Research identifies GCAM1 transcription factor crucial for secondary bud formation in liverworts, revealing a common mechanism with angiosperms. This breakthrough has potential applications for increasing crop production through controlled axillary shoot formation.
Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified a novel target for anti-fibrotic therapies: the TRPV4-PI3Kγ complex. This complex amplifies TGF-β signaling to generate myofibroblasts, which produce and contract extracellular matrix to form scar tissue. The study offers promising support for new treatment approaches.
New study from the Francis Crick Institute reveals that telomere t-loops are crucial for protecting chromosomes from damage by adopting a lasso-like structure. The research also uncovered the mechanism that regulates the winding and unwinding of these t-loops, essential for maintaining chromosome integrity.
A study of 6,980 pediatric solid organ transplant recipients found that 15.6% were hospitalized with a vaccine-preventable infection within the first five years after transplant, 87 times higher than in the general population. The researchers call for improved immunization rates to reduce this risk.
A new study by Berkeley Lab suggests that the East Asian Monsoon will shift geographically as the climate warms, leading to less rainfall in certain regions. The researchers used global climate models to investigate changes in the Hadley cell, resulting in a contraction of monsoon rains towards the equator during summer months.
Researchers successfully applied phage therapy to mice with alcohol-related liver disease, eradicating the disease by targeting destructive gut bacteria. Nearly 90% of patients with cytolysin-positive alcoholic hepatitis died within 180 days, but phage therapy showed promise in treating the condition.
Researchers discovered a new way to optimize PSMA-targeted prostate cancer treatment by adjusting peptide concentrations, reducing tumor uptake and salivary gland damage. The study suggests that setting an optimal molar activity level can minimize adverse effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
A 7-year prospective cohort study found that early use of regional anesthesia is associated with sustained pain benefits throughout rehabilitation and recovery. The study suggests that effective, agile pain interventions can play an important role in reducing future pain.
A study of 1,369 children found that high levels of good cholesterol and bad fats at birth can predict social and emotional development issues at age 5. Children with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low triglycerides showed improved psychological ratings from teachers.
A new biomarker, plectin, has been identified in cancer stem cells, which govern cancer survival and spread. Plectin's translocation onto the cell surface is linked to tumor invasion and metastasis, making it a potential target for drug development.
Birch bark tar was the world's oldest glue, used in the Palaeolithic Period and up to late antiquity, according to recent research. Archaeological artefacts suggest it was procured despite birch scarcity, highlighting the strength of traditional practices among the Gauls.
Researchers found a 75% reduction in gastric cancer risk after eliminating Helicobacter pylori infection. Higher rates of gastric cancer were observed among African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations, as well as men who smoke.
A Dartmouth study analyzed prescription records of 2.5 million Medicare beneficiaries and found that taking any one fracture-associated drug doubles a person's risk, while taking three or more increases it four-fold. The most hazardous combinations included opioids with sedatives, diuretics, or PPIs.
Researchers found that emergency blankets provided insufficient thermal insulation, leading to decreased sleep efficiency and increased fatigue. The study suggests that simple measures such as wearing down jackets can help regulate body temperature and improve sleep quality in low-temperature environments.
Researchers have developed a new material that combines semiconducting properties with intrinsic stretchability and full degradability. The material can be stretched to twice its normal length without compromising electrical performance and degrades completely within 10 days in a weak acid.
A new study suggests that researchers might be able to detect black hole mergers by observing the effect of their merger on a nearby gas disk. If successful, this would allow astronomers to pinpoint the cosmic location of these events and study them in greater detail.
Scientists at Skoltech developed a novel p-type flexible transparent conductor using single-walled carbon nanotubes, which opens new avenues for its applications. The newly developed conductor achieved a record power conversion efficiency of 8.8% in solar cells, outperforming traditional amorphous silicon solar cells.
A team of researchers has generated multi-millijoule 3-cycle pulses at an unprecedented average power level of 318 W, paving the way for industrial applications. The achievement marks a significant milestone in few-cycle laser technology and opens up new possibilities for highly parallelized material processing.
A new study reveals that frail patients are at a significantly higher risk of death after even minor surgeries, including laparoscopic gallbladder removal. The researchers found that patients classified as frail or very frail had mortality rates of up to 43% after moderate-stress procedures.
A VA-funded study found that frail surgery patients are at a significantly higher risk of mortality, even after low-risk procedures. Mortality rates were alarmingly high, with 30-day death rates ranging from 1.6% to 43%. The researchers recommend assessing frailty before any surgical procedure and focusing on pre-operative interventions.
