Researchers have developed a computational model for human MEK1, a protein with potential as a drug target for various human cancers. The model provides insights into the structure and function of MEK1, which can help develop new classes of inhibitors for cancer therapeutics.
Researchers developed a new type of transparent wood that absorbs, stores and releases heat, potentially saving energy costs in eco-friendly homes. The material is biodegradable, strong and can bear heavy loads, opening the door for its eventual use in modern architecture.
Research finds that childhood stress can have a lasting impact on cortisol levels in adulthood, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that early life stress can recalibrate the brain's stress-response system, making it more sensitive to stressors later in life.
An observational study of over 7,500 people aged over 50 found that a quarter reported age discrimination, which was associated with fair or poor health and serious health problems. The study highlights the need to tackle ageism to improve health and wellbeing in older people.
Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have created basil plants with enhanced flavor and potential health benefits using computer algorithms. The team used hydroponic containers with controlled environmental conditions to grow the plants, which were then analyzed for volatile compounds. Machine learning algorithms evaluated millions of possib...
A new drug targeting brain inflammation, MW-151, is ready for its first round of human testing. The medication aims to block 'bad' inflammation that destroys neurons in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that mucus build-up and inflammation are the initial causes of lung damage in CF patients. Early treatments that thin out mucus may delay the onset of lung disease and improve patient outcomes.
A study led by Case Western Reserve University aims to identify genetic biomarkers for corneal ulcer infections, which can lead to blindness. The research focuses on contact lens wearers and will explore the genetic profile of those who contract infections versus those who don't.
Researchers present a quick and affordable solution to restore protective coatings in lead pipes, reducing toxic lead leaching into water supply. The new electrochemical approach could be applied to existing pipes with minimal disruption and cost savings.
Researchers discovered that adiponectin, a hormone secreted by fat cells, protects female mice from liver cancer. In contrast, increased testosterone levels in male rodents reduce tumor growth and lower adiponectin levels.
A new study analyzed nearly 43,000 patients on a kidney transplant wait-list after implementation of the new system in 2014. The research found racial disparities in patient status on the list and sensitivity levels, which can affect transplantation likelihood.
Sarah Brnich, an MD-PhD student, received the award for her work on classifying germline genetic variants by their functional consequence. Her research aims to improve clinical variant interpretation and incorporate functional data into guidelines.
Using simulations, researchers found that photons in long gamma-ray bursts originate from the photosphere of relativistic jets emitted by exploding stars. This discovery provides a promising explanation for the emission mechanism and could help unlock insights into dark matter and dark energy.
Researchers found vibrant colors and diverse life in hydrothermal vent towers, showcasing the importance of studying extreme environments. The discovery also highlights the devastating impact of human activity on these ecosystems, with numerous pieces of trash found amidst the beauty.
A new study uses dendrochronology and historical survey to investigate the effects of human populations on Amazonian forests. The research reveals that pre-colonial populations left lasting imprints on the region's forest structure and resources.
A new web-based portal, Metascape, integrates over 40 bioinformatics data sources to allow non-technical users to generate insights in one click. This tool removes data analysis barriers, enabling researchers to focus on important biological questions.
The opioid epidemic is driving a surge in infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, heart infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Comprehensive treatment that addresses both substance use disorder and underlying infections can improve outcomes for patients.
A commentary published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine warns that removing explicit ethics and values from NICE's revised Social Value Judgements document undermines the organization's innovative approach. Experts argue that this revision leaves patients and clinicians struggling to understand NICE's decisions.
A new study assesses how large-scale patterns of brain activity relate to different cognitive systems, revealing variations between individuals. The research uses computational modeling to simulate brain activity and identify repeatable patterns in some cognitive systems.
A new study in the Journal of Humanistic Counseling found strong relationships between ecowellness measures and overall wellness among participants aged 19-84. Counselors can integrate this research by asking clients about ecowellness and incorporating nature-based activities into treatment plans to help them feel effective and whole.
Researchers have discovered a novel gene expression pathway triggered by auxin accumulation at the inner bend of seedling, leading to growth inhibition rather than stimulation. This finding helps explain the formation of apical hooks that aid seedlings in breaking through the soil.
