Researchers at the Centenary Institute discovered that the tuberculosis bacterium hijacks platelets from the body's blood clotting system to weaken immune systems. Using anti-platelet drugs like aspirin, they were able to prevent hijacking and allow the body to control infection better.
A new review of 12 spaceflight experiments and simulated microgravity studies found that microgravity does not hinder stem cell-dependent tissue regeneration, but rather accelerates it. This valuable in vivo data has implications for human tissue repair and regeneration during spaceflight.
Researchers used advanced PET/MRI technology to analyze inflammatory processes in arteries of individuals with atherosclerotic plaques. The study found that inflammation is present at early stages of atherosclerosis, particularly in regions without developed plaques.
A new study on young hellbenders' habitats found that selecting a 'just right' rock is essential to avoid cannibalism. The research suggests that larvae tend to live under small rocks, while adults prefer larger boulders with specific gravel flooring characteristics.
Researchers found that mda-7/IL-24 reduces the expression of an enzyme called DICER, which processes microRNAs for specific cellular functions. This effect occurs only in cancer cells and provides potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Bacteria can create a wide range of derivatives from simple basic structures through mechanisms similar to pharmaceutical research. This diversification allows them to counteract unknown competitors and exhibit a wide range of biological activity.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology constructed simple artificial cells that can produce chemical energy to synthesize cell components. This breakthrough may shed light on how primordial cells used sunlight as an energy source early in life's history.
Researchers have identified the lin-41 mRNA as a crucial target of the let-7 microRNA, driving the transition to adulthood and sexual organ formation in C. elegans. This finding may provide insights into human puberty disorders linked to genetic variations affecting let-7 activity.
Researchers measured brain activity patterns that suggest new information is organized in a map-like format in the hippocampus. This organizational structure likely enables flexibility in applying knowledge, which could help explain human intelligence and inform teaching methods for efficient learning.
A new study reveals how clouds are modifying the warming caused by human-caused climate change in northern Scandinavia. Cloud cover has reduced the impact of natural phases of warmth and is doing so again to moderate the warming.
A study found that estradiol hormone therapy helps strengthen brain connections in transgender women, particularly in the thalamus area. This can lead to improved symptoms like hot flashes and sensory perception.
Researchers from Bilkent University develop a technique to eliminate cross-talk in 3D holographic projection, enabling the creation of realistic and dynamic holograms. The method uses wavefront engineering and orthogonality properties to achieve high-quality projections with increasing hologram resolution.
Professor Sandra Myrna Díaz, a renowned expert in biodiversity and ecosystem ecology, has been awarded the 2019 Gunnerus Award in Sustainability Science. Her groundbreaking research emphasizes the importance of understanding biodiversity's role in shaping ecosystems and human development.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are working on a new treatment method to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from groundwater, which poses serious health risks. The project aims to develop more effective and customizable sorbents to attract PFAS, improving water safety for communities worldwide.
The study found that the widely used antimalarial sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is no longer effective in preventing malaria in areas with high levels of resistance. In areas where more than 37% of parasites carry six mutations, the effectiveness of SP appears to be fully compromised. The researchers are calling for further investiga...
A new study finds that Hurricane Maria's damage to trees in Puerto Rico was unprecedented, with big, old trees suffering the worst. The study suggests that more frequent storms whipped up by a warming climate could permanently alter forests across the Atlantic tropics.
A virtual reality (VR) treatment called ZeroPhobia has been shown to significantly reduce fear of heights symptoms in individuals. By using cognitive behavioral therapy principles in a fully self-guided format, the study found that two to five percent of the population can benefit from this effective and affordable treatment.
Researchers propose anticipatory waivers of consent for pediatric biobanking, allowing for efficient use of samples from minors. The authors also examine the inadequate response to the US Public Health Service's unethical experiments in Guatemala.
A recent publication touted genetic risk scores as a tool for identifying patients at high risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. However, a new study questions the value of these scores, finding they have lower accuracy when considering individual patient factors.
A newly discovered Medusavirus giant virus provides new insights into host-virus co-evolution, with features including DNA coding for five histones and unique capsid surface proteins. The discovery suggests a lateral gene transfer model between host and virus.
