A study led by Theresa Cole found that modern penguin diversity is driven by islands, which created new opportunities for isolation and speciation. The research suggests human-caused extinctions have also played a role in shaping penguin diversity.
Immunology researchers at the Babraham Institute discovered how lung tissue is remodelled to support an immune response to influenza, producing antibodies with cross-protection against multiple strains. The findings may lead to more robust seasonal influenza vaccination and new therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have mapped how ancient cereal crops spread from isolated pockets of first cultivation, driven by peasant farmers' needs rather than cultural choices. The study shows that food globalization in prehistory had an equally dramatic impact on food cultivation as the Columbian Exchange.
A new study published in EuroIntervention found that minimally invasive Mitraclip implantation has a consistently low complication rate, even as the number of procedures increased. The study included over 13,575 patients and showed that mortality rates remained stable during the five-year period.
Researchers at Arizona State University have found that biochemistry is governed by general organizing principles, applicable from individual organisms to ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole. These universal principles can help constrain the emergence of life on other planets.
A study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience found that eight weeks of intensive yoga practice significantly decreases the severity of physical and psychological symptoms in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The results show marked improvements in inflammatory biomarkers, functional status, and disease activity.
A new study by Christian Lodberg Hvas shows that faeces transplantation is an effective treatment for Clostridium difficile, curing 22 out of 24 patients after a single procedure. In contrast, only 10 out of 24 patients were cured using the antibiotic fidaxomicin, highlighting the potential life-saving benefits of this treatment.
A new open-access book presents two years of research on how to best tackle climate change, funded by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. The book provides a feasible roadmap for achieving and surpassing the targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement, indicating that goals are achievable with current technology.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery triggers the release of higher levels of gut hormones, particularly GLP-1, leading to increased insulin production and improved glucose control. The study suggests a new mechanism for weight loss and diabetes management after surgery.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that depression symptoms are linked to an increased risk of death in older adults. The research suggests that heart disease and stroke may play a role in this connection, but preventing heart disease is not enough to prevent or delay death.
Scientists at Linköping University have developed an organic electrochemical transistor that can learn and create new connections, similar to the human brain. The transistor uses a unique material called ETE-S, which allows it to adapt to changing input signals, enabling the creation of new connections.
A team of international researchers has developed a nanosized amplifier to boost light signals in microchips, significantly reducing signal attenuation. The breakthrough utilizes atomic layer deposition method and could lead to increased performance and energy efficiency in microcircuit systems.
A new study reveals that climate change could lead to declines of underwater kelp forests, impacting fisheries and potentially affecting food security. The research found that ocean warming and acidification can cause disease-like symptoms in kelp, leading to degradation and photosynthesis impairment.
Joanna Verran, a former microbiology professor, received the 2019 Mani L. Bhaumik Award for her innovative approaches to science communication, leveraging popular culture to engage diverse audiences.
A new study found no evidence that value-based incentive programs linked to hospital performance improved patient safety or reduced catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates in US hospitals. However, the research did show modest improvements in the use of urinary catheters and decreased risk for associated infections.
A study reveals how HIV-1 protein Vpu hinders the immune system's response to infection by inhibiting transcription factor NF-κB and reducing antiviral factors. This finding could inform therapeutic approaches aiming to activate dormant HIV for subsequent elimination.
A novel glycyl radical enzyme has been discovered in Bilophila bacteria, responsible for degrading taurine and producing toxic hydrogen sulphide. The enzyme's oxygen-sensitivity and role in intestinal barrier permeability and colon cancer are being further investigated.
Researchers created a new technique called neural source-filter (NSF) to synthesize high-quality speech waveforms resembling the human voice. NSF requires less data and parameter tuning compared to existing methods, resulting in comparable quality to WaveNet.
Scientists identified a protein, IR7a, required for fruit flies to detect acetic acid and make decisions based on its concentration. This discovery could have implications for understanding taste research and disease prevention.
A study published in Radiology found that radiologists can identify patterns of injury indicative of intimate partner violence. The research suggests that medical images can offer early clues of this type of violence, particularly among women and those with certain socioeconomic factors.
