Researchers at Texas Heart Institute and Rice University have developed biocompatible nanotube fibers that can bridge damaged heart tissues and deliver electrical signals to restore heart function. The fibers were shown to be effective in restoring conduction in preclinical models, even without the presence of a pacemaker.
Astronomers have developed a model showing the James Webb Space Telescope can detect the atmospheres of all seven TRAPPIST-1 planets in just 10 transits or fewer, even with cloud cover. The telescope's Near-Infrared Spectrograph will help identify gas spectral fingerprints to determine atmosphere composition.
Scientists have discovered the architecture of proteins known as Photosystem II that diatoms use to absorb sunlight and power their photosynthesis. This discovery could lead to more efficient and affordable algal biofuels and combat climate change from fossil fuel burning.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have identified orbital-moment quenching as a tool to enhance magnetization and magnetic anisotropy in samarium-cobalt magnets, potentially leading to improved performance and high-temperature durability.
Researchers discovered microbes thriving on centuries-old organic matter in sediments, using peptidases to degrade low-quality food. This finding has implications for biomedical applications and understanding of subsurface microbial communities.
The Ecological Society of America donates over $13,800 to Louisville Grows to support its urban agriculture and forestry programs. The organization's efforts prioritize inclusion and diversity in promoting sustainable communities.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to inhibit the growth of squamous cell carcinoma tumors in mice with lung cancer. The study also found a correlation between high blood glucose levels and poor survival among patients with squamous cell carcinoma.
Consuming more gluten during early childhood is associated with higher risk of celiac disease and autoimmunity among genetically predisposed children. The study found a significant increase in risk for every 1-gram per day increase in gluten consumption.
A new analysis of state, county, and federal data shows a significant decline in criminal sentencing racial gaps since the mid-1990s. The overall sentence length gap between whites and blacks in federal courts decreased by more than 80% between 1996 and 2016.
A survey of internal medicine residents found that many reported being bullied during their training, which had a significant impact on their mental health and overall well-being. The study highlights the need for a safe and supportive learning environment in medical education.
Researchers will use human pluripotent stem cells, CRISPR and human organoids to dissect beta cell defects and create a human cell model of type 1 diabetes. The goal is to identify the cellular actions leading to disease onset and potentially rescue surviving beta cells.
A new study finds that enterovirus antibodies were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of most patients with acute flaccid myelitis, suggesting a possible link between the two conditions. The research provides further evidence that enterovirus infection may be a factor in AFM.
A new study from Western University found that tRNA gene mutations can cause misreading of the genetic code, leading to protein malfunction. Researchers discovered an average of 66 variants in tRNA genes among individuals in London, Ontario, suggesting a potential link between these mutations and human diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that crocodiles have thin tooth enamel, unlike humans and other hard-biting species. This discovery could lead to new approaches for dealing with people's teeth.
Researchers have developed a 'Trojan horse' technique to produce intense electron beams, potentially shrinking future accelerators by 100-1,000 times. This could lead to brighter X-ray lasers and enhanced scientific capabilities.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that removing the enzyme PHLPP1 improves outcomes in a mouse model of sepsis. The study introduces the possibility of inhibiting PHLPP1 as a new treatment for sepsis.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology are developing new contactless exhaust measurement methods that can detect vehicle emissions in real-time. The technology uses tuning forks to measure particles in the air, allowing for accurate detection of pollutant emissions from vehicles.
The tarnished plant bug is a significant pest of cotton in North Carolina and Virginia, feeding on reproductive tissues and damaging crops. Effective management strategies include sampling correctly, applying thresholds properly, planting early, and avoiding overfertilizing and overirrigating.
Researchers aim to understand the genomic basis of southern pine beetle infestation behavior, predicting and controlling large-scale tree kills. The project seeks to identify genetic changes linked to outbreaks, enabling better forest management and monitoring.
A study published in Radiology found that ADHD medication methylphenidate affects the development of brain white matter in children, but not adults. The medication was associated with increased white matter fractional anisotropy in boys with ADHD, a measure thought to reflect nerve fiber density and myelination.
A new silicon chip system allows researchers to examine the functional effects of drugs on lab-grown human heart muscle cells. The platform, which includes electrodes to stimulate and measure electrical activity, helps determine how treatments affect heart function and conduction velocity in ischemic conditions.
Researchers followed a long-term UTI sufferer and found that recurring infections came from a single bacterial reservoir in the body. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments by targeting the intestinal reservoir rather than just treating the bladder.
Researchers use machine learning to analyze mouse behavior while foraging for food, identifying 71 reproduceable behavioral sequences as the underlying building blocks for more complex behavior patterns. The study reveals genetic influence over behavior and provides a new approach to understanding complex behaviors in humans.
Researchers found that intensively controlling blood pressure was more effective at slowing the accumulation of white matter lesions than standard treatment. This is encouraging for advancing the science of understanding and addressing aging brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Scientists used an epigenetic clock to explore the molecular mechanisms of aging in humans and identified a gene, NSD1, that is closely linked to the process. This research could lead to a better understanding of how aging works and its relationship with various conditions.
