Researchers developed a new combination treatment that flips the switch on melanoma cells by targeting Bcl-2, MCL-1, and DRP-1 proteins. The approach killed melanoma cells and cancer stem cells in laboratory tests, offering an alternative option for patients who don't respond to current treatments.
A major study from Aarhus University found that children of mothers who smoked more than ten cigarettes a day during pregnancy entered puberty three to six months earlier. Early puberty is associated with an increased risk of diseases such as obesity and certain types of cancer.
Girls taking painkillers like paracetamol during pregnancy enter puberty on average one-and-a-half to three months earlier than expected. A large Danish cohort study suggests a 'dose-response' correlation between prolonged paracetamol use and early puberty in girls.
A new radiation treatment approach, hippocampal-avoidance whole-brain radiotherapy with memantine, demonstrated better preservation of cognitive function compared to traditional whole-brain radiotherapy. The study found similar cancer control and overall survival outcomes for both groups.
Research discovered that actin cytoskeleton remodeling in breast cancer cells protects them from immune cell attack by limiting the transfer of cytotoxic proteins. The 'actin response' is associated with increased levels of immune-inhibitory ligands, rendering cancer cells resistant to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
Operation 250, a student-launched public awareness initiative, will expand and evaluate its effectiveness in educating youths, parents, and educators about terrorist recruitment methods. The $1 million grant will allow the organization to increase safety and decrease risky decision-making online.
Hurricane Willa is a category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 125 mph, expected to make landfall in western Mexico. The storm is forecast to bring life-threatening storm surge, wind, and rainfall to portions of west-central and southwestern Mexico.
A new study suggests that high-dose influenza vaccine is associated with lower risk for hospitalizations in kidney failure patients on dialysis. The findings indicate a significant reduction in hospitalizations among dialysis patients who received the high-dose vaccine, while standard dose vaccine showed no difference.
Michael Krainak, leader of NASA's Laser and Electro-Optics Branch, is recognized for his innovative approach to applying emerging technologies to agency-priority spaceflight needs. His work on optical communications, photonic integrated chips, and laser-based technologies has significant potential for breakthrough capabilities.
An interdisciplinary team will create a novel X-ray microscope to analyze bone microstructure in living individuals, enabling the study of osteoporosis and its progression. The '4D+ nanoSCOPE' will make it possible to monitor bones over time and assess the effects of aging and other factors on bone health.
A new blood test developed by UNC Lineberger researchers demonstrates the ability to track HPV-linked head and neck cancer patients after treatment, reducing the need for costly imaging scans. Preliminary findings show that patients with positive blood tests had a higher risk of developing recurrence.
Researchers have found that rewilding can mitigate the impact of rising temperatures in the Arctic, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming, and enhance wetland plant diversity. The approach involves reintroducing native carnivores to suppress invasive herbivores and restore ecosystem balance.
Researchers developed a smartphone app to help people with OCD manage their symptoms, reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. After just one week of using the app, participants showed significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and reductions in OCD symptoms.
Researchers at Dartmouth College used the Bible to develop an algorithm that can convert written works into different styles for different audiences. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, trained on over 1.5 million unique pairings of source and target verses from various versions of the sacred texts.
A new study suggests that declining nitrogen availability in natural ecosystems like grasslands and forests may limit plants' ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This could have significant implications for the global climate, as plants play a crucial role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
A highly sensitive liquid biopsy test detects minute traces of cancer-specific DNA, accurately determining whether HPV+ oral cancer patients are free from cancer following radiation therapy. The test reduces the need for costly radiological studies and provides a more precise count of tumor DNA in the blood.
Research from the University of Otago suggests that flavored capsule cigarettes make smoked tobacco products more appealing to non-smoking young people. Susceptible non-smokers prefer flavoured capsules over unflavoured cigarettes, viewing them as smoother and more fun to smoke.
Researchers found that osteocalcin, a bone hormone, reverses memory loss in the aging brain by interacting with key proteins like RbAp48. Exercise may also positively affect the brain through osteocalcin release, suggesting a potential way to stave off age-related memory loss.
A new study estimates that climate change will force about 200,000 coastal farmers in Bangladesh to migrate inland due to rising sea levels and salty soil. The study found that farmers who convert from rice to seafood farming can expect a significant increase in crop revenue, but many cannot afford the conversion on a large scale.
