Scientists have successfully restored auditory synapse function and hearing thresholds to a near-normal level in adult mice with DFNB9 deafness. The breakthrough uses an AAV-based gene therapy approach that can be used to produce otoferlin and durably correct the profound deafness phenotype in mice.
A new UCL-led study has pinpointed the exact locations of two quarries in Wales that supplied the bluestones to Stonehenge. The discovery reveals how the stones were quarried and transported, challenging a popular theory about their transportation method.
GraphON is a conductive coating that can be manufactured cheaper and easier than comparable products, with greater control over performance. It has potential uses in electrostatically dissipative coatings, electromagnetic interference shielding, electrical heating and conductive coatings.
A study by Libertad González and colleagues found that children born prematurely due to the scrapping of the 'baby cheque' subsidy weighed less at birth and had more hospitalizations, mainly respiratory issues. However, no long-term effects were observed on their health.
Researchers from Graphene Flagship partner DTU developed a graphene 'sandwich' by encasing graphene with insulating hexagonal boron nitride, allowing them to achieve higher electrical currents and control the material's properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of nano-electronics with small dimensions.
A recent study found that terror attacks carried out by Muslims receive significantly more media coverage than those committed by other groups. The research highlights the disparity in how news media cover attacks perpetrated by both Muslim and domestic terrorists, which may shape people's perceptions of threats.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that hotel loyalty programs cater to different traveler types, with frequent business travelers prioritizing convenience and good customer reviews over room level. Leisure travelers, on the other hand, seek instant rewards through these programs.
Research demonstrates somatosensory cortex, responsible for touch, also participates in reward learning. The findings suggest that learning and memory may permeate the brain, challenging conventional wisdom on brain function.
The UVA Health System is launching a program that uses telehealth to connect primary care providers in Appalachia with specialists to improve lung disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Residents in the region have higher-than-average rates of lung cancer and COPD, and limited access to subspecialty physicians.
A new study published in Circulation Research found that eating nuts, particularly tree nuts, can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease among people with type 2 diabetes. The research showed that even small amounts of nuts had a significant impact on heart health.
Guoliang Liu's lab creates uniform porous structures in carbon fibers, enabling high loading of pseudocapacitive materials like MnO2. This results in a balance between high energy density and sustained high charging and discharging rates, overcoming industry challenges.
Ralf Janknecht's research on the molecule DNPH1, overproduced in breast cancer, suggests it could serve as a new drug target for reducing cancer metastasis. The removal of DNPH1 from mouse models resulted in fewer tumors and a tenfold reduction in metastasis.
A team led by Professor Ebrahim Karimi creates a new quantum simulator that uses the properties of light to simulate periodic and closed structures in nature. The experiment reveals fundamentally different physics between ring-shaped and line-shaped systems, opening opportunities for developing efficient photonic-based quantum computers.
A modified push-up exercise called 'push-up plus' strengthens the serratus anterior muscle, which connects the rib cage to the shoulder blade. This study found that different hand positions and orientations activated various muscle groups, making it an effective exercise for athletes and individuals with specific needs.
A recent study found that Transcendental Meditation (TM) significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in South African college students. After 3.5 months of practice, most students went below clinical thresholds and experienced relief from depression. In contrast, a comparison group showed no change in symptoms.
Researchers at TIFR have identified molecular mechanisms that allow the liver to adapt to nutrient intake after fasting. These 'fed-microRNAs' inhibit protein synthesis, maintaining blood glucose levels. The study's findings offer potential therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the FDA and manufacturers failed to review prescribing records to prevent inappropriate use of potentially lethal fentanyl products. Despite a monitoring program in place, widespread misuse was discovered among cancer patients.
Researchers have discovered a way to block the VCC-1 enzyme, which disables a new antibiotic resistance gene found in benign Vibrio cholerae strains. The discovery uses Avibactam, a US FDA-approved combination drug, to effectively combat the resistant bacteria.
The NIST Astrocomb allows the detection of Earth-mass planets orbiting M dwarf stars, which comprise 70% of stars in the galaxy. The precision provided by the comb enables astronomers to find habitable planets around the most ubiquitous stars near Earth.
Researchers developed a new protocol to rule out life-threatening bacterial infections in infants with fevers, avoiding spinal taps and antibiotics. The study found accuracy rates of 97% in ruling out serious bacterial infections.