Researchers developed a scalable method to grow orthorhombic molybdenum oxide (α-MoO3) nanosheets on graphene substrates using van der Waals epitaxial growth. The nanosheets retain bulk-like structural and electrical properties even at thicknesses of 2-3 layers, making them suitable for optoelectronic devices and power electronics.
A team of researchers from the University of Arizona has discovered a mechanism creating complex carbon molecules, such as C60, in a simulated planetary nebula environment. The study suggests that these molecules are derived from silicon carbide dust made by dying stars and can be dispersed throughout the interstellar medium.
Yale researchers have discovered hyperhotspots in the human genome that are up to 170-times more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, potentially leading to a new way of predicting skin cancer risk. By analyzing these hyperhotspots, doctors could gain a better understanding of a patient's exposure history and skin cancer risk.
Researchers from IBE and Globe Institute rebuilt proteins from a 2-million-year-old fossil, clarifying the evolutionary history of hominids. The technique has shed light on the ancient DNA techniques' limitations, allowing for clearer understanding of human and great ape lineage.
Researchers at Marshall University found that universal maternal toxicology screening, including gabapentin, led to increased identification of co-exposure and improved timely treatment for newborns experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This resulted in shorter hospital stays, averaging 48 days compared to 58 days before the screening began.
Researchers have discovered a way in which leukemia cells can change their identity to become macrophages, a process known as transdifferentiation. This transformation occurs through epigenetic changes that alter the cell's genetic material, allowing it to acquire new functions and behaviors.
Researchers developed an electronic nose that can non-destructively detect odors emitted by books of different paper compositions and ages. The device distinguished between paper from cotton, linen, or wood, as well as identified acidic and yellowing papers.
A Baylor University study found that strong same-sex friendships among male firefighters can help reduce job stress, but loving relationships with their wives may increase anxiety. The 'marriage effect' was a surprise, as married men have better health and lower mortality risk compared to single or divorced men.
Researchers at DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory develop novel parallel strategy for turbulent flow simulation on Summit. The approach successfully solves large-scale problems, revolutionizing the field of computational fluid dynamics.
A new study reveals that hydropower's climate impact is not as environmentally friendly as thought, with some facilities emitting more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. However, in the long-term, hydropower has a smaller climate benefit compared to methane emissions.
Researchers at KAIST developed AI technology that automatically detects safe moments for AI agents to provide conversation services to drivers. The technology was tested on a real-world driving dataset and demonstrated an accuracy of 87% in determining opportune moments for driver interruption.
Tropical Storm Fengshen strengthened in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Terra satellite detecting very high-powered storms and cold cloud top temperatures circling the center. Infrared data indicates strong storms capable of generating heavy rainfall.
New research reveals that multilayer graphene behaves differently when bent a little versus a lot, with two distinct regimes of stiffness and flexibility identified. This discovery has implications for the creation of machines that can interact with cells or biological material.
Researchers have identified a cluster of over 800 genes that evolved to become 'plastic', allowing modern Daphnia to adjust its gene expression in response to phosphorus levels. This adaptability helps mitigate the effects of eutrophication, a major global threat to freshwater environments.
A new video game framework brings together two well-studied approaches to educational software, integrating narrative-centered learning and collaborative learning techniques. In proof-of-concept testing, the framework fostered both learning and effective collaboration in sixth graders, showing promise for future efforts in the field.
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to encapsulate iron and vitamin A in a biocompatible polymer, which can be easily added to staple foods. The technology has the potential to help billions of people suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, particularly children who are more susceptible to diseases like measles.
Experts emphasize the need for societal shift in understanding longevity, with a focus on health-related behaviors across all ages. The Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity initiative aims to gather evidence and produce a 10-year action plan adaptable to local contexts.
Researchers have solved the structure of cytochrome b6f, a protein complex that powers plant growth via photosynthesis. The discovery reveals new insights into how the complex regulates photosynthetic efficiency in response to environmental conditions.
Researchers at KAUST found that under certain conditions, bubbles or droplets suspended in liquid can bounce off each other due to interface mobility, leading to slower coalescence and unexpected behavior.
A study by Kristina Scott found that a structured group work protocol increased social interactions among four children with ASD, aged 10-11, who had been excluded from peer groups. The protocol helped them maintain meaningful conversations with peers, although three of the subjects returned to baseline after the experiment.