A recent study suggests that rapidly phasing out air pollution emissions can prevent approximately 3.6 million avoidable deaths each year, while also increasing rainfall in drought-prone regions and limiting global warming. The researchers found that removing fossil fuel-related and all anthropogenic emissions could achieve the 2°C tar...
Ascribe Bioscience has developed a seed treatment technology using ascarosides, signaling molecules produced by microscopic worms in the soil microbiome. The technology enhances plant resistance to pathogens at extremely low concentrations.
A new study reveals that the Earth's lower mantle is more dynamic than previously thought, with increased flow in regions where ancient ocean floors plunge into the planet's core. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how quickly Earth is cooling and the dynamic evolution of our planet.
A recent study found that cannabis use among Canadian youth increased steadily after discussions on legalization and medical marijuana, with female and Indigenous students leading the rise. Rates of lifetime and past-year use were highest among male and Indigenous students, while Asian students had lower rates.
A new thixogel called CNF hydrogel has been developed by SUTD researchers, offering improved cell encapsulation and delivery. The hydrogel combines the benefits of both solid and liquid forms, providing a protective environment for cells while conforming to host tissue geometry.
A new study by Leanne Knobloch and her team provides guidance on supporting military couples during the reintegration process, highlighting the importance of providing ample support for at-home partners, addressing mental health symptoms, and working with couples to address relationship questions and disruptions.
A new study found that replacing a half hour of sitting time with light physical activity was associated with a nearly 50% reduction in mortality among the least active participants. Replacing sedentary time with moderate-intensity physical activity was also linked to a lower risk of death, although the association was smaller.
Researchers found that docile societies outperform aggressive ones when resources are scarce, while the opposite occurs when aggression dominates. This trade-off suggests a balance between domination and survival is key to successful spider societies.
A new study published in Geology reveals that the largest delta plain in Earth's history formed along Pangea's northern coast during the late Triassic period. The delta plain covers an area equivalent to nearly 1% of the modern world, outscaling modern counterparts by an order of magnitude.
The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline recommends treating postmenopausal women with pharmacological therapies to reduce fracture risk, outweighing the risks of rare side effects. Guidelines also provide recommendations for monitoring and reassessing fracture risk after initial treatment.
The new cellulose-based material measures all three parameters independently, making it suitable for applications such as robotics, healthcare, and security. The sensor utilizes thermoelectric effect and distinguishes between electron and ion responses to measure temperature and humidity levels.
Researchers have developed an algorithm to detect potential security flaws in new chip designs, exposing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. The algorithm, called UPEC, analyzes microarchitectural side effects of design decisions and detects if they can be used to create covert channels.
A recent study at the University of Illinois examined the energy lifecycle of fuel/battery configurations to yield greatest reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The most feasible configuration was a propulsion system with 50% electrical-power drivetrain, estimated to produce 49.6% less lifecycle CO2 emissions.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University and NYU found that trajectory-based targeting on mobile phones can significantly improve advertising effectiveness. The study tracked customers' physical movements in a shopping mall to determine how they affect their economic choices.
A new study from Cornell University has identified a genetic regulator called SAF that helps HIV-infected macrophages avoid cell death. By blocking SAF, researchers found that infected cells self-destructed while healthy cells remained untouched, presenting a novel angle for potential therapies to selectively eradicate reservoir cells.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology researcher Costanza Biavaschi finds that highly educated migrants are more likely to emigrate, contributing positively to their new countries' welfare. The research also reveals that OECD countries benefit from migration, while most sending countries lose.
A synthetic peptide has been found to directly disrupt destructive inflammation in the kidneys, enabling better recovery and maintaining important functions. The peptide reduced immune cell movement, resolved inflammation, and improved kidney function without increasing blood pressure.
Karin Pelka receives $50,000 fellowship for two years to study immune cell types in colorectal tumors and develop methods to enhance immunotherapy. The Peggy Prescott Early Career Scientist Award aims to accelerate research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now.
Scientists used fossil and modern whale barnacles to reconstruct the movements of ancient humpback and grey whales. The study found that summer-breeding and winter-feeding migrations have been a consistent part of these whales' way of life for hundreds of thousands of years.