The Russian Science Foundation has awarded grants to 19 researchers from Kazan University, totaling 4-6 million rubles over three years. The projects span various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a new molecular model of water using machine learning, achieving high accuracy and reducing computational cost. The coarse-grained model replicates the behavior of water at the atomic scale, with applications in fields like materials science and climate modeling.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a method to improve ovarian follicle development, increasing survival rates from less than 5% to 42-86%. The approach uses adipose-derived stem cells in a 3D scaffold to mimic the ovary environment.
The project aims to integrate diabetes and hypertension services with HIV-infection services to test their efficacy and applicability. Chronic conditions are expected to overtake infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa within the next decade.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with autism lack the 'full body illusion', a test simulating an out-of-body experience. This is linked to a smaller peripersonal space, defining the boundaries of self, which may explain social difficulties and impaired empathy.
The Cool Coalition aims to inspire ambition and accelerate action on the transition to clean and efficient cooling. By addressing the growing demand for cooling, the coalition seeks to cut global warming, improve people's lives and make huge financial savings.
Recent studies have shed light on the impact of environmental toxins, food additives, and pain management on human health. Research has found that certain antioxidants can protect cells from harm caused by hexavalent chromium, while other substances may weaken the immune system or cause dental damage.
A study published in The Lancet found that globally, 11 million deaths (1 in 5) were associated with poor diet, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause. Diets high in sodium and low in whole grains, fruits, and nuts were found to be major contributors.
The study reveals the full structure of human ACLY at high resolution, paving the way for targeted drug development. ACLY inhibition could provide a better approach for treating cancer and metabolic disorders.
Artificial intelligence can amplify human capabilities, reducing systemic glitches and errors in medical decision-making. Machine learning models can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns predictive of outcomes and help diagnose diseases.
A new study suggests that living near protected areas, particularly those with established tourism, can lead to increased wealth and reduced poverty. Children living near multiple-use protected areas also experience better health outcomes, including improved height-for-age scores and lower rates of stunted growth.
The ACMG Foundation has recognized six next-generation fellows with the Takeda/ACMG Foundation Genetics and Genomics Residency Fellowship Program. Dr. Elizabeth Jalazo will focus on pediatric genetics, while Dr. Joshua Baker will work on lysosomal storage disorders research.
A new study reveals that hippocampal neurons provide pointers to complete memories by firing strongly during recall. This process, called reinstatement, helps the brain reconstruct associated objects from memory, similar to initial learning. The discovery has implications for understanding memory deficits and potential treatments.
The NIH has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immune response of an experimental universal influenza vaccine candidate. The vaccine, known as H1ssF_3928, is designed to induce immunity against diverse influenza subtypes by focusing on a portion of the virus that varies relatively little from strain to strain.
Patel's work has ushered in possibilities in sustainability and health, enabling widespread adoption of systems that monitor individual health with smartphones. His research closed the gap between science fiction and reality in ubiquitous computing for sustainability and health.
Researchers suggest an oral dog vaccine hidden in food could vaccinate millions of stray dogs daily, reducing the risk of rabies transmission to humans. The combined injectable and oral vaccination approach is estimated to be more efficient and potentially cheaper.
Metastatic cancer survivors face unprecedented challenges, including psychosocial burdens, financial strain, and emotional struggles. Experts like Terry Langbaum and Thomas Smith advocate for studying this population and improving care management to ease their journey.
A new study published in Neurology found no link between dietary intake of minerals like zinc, iron, and other minerals with the development of multiple sclerosis. The study involved over 80,000 female nurses and found no association between mineral intake and MS risk.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a novel probiotic mix that can weaken and break apart stubborn microbial biofilm communities in the gut, which are often resistant to antibiotics. The study suggests this probiotic could help patients with gastrointestinal diseases avoid harmful biofilms that worsen symptoms.
Researchers showcase cutting-edge neurotechnology systems, including BrainFlight, which uses online neurofeedback to modify an individual's arousal state. The system aims to improve performance in demanding tasks and has potential applications in treating mental conditions like PTSD.