Research suggests that reduced Arctic snow cover due to climate change poses a significant threat to the region's biodiversity. Many plant species rely on snow cover for survival and are already endangered, making conservation efforts crucial. The study highlights the importance of addressing climate change to preserve northern nature.
A study published in Ecology tracked seed movement using electrical engineering and mathematical models, predicting colonization and establishment patterns for 50 prairie plant species. The researchers found their estimates accurately predicted the likelihood of colonization and spatial establishment patterns across abandoned fields.
Drexel researchers have developed a polymer coating that helps nanoparticles evade the immune system and liver, allowing them to remain in circulation for longer periods. The mushroom-brush layer combination enables nanoparticles to reach cancerous tumors more effectively.
Researchers found that mature plant chloroplasts isolate ATP production, while young leaves allow for temporary import of ATP to support development. This strategy optimizes energy efficiency in plants.
A new study found that athletes with a specific gene variant associated with dyslexia were less likely to suffer concussion injuries. The study suggests that the more diffuse wiring of the dyslexic brain may provide neuroprotection against impact injuries.
A new study found 'timing cells' in the brain that turn on when an animal waits, allowing it to measure a time interval. The research could lead to early-detection tests for Alzheimer's disease by asking people to judge how much time has elapsed.
A long-term study by University of Washington researchers found that sockeye salmon carcasses fertilized White spruce trees on one side of Hansen Creek, leading to faster tree growth. The study, which spanned 20 years, used tree core samples to measure growth rates and found a significant increase in growth on the side with carcasses.
Researchers discovered that bonobos have shorter vocal folds compared to chimpanzees, resulting in lower-pitched voices. This unexpected finding suggests that bonobos use their voice pitch to signal tolerance and non-aggressive interactions with other bonobos.
A new EU-funded project, EXPLO, aims to uncover the dynamics and causes of prehistoric land use change in the cradle of European farming. By integrating underwater archeology with ecological and climate science methods, researchers hope to understand how early farmers adapted to changing environmental conditions.
Researchers developed a pragmatic survey tool to measure immigrant integration across six dimensions: psychological, economic, political, social, linguistic, and navigational. The tool's validity was tested with empirical tests, showing it can differentiate between levels of integration and track with commonly used predictors.
University of Illinois researchers develop an integrated optimization framework to explore the space of possible winglet designs, finding optimal configurations for minimum drag. The Hyper Elliptic Cambered Span (HECS) wing design approach considers both inviscid and viscous drag sources, leading to more efficient flight.
Researchers from Texas A&M and Harvard will investigate the impact of strong summertime convective storms on the stratosphere, collecting data from a high-altitude NASA aircraft. The study aims to understand how these storms can change the chemistry of the lower stratosphere, potentially affecting ozone levels.
A recent study by University of Delaware researchers found that residential yards dominated by non-native plants have fewer arthropods, leading to a decline in bird populations. The research suggests that prioritizing native plant species can support biodiversity and sustain wildlife.
A new type of molecule blocks the action of genes that drive therapy-resistant prostate cancer growth, reducing cell proliferation by 95%. The cyclic peptoids also blocked a key growth signal in live animal tests.
Researchers traced cacao trees' origin to a single domestication event around 3,600 years ago in Central America. The study found that domestication selected for desirable traits like flavor and disease resistance but also introduced counterproductive genes that lowered crop yields.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered how antibodies work together to bind to a vulnerable spot on the malaria parasite, blocking its life cycle. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective vaccines that stimulate the same antibody response.
A Rutgers study suggests that extremely high blood pressure is responsible for severe organ damage due to hypertensive emergencies in African-Americans with diabetes. Better controlling blood pressure can help prevent life-threatening complications and target organ damage associated with hypertensive emergencies.
Two rectangular icebergs were spotted on a NASA IceBridge flight over the northern Antarctic Peninsula in October 2018. The freshly calved icebergs appeared to be from Larsen C, which released the massive A68 iceberg in July 2017.
A genetic polymorphism in the D2 enzyme affects thyroid hormone conversion, leading to hypothyroidism-like symptoms in mice and potentially affecting human patients. The study aims to develop a new treatment agent to address this issue.
The Dellingr team developed a more capable and resilient CubeSat platform, advancing the state-of-the-art in this mission class. The team's innovative approach to resilience and problem-solving enabled them to recover from system failures and gather high-quality data about Earth's upper atmosphere.