Microbiologists at the University of Göttingen developed a new method to detect novel enzymes that can release phosphate from environmental samples. This breakthrough has significant implications for industrial processes, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.
A Monash University study found that recreational cannabis sales led to an average of one additional traffic fatality per million residents in US states where it was legalized. The increase was short-lived, lasting about a year after legalization. The study also reported spillover effects on neighboring jurisdictions.
The article highlights the need for fundamental changes in pharmacy practice to effectively and safely meet society's healthcare needs. Key findings include repurposing physical layouts, optimizing workflow processes, and integrating pharmacists into patient care plans with eHealth technology and interprofessional teamwork.
Scientists from the University of Groningen created block copolymers from PVDF that preserve its ferroelectricity while allowing tunable characteristics. These copolymers enable various applications, including flexible organic electronics and energy storage.
Research by Lehigh University professor Sirry Alang found that Blacks with high socioeconomic status are less likely to seek mental health care due to mistrust and racial inequities. The study suggests teaching about the history of racism in medicine and prioritizing marginalized narratives as solutions.
Scientists have discovered how DNA topoisomerase II and CKII enzymes in fission yeast interact to promote cell growth, a mechanism that may be similar in human cancer cells. Inhibiting these enzymes could lead to new cancer treatments.
A study published in Immunity reveals that T regulatory cells have tissue-specific receptors and adaptations to localize themselves in specific tissues. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases by manipulating therapeutic T cells to specific locations in the body.
MIT researchers have developed a new toxicity test that can measure chemical effects on cell survival with greater sensitivity than popular tests. The MicroColonyChip system uses tiny wells to form small colonies, allowing for rapid results in just a few days.
New research found a high prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) in sink drains near patient toilets, posing a risk of infection transmission. The study suggests that sinks next to toilets may be reservoirs for KPC, highlighting the importance of improved hand hygiene and disinfection protocols.
Researchers at CRAG have discovered that chloroplasts play a key role in regulating the shade avoidance syndrome in plants, allowing them to optimize photosynthesis. This discovery has important implications for improving crop productivity without increasing land use.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that an educational intervention trained rural Chinese primary care doctors to prescribe antibiotics more appropriately, reducing unnecessary prescriptions for childhood upper respiratory tract infections by 36%. The intervention's long-term benefits were sustained even a year after its conclusion.
A novel experiment at PPPL has demonstrated the validity of magnetorotational instability (MRI) theory, which explains how stars and planets form from accretion disks. The study found that weakly tethered rotating balls gained angular momentum and shifted outward, consistent with MRI predictions.
Researchers have identified a mutation in the SLC28A1 gene, affecting the synthesis of the hCNT1 protein and altering pyrimidine metabolism. The study provides insights into the potential role of nucleoside transporters in regulating cellular processes and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
A theoretical model has been developed to describe how chiral molecules can create a spin current, potentially revolutionizing electronic devices. The model predicts that certain circuits with four contacts will allow the detection of this effect.
Researchers at the University of Chichester and Leuven discovered that Roy Lichtenstein had a complex and collaborative dynamic with comics creators. The artist's work significantly shaped comics publications, and cartoonists praised each other's work.
Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that biologic drugs used to treat severe psoriasis can improve coronary artery plaque, reducing the risk of heart attacks. The study showed an 8% reduction in total and non-calcified coronary plaque burden among patients taking biologic therapy.
A Drexel University study found that nail salon employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals and experience acute symptoms, highlighting the need for intervention and policy change. The researchers propose simple protective practices, such as mask-wearing and proper ventilation, to improve workplace safety.
Coral reefs optimize their photosynthetic capacities to prevailing environmental conditions, such as light availability, temperature, and nutrient levels. This adaptation allows reef organisms to respond to stresses like global climate change, with potential implications for measuring reef health and ecosystem function.
A new paper in Current Anthropology proposes that early human ancestors acquired a taste for fat by eating marrow scavenged from large animal skeletons. This fatty diet provided the necessary calories to develop bigger brains, contradicting the widely held view that meat consumption was crucial for human evolution.
The ALS Association has committed an additional $3.5 million to the NYGC's CGND, while The Tow Foundation has contributed $2.5 million, renewing support for genomic research and patient data analysis. These investments aim to accelerate the development of new treatments and a cure for ALS.