A new method combines seismic data with crowdsourced information from the internet, smartphones, and Twitter to detect earthquakes more quickly. This approach reduces detection time for felt earthquakes to just 1-3 minutes, improving situational awareness.
Researchers developed a series of models that strongly predict how terrain slope affects human travel rates, accounting for variability in movement. The study used crowdsourced fitness-tracking data from nearly 30,000 people, resulting in more advanced models than previous ones.
The study identifies regions under high-intensity threat from commercial harvesting of species, highlighting urgent need for sustainable use and protection. High-risk areas contain 82% of impacted species, with only 16% covered by protected areas on land.
Researchers propose a plan to provide government subsidies to hospitals with low infection rates, motivating them to strengthen preventive measures. This approach aims to reduce infections within a region by creating a shared incentive system.
Researchers found that men taking bodybuilding supplements experienced prolonged and difficult-to-treat liver injuries, often accompanied by jaundice and generalized itching. The study also revealed that many products contained illicit anabolic steroids not accurately listed on the label.
Researchers at CNIC have discovered a hormone called adiponectin that protects the liver from liver cancer, which affects more men than women. Adiponectin is produced in higher amounts in women and slim people, with levels declining after puberty in men.
Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing functional optical coherence tomography and OCT angiography to study minute changes in the retina indicating early stages of brain diseases. The technique, led by Xincheng Yao, aims to detect neurovascular coupling changes that precede clinical symptoms.
A new art and science collaboration at CRG in Barcelona will create awareness of life sciences research through genome-inspired knitted fashion pieces. The project aims to make genetics and genomics more approachable to the public by incorporating tactile, visual, and experiential elements.
A new study by NYU School of Medicine found that shorter stays in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are associated with a higher risk of hospital readmission among elderly heart failure patients. Patients who stayed at SNFs for two days or less had a risk four times higher than those who stayed longer.
Researchers have unraveled the three-dimensional structure of ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), a central metabolic enzyme crucial for fatty acid and cholesterol production. The study's findings provide new insights into ACLY's role in metabolism, evolution, and potential therapeutic targeting of cancer and metabolic diseases.
Researchers have designed a new flash-storage system called LightStore that modifies SSDs to connect directly to a data center's network, enabling more efficient data storage operations. In experiments, the system was found to run twice as efficiently as traditional storage servers and required less than half the physical space.
Researchers found that leukocytes select the path of least resistance by using their nucleus to measure pore sizes and guide movement. The nucleus acts as a mechanical gauge, pushing forward to insert into multiple pores to determine the largest size.
A neuroimaging study identified unique brain activity patterns that predict poorer responses to talk therapy in patients with PTSD. Patients with impaired verbal memory and VAN function had poorer outcomes after psychotherapy, while those with intact verbal memory or normal VAN function were more responsive.
Penn State researchers develop a novel zinc germanosilicate glass with high transparency, UV shielding, and favorable forming properties, making it an ideal material for lens applications. The new glass composition overcomes roadblocks associated with achieving high refractive index, such as crystallization and toxicity.
A study by Lawson Research Institute found evidence of a strong association between exposure to sulfur dioxide during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, including low birthweight and preterm birth. Pregnant women were 3.4 times more likely to have a low birthweight baby for every 1-part per billion increase in sulfur dioxide.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that SPF moisturizer users incompletely cover their eyelid regions during application. The researchers compared sunscreen and moisturizer application and found significantly better coverage with sunscreen. This highlights the importance of using sunscreen for optimal sun protection.
A team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong has added 13 new species to the existing list of ants, including three miniature trap-jaw ants and five non-native species. These discoveries highlight the importance of monitoring insect populations in Hong Kong and beyond.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a computational approach to predict the behavior of clusters of molecules, enabling faster electronic devices with on/off switching and reversible conductivity. This method could lead to the creation of cluster molecular electronics, a new field of science.
Researchers found that flavonoids, produced by sorghum plants to defend against insect feeding, are effective in repelling corn leaf aphids. The compounds are not present in the phloem but in epidermal cells, where they can be taken up by insects and lead to their demise.