AFAR presents its Scientific Awards of Distinction to Pinchas Cohen, M.D., and Nathan LeBrasseur, Ph.D., recognizing their pioneering work in understanding cellular senescence and the discovery of novel peptides. The awards honor exceptional contributions to aging research and come with a cash prize and framed citations.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine founds that blocking the molecule ALCAM can delay the progression of multiple sclerosis. The disease causes symptoms such as fatigue, lack of coordination and vision problems in people like 20,000 Canadians with the disease.
Researchers are developing new metal conductors to replace indium tin oxide (ITO) in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), addressing limitations such as high cost and poor performance. The new technology, funded by a $1 million DOE grant, aims to improve OLED displays with enhanced brightness and flexibility.
Researchers develop AI-driven platform to design, build, test and learn complex biochemical pathways for efficient production of lycopene, a red pigment used as food coloring. The system reduces time and cost by narrowing down possible pathways from over 10,000 to 100.
Scientists explore how dark matter influences antimatter, searching for clues that could link the two aspects of the universe. They use captured antiprotons to detect changes in spin precession frequency, which could indicate dark matter's presence.
Researchers at Cornell University describe how cells initiate and perform endocytosis, a process crucial for everyday cell functioning. They found that NECAP acts like a chip clip to clamp shut the AP2 protein complex, preventing endocytosis.
A new study suggests that climate change played a role in the collapse of the Neo-Assyrian Empire by exacerbating agricultural productivity declines. The research used high-resolution paleoclimate records from northern Iraq to show that a megadrought may have encouraged invading armies and led to political unrest.
A new study at U-M found that the addition of IVF coverage to health insurance plans increased the rate of IVF among university employees, with a nine-fold increase in the lowest-salary bracket. The benefit led to greater equity in fertility rates across income groups.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine successfully applied phage therapy in mice for a condition not considered a classic bacterial infection: alcoholic liver disease. Phages target the cytolysin toxin produced by Enterococcus faecalis, reducing bacteria and alleviating liver damage.
Researchers discovered that Tulane virus, a calicivirus similar to human noroviruses, requires intracellular calcium for replication and uses its protein NS1-2 to hijack cellular calcium signaling. This finding suggests that norovirus might use a similar strategy to infect epithelial cells.
A study analyzing US melanoma data found a decline in adolescent and young adult cases between 2006 and 2015, while older adults experienced an increase in melanoma rates during the same period. The research used registry data to determine age-specific annual rates of melanoma.
After recreational marijuana legalization, past-year cannabis use disorder among 12-17 year-olds increased from 2.18% to 2.72%. Frequent marijuana use among 26+ year-olds also increased, from 2.13% to 2.62%, and those with cannabis disorder rose from 0.90% to 1.23%. No association found among 18-25 year-olds.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that 86% of diet trials amended their primary outcomes. This discrepancy raises questions about the rigor of these trials and potential biases. Researchers are calling for more investment in rigorous diet research to pin down the effects of dietary changes.
Complementary therapies used to treat breast cancer skin lesions may delay wound healing and interfere with systemic treatments. Herbal products like green chiretta and feverfew have been shown to negatively impact blood clotting, exacerbating scarring and dressing effectiveness.
A new study reveals European ash has moderately good resistance to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a beetle that has devastated ash species in the USA and some parts of Russia. The research found that European ash can restrict EAB development, while also exhibiting similar resistance to Manchurian ash.
Research found that colonoscopy accuracy has improved overall in England, but variation between providers remains. The study suggests that some independent providers have higher rates of missed cancers compared to NHS providers.
Researchers discover BRN4 overexpression drives neuroendocrine prostate cancer cell conversion in patients with recurrent cancer. Exosome inhibitors under study as potential treatment.
Researchers found that Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) and white-faced plover (Charadrius dealbatus) diverged around half a million years ago due to sea level changes. The study revealed high genetic divergence on sex chromosomes, suggesting sexual selection played a role in species evolution.
A study published in Neurology found that adults with low levels of education and limited access to education were more likely to develop dementia. Adults who learned to read and write had lower scores on memory and thinking tests at the start of the study, but their test scores did not decline as rapidly as those who were illiterate.
The 2019 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored reporters from around the world for their coverage of topics such as killer whales, air quality, and nuclear research facilities. Reporters from The Seattle Times won multiple awards for their in-depth series on Puget Sound's dying orcas.