Researchers discovered spider silk's supercontraction property, where it twists and contracts in response to humidity changes, potentially leading to new robotic actuators. This unique property could enable precise control of motions using controlled humidity levels.
A new study shows tree rings offer a unique perspective on climate change, matching high-tech data over short-term periods. The method reveals strong agreement between trees' own productivity estimates and satellite-derived data.
Researchers created a bioreactor to study heart tissue's mechanics in sync with the body's beats, revealing changes in force similar to those observed in living hearts. The device allows for adjustment of contraction parameters to mimic normal or disease conditions, enabling studies on high blood pressure's effects on heart cells.
Researchers found that frailty is linked to increased complications, hospital readmission, and greater healthcare costs after surgery. A brief measure of frailty can help determine a patient's physical fitness for nonurgent operations.
A high-fat diet causes thickening of arteries at the cellular level, according to researchers. The study found that even small amounts of oxidized LDL can dramatically change the structure of the cell membrane, leading to increased tension and stiffness.
Researchers have developed a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters and others in high-risk environments. The sensor generates power through triboelectric charging and has been successfully tested at temperatures up to 300C.
Researchers identified protocadherin 15 as a key protein responsible for converting bending forces from sound waves into electrical signals. This discovery sheds new light on the causes of hearing loss and how sound is transmitted to the brain.
A new study published in Ecological Applications found that human disturbance can have varying effects on different species of carnivores in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. While some species, such as lions, decline in population due to increased human activity, others, like hyenas and black-backed jackals, thrive in areas with hi...
Research by Eleonora Zakharian and colleagues reveals that the absence of TRPM8 leads to increased aggression and hypersexuality in mice. The team found that males with TRPM8 knockout exhibit violent behavior, while females show increased sexual appetite and sniffing behaviors.
A new study found that balloons are the most lethal marine debris for seabirds, with a single piece killing 20% of seabirds and nine pieces killing 50%, while blockages or infections caused by gastrointestinal obstructions were leading causes of death
A study by Queen Mary University of London found a significant positive association between populist party votes and vaccine mistrust levels across Europe. The analysis suggests that scientific populism may be driven by distrust of elites and experts, contributing to rising vaccine hesitancy.
Researchers have discovered that breast milk contains a variety of yeasts and fungi, including Malassezia and Davidiella, which are present in different geographic locations. These findings suggest that breast milk plays an important role in the initial seeding of fungal species to the infant gut.
Scientists have developed techniques to track the global changes in gene activation caused by MYC, a potent cancer gene. The new toolkit reveals subtle differences in gene expression between individual cells, which may lead to cancer.
A study on fruit flies found that many genes are involved in adaptation to hot environments, revealing genetic redundancy. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the number of genes required for adaptation.
Scientists have found that sugar molecules serve as channels for cellular communication, allowing cells to interact with proteins and other cells. This discovery was made using atomic force microscopy and provides new insights into the role of cell membranes in function.
ReactWell has licensed a novel waste-to-fuel technology from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to improve energy conversion methods. The technology converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional refining techniques.
A recent study found that bacteria from frog skin have produced compounds that can inhibit the growth of fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus. The most promising compound, viscosin, showed significant activity against both fungi.
Researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory developed methods to study protein structures under force, revealing a protein 'strain absorber' that stretches up to 2.5 times its original length. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding molecular elasticity in proteins and their response to small forces.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have successfully achieved solid-state thermochemiluminescence with crystals, a process that generates light through heat application. This fundamental discovery opens up unexplored directions in chemiluminescence research and has potential applications in solar energy harvesting technologies and sensing.
A study conducted by Imperial Brands found substantially reduced toxicant levels in the aerosol from their heated tobacco product (HTP) prototype compared to smoke from a standard reference cigarette. The HTP generated significantly lower levels of carbon monoxide and other harmful compounds.
Researchers developed a blood test to predict spontaneous preterm birth, focusing on proteins found in first-trimester blood samples. The test shows promise for identifying women at increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly among first-time mothers.