Research reveals that power plants in India take the highest toll on human health due to particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions. The study also highlights the need for upgrading or shutting down outdated coal power plants to mitigate global warming and air pollution.
Researchers discovered multiple genetic variants associated with body-fat tissue regulation and distribution. The findings broaden the understanding of how genes predispose individuals to obesity.
A new report by Duke University researchers highlights the dire impacts of Israel's targeting of agricultural, water, and energy infrastructures in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on human welfare and livelihoods. The study shows that these attacks often result in significant degradation of civilian infrastructure and economy.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have successfully developed a single-chip transceiver that can transmit or receive digital data at 80 gigabits per second (Gbit/s) using terahertz (THz) technology. The breakthrough could potentially enable ultra-high-speed wireless communications, supporting the development of artificial superintell...
Researchers confirm that the human brain and monkeys perceive the Pinna-Brelstaff figure's rotating rings similarly, with a delay of around 15 milliseconds. This finding supports Jan Purkinje's theory that illusions contain visual truth and sheds light on how our brains handle perception vs reality.
Scientists have developed a new technique using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create pluripotent stem cells that can avoid rejection by the immune system. These 'universal' stem cells can be manufactured more efficiently than individualized cells and bring promise to regenerative medicine.
A $3.34M NIH grant will aid in understanding how bacteria resist antibiotics by targeting cell-wall strengthening machinery in B. multivorans and identifying peptide-based inhibitors to block this process. Novel peptides may enhance the immune response and synergize with existing antibiotics to treat drug-resistant infections.
Genomic analysis reveals East Africa's hunter-gatherers diverged from a shared ancestry around 20,000 years ago, driven by infectious disease and dietary adaptations. This study provides insight into the genetic diversity of African populations, shedding light on the role of diet and disease in shaping human evolution.
A team of researchers found that hot great white sharks can swim at high speeds when commuting between islands, but prefer slower speeds when hunting for fat seal snacks. The study suggests that the warm-blooded lifestyle of these sharks allows them to conserve energy by using a 'sit-and-wait' strategy.
A new study reveals that nearly half of new mothers and a quarter of new fathers leave their full-time STEM jobs within four to seven years of having their first child. This trend is attributed to cultural expectations and workplace obstacles, with women being more likely than men to switch to part-time work or leave the workforce alto...
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology developed a computer game for dementia carers, offering immersive scenarios to build knowledge and skills. The game is freely available online, providing a hands-on approach to train caregivers in dealing with the challenges of dementia care.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a simple mechanism used by bacteria to resist antibiotics. By understanding this mechanism, scientists can design better drugs to fight infection. The study found that when bacteria become resistant, their membrane becomes more rigid and harder for the drug to penetrate.
A study led by Stanford researchers found that every 10 additional primary care physicians per 100,000 people was associated with a 51.5-day increase in life expectancy during the decade from 2005 to 2015. The researchers also found that an increase of 10 specialists per 100,000 corresponded to only a 19.2-day increase.
A recent study found that grasses can acquire genes from at least nine donor species, including those involved in photosynthesis and disease resistance. This mechanism allows certain plants to adapt quickly to environmental changes.
Researchers are working on developing faster-charging batteries for electric vehicles by understanding how lithium ions distribute within the electrode. They used X-rays to create a micron-scale movie of lithium distribution, revealing inhomogeneous movement similar to people spreading out in a room.
Screen time in young children has significantly increased since a 1997 study, with most of it spent watching TV. The study tracked daily screen time among American children under 6 years old and found that total screen time among toddlers increased by nearly 2 hours per day.
Researchers found significant changes in smokers' ability to discriminate contrast levels and colors compared to non-smokers. The study suggests that cigarette smoke's neurotoxic chemicals may cause overall color vision loss and visual processing impairments.
Researchers from Canada and Germany used a supercomputer to simulate climate trends in Quebec and Bavaria from 1950 to 2100, providing insights into severe flooding dynamics under changing climate conditions. The study's results showed good agreement with historical climate data, confirming the predictive power of the simulations.
The study found that the great white shark's genome contains a plethora of genetic changes indicating molecular adaptation in genes with important roles in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, and DNA damage tolerance. These adaptations could be behind the evolutionary success of large-bodied and long-lived sharks.