A study reveals how a single mutation in the GFAP protein, the most common protein in astrocytes, produces devastating effects on brain cells. The mutated protein causes widespread tangles and disturbs cellular processing units, reducing myelin formation.
A recent study found that knowing a colleague's specialized degree and skills enhances work partnerships in virtual teams. In contrast, personal information, such as hobbies or interests, has little impact on productivity. Managers can build strong relationships with team members by fostering professional familiarity.
A study based on 27 years of data from Mana Pools National Park suggests that temperature increases have caused significant declines in local tsetse fly populations. This could lead to reduced transmission of trypanosome pathogens causing sleeping sickness, but may also make other areas more suitable for the flies.
Research found that affordable housing is linked to health problems like asthma, stress, and alcoholism, especially among higher-income citizens and conservatives, who are more responsive to personal responsibility themes
Typhoon Yutu is intensifying east of Guam, with maximum sustained winds reaching 90 mph. The storm is expected to maintain its general course and speed over the next 24 hours, bringing typhoon-force winds up to 60 miles from the center.
Researchers found that aggressive blood pressure treatment does not damage the kidneys themselves, but rather leads to decreased blood flow. This discovery challenges previous beliefs and offers new hope for patients with hypertension.
A team of scientists at ASU has explained the fundamental mystery of spider silk's mechanical strength and elasticity. By studying hierarchical micellar nanoparticle structures, they developed a molecular level model of spider silk protein fiber formation.
A new study finds that strong Indian monsoons can push Atlantic Ocean hurricanes westward, increasing the likelihood they'll make landfall in the Americas. This newly-discovered relationship could help scientists better predict hurricane paths, especially during late summer months.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that home care with physical therapy significantly improves recovery rates for knee replacement surgery patients. The study analyzed Medicare claims data and found that patients receiving six to nine home-care visits by a physical therapist had better outcomes.
The BacCapSeq platform detects signs of antibiotic resistance and virulence in 4.2 million genetic probes, outperforming traditional methods in sensitivity and speed. It has the potential to reduce mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs by providing accurate, early differential diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine strategy that offers partial protection against the highly contagious infectious bronchitis virus. The recombinant virus vaccine approach has potential to be more cost-effective and respond to emerging new virus strains, but further research is needed to develop a more robust vaccine.
A randomized phase III trial found that avoiding the hippocampal region during whole-brain radiotherapy significantly reduces the risk of cognitive decline. The study results have far-reaching implications for brain tumor treatment, offering a safer alternative to traditional whole-brain radiation therapy.
A new study mapped the incidence of motor vehicle collisions resulting in children's deaths across the US, revealing wide variations in mortality rates between states and counties. The researchers identified proximity to trauma centers and emergency response times as key factors influencing child mortality.
New research from Binghamton University found that invasive plant leaf litter and sodium chloride accelerate developmental time and reduce mass of native leopard frogs, while aiding invasive African clawed frogs. The study highlights the importance of considering interactions between multiple stressors in preserving native biodiversity.
The New York Stem Cell Foundation has selected six promising researchers for its 2018 class of NYSCF-Robertson Investigators. These scientists will receive $1.5 million in funding to pursue high-risk, high-reward research projects in stem cell biology and neuroscience.
A study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that temperature increases have caused a decline in local tsetse fly populations, potentially reducing the risk of sleeping sickness in Africa. Rising temperatures may also make some areas more suitable for tsetse flies.
A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience confirms the potent relaxing effects of lavender and its active compound linalool. The research suggests that the scent of linalool must be smelled, not absorbed, to exert its calming effects.
The European Research Council has awarded EUR 250 million in Synergy Grants to 27 research groups, bringing together complementary skills and knowledge to address cutting-edge research problems. The grants aim to facilitate transformative research that crosses disciplinary boundaries and yields groundbreaking scientific results.
A new songbird species, the Rote Leaf-Warbler, has been discovered on an Indonesian island through genomic analysis. The discovery highlights the island's conservation value due to its unique characteristics and threatened habitats.
A recent study suggests that infant gut microbiota composition at 2 years of life is associated with body mass index (BMI) at age 12. The researchers found a stronger relationship between gut microbiota taxa and BMI z-scores as the kids got older, indicating that gut microbiota may be an early warning sign for detecting obesity.
A study identifies marine aggregates as key to removing microplastics from the ocean surface and facilitating their transfer to food webs. Mussels were found to selectively ingest smaller particles with specific shapes, highlighting their picky eating habits.