A high-fat diet and aging are associated with inflammation in heart failure, as well as changes to the gut microbiome. In mice, a calorie-dense diet altered the composition of the gut microbiome and increased neutrophils, leading to nonresolving inflammation.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder studied Burmese pythons' rapid heart growth in response to fasting and feeding, which could aid humans with diseased heart growth. The study reveals ways to isolate python heart cells, allowing for a better understanding of their mechanics and potential applications in human heart health.
Researchers have developed a new tool called URSA(HD) that analyzes gene patterns to reveal molecular causes of diseases. The tool has already uncovered previously unknown contributions of four genes to a rare form of cancer primarily affecting babies and young children.
A new study found that Arctic permafrost peatlands can add to atmospheric CO2 burden post-thaw, strengthening the permafrost-carbon feedback. However, these ecosystems also have a strong methane sink capacity, potentially compensating for part of the permafrost CO2 losses over longer timescales.
The Center for Advanced Latin American Studies (CALAS) is a research project exploring crisis management and environmental crises in Latin America. International fellows from various disciplines are investigating six aspects of crisis management through dialogue and exchange.
Researchers found that active genes restrict DNA movement by organizing it into a network of interconnected domains. Chromatin becomes more mobile when gene transcription is inhibited or cells enter quiescence.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a new tool to observe living cells in real time under a microscope, advancing knowledge on how bacteria build their cell walls. This technology has significant value in addressing antibiotic resistance, which affects at least 2 million people in the US each year.
A new analytical model predicts Helmholtz cavity's sound spectrum with high accuracy, enabling efficient design of noise-cancelling systems. The model is optimized for low speed airflows and low frequencies, allowing for modular investigation of complex geometries.
Researchers discovered that the WNT signaling pathway is more dynamic than previously thought, with different cell types responding differently to the same signals. They found that cells can tune the dynamics of this pathway to perform different functions in different contexts.
Researchers found that two specific genes, SPR and BCO2, are responsible for yellow and orange/red pigmentation in wall lizards. These genes also affect behavior, size, fighting ability, and reproductive strategies, with different-colored individuals preferring mates of their own color.
A new study by Dr. Margaret McCarthy's Lab reveals that male sex steroids play a key role in shaping brain development, particularly in the amygdala, which controls emotions and social behaviors. The research shows that testosterone eliminates newborn cells in males, while females' cells differentiate into glial cells.
A team led by Dr. Adriana López-Arbarello identifies three new species of the genus Eosemionotus, a type of ancient ray-finned fish, found in the Swiss Alps. The discovery provides insights into the rapid diversification of life after a mass extinction event.
Researchers found that estrogen affects astrocytes, which produce growth factors promoting brain metastasis. Anti-estrogen therapy may prevent brain metastasis in women with triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers produce a colorless liquid reservoir of metal-like discrete platinum atoms with high catalytic activity and stability, offering potential for reducing Pt consumption in the silicone industry. The scalable preparation method shields individual Pt atoms with hydrochlorides and docks them in the liquid through oxygen atoms.
The study identifies tetrahedral nature as the local ordering of atoms in liquids, explaining the first sharp diffraction peak (FSDP) feature. The findings provide direct evidence of coexisting order and disorder in tetrahedral liquids, leading to improved understanding of their properties.
A new study by the University of Tennessee will examine the intersection of being LGBT and a caregiver, highlighting elevated risks of poor health. The project aims to collect comprehensive data on the LGBT ADRD caregiving experience to inform intervention development.
Researchers developed 13 bioluminescence sensors to measure intracellular signaling pathways and detect pharmaceutical action. The biosensors provide a complete answer, or 'signaling profile,' allowing for more accurate drug testing and development.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that metal oxide catalysts can predict reactivity with easy-to-determine properties, enabling more efficient processes across various industries. The findings open up new pathways for rational catalyst design and pollution abatement.
A meta-analysis of multiple studies identifies hundreds of gene variants contributing to Tourette's syndrome, with more severe symptoms associated with increased risk variants. The study suggests a continuous spectrum of tic disorders and raises the possibility of predicting TS development in children with mild tics.
Researchers develop photoswitchable molecules that can be activated by pulsed infrared light, allowing for precise control over molecular activity. The technique achieves 100% efficiency and opens doors to applications in drug delivery and studying neuronal circuits.