Researchers propose the 'air bridge' hypothesis, suggesting bacteria can be transported globally through the air, sharing antibiotic resistance genes. Studies collected from hot springs worldwide found identical viral DNA memories in bacteria from distant locations.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that parents and toddlers interact less with electronic books compared to print books, leading to reduced verbalization and quality of interactions. Parents tend to focus on technology rather than the story, hindering parent-guided conversation.
Thierry Pécot, a Hollings Cancer Center researcher, has received a $1.1 million grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to develop deep learning tools for biomedical image analysis. The goal is to enable biologists to apply these tools to their images and accelerate disease research.
Scientists from HZDR drove shock waves through plastics to simulate planetary conditions and observed crystalline structures at extreme pressures. The discovery may require revised models of Uranus and Neptune's interiors, suggesting less free hydrogen than previously thought.
Marine biodiversity experienced two bursts of accumulation during the Cambrian Explosion and Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event. The latter coincided with falling equatorial sea-surface temperatures, suggesting a narrow temperature window was required for marine life.
A new study by University of Utah Health found that oral antimicrobial drugs excel in preserving parents' quality of life, costing significantly less ($7 vs $65 each day) and requiring less administration time (6 vs 90 minutes). This results in reduced time off work (30 vs 60 hours) and fewer missed days of school or daycare.
Damage to parts of the orbitofrontal cortex increases defensive responses to threats in monkeys. The study suggests that specific symptoms of anxiety disorders may arise from dysfunction in distinct subregions of OFC.
Research on body-worn cameras found that devices do not produce dramatic changes in police behavior, nor improve citizens' satisfaction with police encounters. However, cameras may reduce complaints against officers and are generally supported by both officers and citizens.
A new study found that improvements in property damage and casualties differ for fire departments with informal, formal, or contract-based collaborations. Formal contracts improve performance on goals firefighters are motivated to achieve, but may negatively impact motivation for other important goals.
The TeamUp5G project aims to develop new solutions for 5G transmission, radio resource management, and spectrum optimization. It also focuses on the development of small cells and massive antennas to improve network capacity and energy efficiency.
Researchers found that perovskite solar cells are stable up to 300 Gy of γ-radiation but suffer a rapid drop in efficiency with further increases in dose. The study aims to find more stable materials, which could make perovskite solar cells suitable for use in space
Researchers have discovered that Dickinsonia fossils do not reveal all the features of the earliest known animals. The study suggests that simple physical properties of sediments can explain the preservation of these soft-bodied creatures.
A study by Hisahiro Naito and Annie Mwayi Mapulanga found that deforestation in Malawi is associated with lower safe drinking water usage, despite increased runoff. The authors estimate a 9% decrease in precipitation equivalent to a 14% loss of forest area, highlighting the importance of preserving forests for water source protection.
Researchers discovered a key regulator of IGF-1 bioavailability in children with severe growth disorders. Electronic health records can help identify patients who could benefit from genetic testing to diagnose undiagnosed short stature.
A team of scientists from Stanford and MIT used machine learning to analyze extensive experimental data, predicting the remaining lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. The technique is expected to speed up new battery designs and reduce production time.
Researchers have identified microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) as a pivotal protein in the maintenance of melanocytes and survival of melanoma cells. A chemical inhibitor of MITF has been found to prevent growth of human melanoma cells, suggesting that MITF expression levels can predict sensitivity to such therapies.
A large Japanese study found that women under 65 were less likely to receive bystander CPR in public locations than men. The researchers speculate that cultural attitudes may influence bystanders and propose better understanding of sex-based disparities are needed to facilitate public health intervention.
A University of Warwick study reveals that patients use online consultations in the same way they would book a traditional appointment, with highest usage during busy weekdays and weekends. The study highlights opportunities to tailor platforms to patient needs, improving their experience.
A new study by MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests that certain B cells with unique characteristics can predict which patients are most likely to respond to immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma and kidney cancer. The researchers found that activated B cells with specific phenotypes were associated with a better response to treatment.
A new study shows that uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is as effective as surgical treatment in treating uterine fibroids, with fewer post-procedure complications. UFE preserves the uterus and allows women to return to their normal lives sooner.
A meta-analysis of 12 international stroke studies identified common genetic variants associated with poststroke recovery outcomes. The study found a significant genetic variant linked to worse outcomes, and suggests that genes may contribute to individual differences in recovery.