A team led by Illinois professor Aimy Wissa studied the unique clicking mechanism of click beetles to inspire more agile robots. They discovered how the insect's hinge-like structure enables a quick release mechanism, which is being incorporated into robot prototypes.
A study analyzing U.S. population data from 2005 to 2015 found that a higher number of primary care physicians is associated with better life expectancy. The total number of primary care physicians increased, but their distribution across counties decreased, particularly in rural areas, leading to lower per capita supplies.
A new study reveals that chronic stress promotes breast cancer growth and spread by activating a biochemical pathway involving the stress hormone epinephrine. Vitamin C has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent to target this pathway, potentially offering new hope for patients undergoing chronic stress.
A new study by Loyola Medicine and colleagues reveals that only 21.8% of non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients use statins, despite being at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
A team of scientists discovered that Blimp1 prevents the loss of identity in regulatory T cells, a type of immune cell that controls inflammation. This finding has implications for therapies against inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
Scientists propose using microalgae biomarkers to detect environmental pollution, which is triggered by oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. The use of microalgae as an indicator can provide early warnings of environmental problems.
Researchers have developed a new map of newborn babies' brains that could provide a reference tool for studying typical brain development and neurological disorders. The study used noninvasive MRI scans to reveal complex brain architecture, offering potential biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder at birth.
Researchers discovered that COPD patients often confuse early signs of lung cancer with their existing condition, leading to delayed diagnosis. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to educate patients about their increased risk and be more vigilant when symptoms change.
A Chinese national screening project found that only 0.6% and 2.4% of individuals with high cardiovascular risk were using statins and aspirin, respectively. The study highlights the need for increased risk mitigation in China's population.
Researchers have identified a toxin in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that kills the bacteria if not neutralized by an antidote protein. This 'suicide' mechanism can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes to combat tuberculosis, which is a major cause of death worldwide.
A researcher at the University of Cincinnati is using a $1.4 million VA grant to study radiation resistance in head and neck cancer. The goal is to target molecular pathways to make radiation therapy more effective, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers found a way to reconstruct these indigenous communication networks, showing how they laid the groundwork for Native American political systems. The analysis utilizes sophisticated social network analysis to map social and political connections between dozens of Native American villages.
A new smartphone-based tobacco cessation study aims to help smokers quit using a tailored messaging system that predicts when they are most likely to relapse. The app, called Smart-T, has shown promising results in previous studies, with 22% of participants quitting smoking compared to 15% in other groups.
Researchers at Duke University found that a single CRISPR treatment can safely correct genetic disease for over a year, despite immune responses. The study suggests approaches to address potential challenges and potentially deliver the therapy to infants or restrict Cas9 expression.
Researchers have discovered chiral surface excitons, particles that spin like planets and annihilate each other on the surface of solids, emitting photoluminescence. The finding has potential applications for devices such as solar cells and electronic displays.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine published a clinical practice guideline for the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. The guideline provides nine recommendations, including the use of PAP therapy as a first-line treatment for OSA in adults with excessive sleepiness.
New research using compound-specific isotope analysis reveals that Neandertals had a predominantly carnivorous diet, primarily consisting of large herbivores. The study also sheds light on the possibility of late weaning and cannibalism in Neandertal populations.
A new study by Bioversity International shows that crowdsourced citizen science can improve and accelerate crop variety recommendations, enabling farmers to adapt to climate change. The approach, called tricot, uses farmer-generated data to generate recommendations that are representative of local conditions.
A $1.3 million grant will lead a multi-continent exploration of the epistemology of religion, connecting Latin American philosophers with colleagues from North America and Europe. Scholars from diverse perspectives will engage in discussions on the evidence for religious beliefs and the rationality of traditions.
A study of 1,625 brain tissue samples found Hispanic-American patients with Alzheimer's disease lived an average of 12 years from symptom onset, compared to 9 and 8 years for non-Hispanic whites and African-Americans. The research also identified subtle differences in the severity of Alzheimer's-related protein clumps among ethnoracial...
Nano-droplets play a crucial role in controlling the formation of membranes, a process that can be manipulated to create new nanomedicines. This discovery has significant implications for the development of targeted cancer treatments by encapsulating medicines in liposomes.