temperature operation and thermal management. Researchers can now run simulations overnight, reducing the time to improve battery performance and lifetime.
UK researchers identify molecules that can effectively inhibit dysregulated proteins responsible for acute myeloid leukemia, a severe and rapidly progressing cancer type. The discovery sets the stage for new biological experiments and cancer treatment approaches.
A study by an international research group found that diverse and old forests are best able to perform multiple ecosystem services, including regulating climate and storing carbon. Foresters should focus on specific forest attributes to promote desired services, as no single 'perfect forest' exists.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown protein called TarP that helps multi-resistant bacteria evade the human immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies against MRSA and other resistant pathogens.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered by respiratory nurses reduced anxiety symptoms in COPD patients, leading to fewer hospital visits. The study found that CBT was more effective than leaflets alone in reducing anxiety and improving quality of life.