Researchers have successfully grown functional mouse kidneys inside rats from just a few donor stem cells, offering a promising solution to the global kidney shortage. The study, published in Nature Communications, used the blastocyst complementation method to generate human stem cell-derived organs.
The Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative, launched in 2018, aims to repeat experiments from published articles originating from Brazil to estimate the country's research reproducibility. The project will assess over 60-100 experiments across multiple laboratories.
The HEROES program, launched in 2018, provides comprehensive treatment for opioid abusers and offers assertive outreach to those struggling with addiction. The program has seen success with nearly 150 patients remaining drug-free for over 30 days.
A new study from Cornell University reveals that undocumented Latino immigrants are more likely to live with extended family and non-relatives than other groups. This complexity in living arrangements has significant implications for social and economic well-being, particularly affecting U.S.-born children of these individuals.
Cancer rates linked to obesity are rising faster in US young adults compared to older generations. Incidence of certain cancer types such as colorectal, uterine corpus, and pancreatic cancer has increased significantly in younger age groups.
A two-year study found that out of 1919 women diagnosed with non-cancerous ovarian cysts, 20% had the cysts disappear on their own, and 80% either resolved or didn't require intervention. The risk of complications from surgical removal was lower than previously thought.
A powerful molecule, HLA-G dimer, helps protect transplanted organs from rejection by quietening two other immune molecules. The study provides more evidence that this molecule should be an effective therapy for protecting transplanted organs, and its potential to improve outcomes in organ transplant patients.
A new study finds that variations in water temperature over long stretches of coastline lead to the emergence of new marine fish species without geographical isolation. This discovery sheds light on the early stages of species evolution in the ocean and has significant implications for managing threatened or exploited fish stocks.
A new study by the University of Leeds found a positive association between fruit and vegetable consumption and self-reported mental well-being in the UK population. Consuming an extra portion of fruits and vegetables daily could have a significant impact on mental health, equivalent to 8 extra days of walking.
Researchers use new PET scan technique to show that people with PTLDS have elevated levels of a chemical marker of brain inflammation, compared to healthy controls. The study suggests new avenues for treating the long-term fatigue and cognitive symptoms associated with PTLDS.
Researchers suggest that dark matter consists of axions, pseudo-Goldstone bosons capable of interacting with photons. The discovery could help identify the particles comprising dark matter and shed light on the nature of this mysterious component.
A new subterranean species of dipluran was discovered in a cave on Vancouver Island, Canada. The species, named Haplocampa wagnelli, has characteristics that suggest it may not be exclusively underground.
A new scale has been developed to characterize the strength and impacts of atmospheric rivers, which can deliver heavy precipitation to the Western United States. The scale assigns five categories to atmospheric rivers based on the amount of water vapor they carry and their duration in a given location.
The new webinar series aims to bridge the gap between scientists and the public by exploring success, fake science, impact, and evil through expert discussions. The series will run through 2019 with at least 11 more webinars planned.
A molecular network controlling connective tissue deposition has been decrypted, revealing a key protein PU.1 that causes pathological scarring. Inhibiting PU.1 may provide a new way to treat fibrotic diseases such as systemic sclerosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Researchers at University of Freiburg discover new immune cells that promote multiple sclerosis development, creating an immune cell atlas for the brain. Chronic activation of these cells may explain why the brain is chronically attacked in MS patients.
Regular and careful assessment of target weight and fluid balance is crucial for dialysis patients' health and survival. The study highlights the importance of protocols that specify dry weight assessments and routine postural blood pressure measurements to lower all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.
Researchers used eye-tracking technology to demonstrate that people don't need to mindfully look at eyes to be perceived as making eye contact during conversation. Participants rated their enjoyment of conversations equally regardless of researcher's gaze direction.
A new joint research project is studying changes in landscapes and soil conditions of South Africa to assess land degradation. The 'South African Land Degradation Monitor' will use Earth observation data to monitor developments over time.
Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine use single-cell RNA sequencing to define cell types in human testes, opening a path for new strategies to treat male infertility. The study identifies spermatogonial stem cells and biomarkers that could help develop protein cocktails to drive cell proliferation.