Scientists have successfully transferred a key part of the plant's RNA editing mechanism into a bacterium, confirming a long-held theory about its functioning. This breakthrough improves our understanding of this widespread mechanism and opens up new avenues for research.
Researchers at LCSB and DKFZ successfully rejuvenated stem cells in the aging brain of mice, improving regeneration of injured areas. The study identified a molecule called sFRP5 that keeps neuronal stem cells inactive, but neutralizing it allowed them to proliferate again.
Scientists at Yale University investigate the mechanics of touch by studying the sensitive skin on ducks' bills, finding similarities with human palms. They identify the Piezo2 molecule as crucial for touch sensation, with duck bill skin allowing more ions to enter neurons than mouse paw skin.
A new measurement approach could create the first CT measurement standards connected to the International System of Units (SI), allowing for more precise calibration and comparison among scanners. This could lead to improved communication among doctors, more efficient diagnosis, and less costly treatment.
Researchers at Tokyo Tech report a unipolar n-type transistor with electron mobility of up to 7.16 cm2 V-1 s-1, exceeding previous results by 40%. The material achieves this performance through fine-tuning the backbone conformation and introducing vinylene bridges.
Researchers at QUT developed an innovative method using drones and infrared imaging to detect koalas with high accuracy, surpassing expert observers in some areas. The technique has great potential for improving management of threatened species and detecting invasive species.
Researchers have identified six proteins associated with early-stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that can progress to end-stage liver cirrhosis. The discovery of protein PIGR as a candidate biomarker for liver damage tests offers a promising new diagnostic tool.
Researchers found that lipids can self-assemble into vesicles on a surface without external input, forming compartments enclosed by lipid membranes. This process is plausible and could have occurred on early Earth, where fatty molecules were abundant.
Researchers at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University developed a method to control the static and dynamic properties of amorphous ferromagnetic microwires by adjusting internal mechanical stress. The study improves understanding of these materials and their potential applications in various fields.
Researchers found that the gene INDEHISCENT plays a crucial role in shaping Capsella's distinctive heart-shaped fruits by upregulating auxin biosynthesis. This discovery may lead to improved crop yields and denser oilseed rape canopies through genetic modification.
A new study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that adult vapers are nearly twice as likely to experience wheezing, a precursor to serious health conditions. The research also highlights the potential for vaping to cause lung damage and long-term respiratory issues.
Researchers identified a novel group of stem cells controlled by mutations in the parade gene, leading to abnormally positioned pigment cells. The study showed that blood vessels play a crucial role in regulating these stem cells.
The introduction of generic immunosuppressive medications has led to significant cost savings for transplant patients and the Medicare program. On average, payments decreased by 48%-67% for Medicare Part D plans and 24%-44% for patients receiving the low-income subsidy.
A new measurement technique called COSPLI enables researchers to map and measure large-scale photonic quantum correlation with single-photon sensitivity, a critical step towards making photon-based quantum computing practical. The method uses CCD cameras and suppresses noise to detect signals from individual photons.
A recent NSF CAREER Award recipient aims to develop trustworthy machine learning from untrusted models, with a focus on safeguarding complex systems that piggyback on less-than-trustworthy technology. The grant will support work in creating tools to verify model safety and detect abnormal phenomena throughout the system's lifecycle.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution provides evidence for a more robust adaptation to bipedalism in the human ancestor Ardipithecus ramidus. The research shows that Ardipithecus used its big toe as a propulsive lever when walking, marking a key transitional phase in human evolution.
Researchers at UC Davis are studying how international security alliances like NATO break down due to free riding and unequal burden-sharing. The study aims to improve understanding of the conditions that lead to these problems, with implications for policy decisions.
Scientists at FAU create porous scaffolds using electrospinning to support ovarian follicle growth, showing promising results. The goal is to develop an ideal artificial ovary that mimics the natural environment for follicle maturity, potentially increasing fertility in cancer patients.
New research on spina bifida provides insights into how to manage the disorder, including a transition model that prepares patients for adult life. The study's findings highlight the importance of continuity of care and teamwork between pediatric and adult providers.