Researchers have developed a novel chemical treatment that can segregate X-bearing sperm from Y-bearing sperm, enabling dramatic alteration of the sex ratio in offspring. This technique has potential for simplifying sex selection in human assisted reproduction and artificial insemination.
The study found that ERK was easily switched on in ancient one-celled creatures but carefully restrained as animals evolved. Researchers identified two key changes that likely brought ERK under more control across evolution.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for patients with Castleman disease who do not respond to the currently approved drug siltuximab. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, when inhibited, shows promise in sending patients into remission.
Research found that children born prematurely in summer months are more likely to experience significant educational setbacks after their first year of school. Extra support for these children, such as tailored advice and learning resources, is recommended by the study's authors.
A new study predicts that the Arctic Ocean could be completely ice-free in September if global temperatures increase by as little as 2 degrees Celsius. This finding highlights the potential consequences of limiting warming to 2 degrees, a goal of the Paris Agreement.
The University of Minnesota has been awarded a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation to conduct sustainable plastics research. The center aims to create environment-friendly alternatives, including biodegradable and recyclable plastics.
A study by the USDA Forest Service and Purdue University finds that non-native invasive insects and diseases are reducing the amount of carbon stored in trees across the United States. The study estimates that 41% of live forest biomass is threatened, with certain species like emerald ash borer and gypsy moth causing significant damage.
A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and Emory University observed the movement between individual water molecules for the first time, revealing new insights into their interactions. The findings help to better understand the intermolecular energy landscape and the strange properties of water.
A large population-based study found that novel oral androgen signaling inhibitor therapies increase the risk of death in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Patients with three or more heart conditions experienced a 50% increase in mortality, while enzalutamide was associated with lower hospitalization rates.
Intensive systolic blood pressure control was associated with a smaller increase in brain white matter lesions compared to standard treatment. There was also a greater decrease in total brain volume, although the significance of this finding is unclear.
Researchers found that CD2AP gene is involved in synaptic transmission and regulates key regulatory proteins at neuron terminals. Low CD2AP levels significantly correlate with abnormal turnover of synaptic proteins in brain autopsies of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Advances in wind technology have led to significant growth, with larger turbines now capable of generating up to 5 megawatts. Improved efficiency and cost reductions are expected, but maintaining these turbines will require more economical methods.
A new supplement to Annals of Family Medicine highlights early findings from federally funded initiatives aimed at transforming medical practices and improving community health. Key findings include the importance of monitoring clinician burnout and leveraging technical assistance to expand access to urgent care.
Long-term exposure to ozone and other pollutants accelerates emphysema development, even among non-smokers. The study found a strong association between ozone levels and emphysema, with the strongest impact seen in people living in areas with high ozone concentrations.
NASA's Terra satellite detected scattered cold clouds in Hurricane Henriette, indicating a weakening system. The storm's cloud top temperatures reached as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit, further supporting its decline.
A new study by Indiana University found that college students who participate in conversation-based activities are less likely to stigmatize people with mental illness. The study, led by Bernice Pescosolido, suggests that such efforts can drive significant reductions in stigma and improve campus climate.
Scientists at Samara Polytech have synthesized the first metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with unique properties, including magnetic susceptibility, luminescence, and electrical conductivity. The resulting nanostructured materials demonstrate record sorption characteristics for various volatile substances.
A new study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology reveals that grey squirrels turned black due to interbreeding with fox squirrels. The faulty pigment gene was identified as identical to one found in the closely related fox squirrel species native to North America.
The Fieldprint calculator helps farmers evaluate productivity, profitability, and sustainability across eight metrics. It collects data by asking farmers to answer questions about their management practices, providing analysis relating to biodiversity, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and more.
A study by University of East Anglia and others found that tourists' emotions shift from anxiety to enjoyment during digital detox, with increased focus on surroundings and social connections. Participants reported improved experiences and willingness for future digital detoxes, especially in rural destinations.
New research found that word-of-mouth referrals from the platform community drive anime watching decisions and behaviors, outperforming following someone else's lead or observed adoptions. A person's community network is the primary source of information driving their decision-making.
A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that family physicians overestimated their patients' geographic footprint by 112% on average. Integrating geography into practice data and community-oriented approaches can improve patient health outcomes.
Researchers found that midlife hypertension sustained into late life and a pattern of midlife hypertension followed by late-life low blood pressure are associated with increased dementia risk. The study included nearly 4,800 participants and found that these patterns were linked to increased risk of mild cognitive impairment.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that children's skin microbiomes are similar to their mothers' and can be affected by mode of delivery. The research suggests that vaginal delivery is associated with a stronger bacterial similarity to mothers, while Caesarian section may lead to differences.
A satellite study found that a region in northern tropical Africa emits between 1 and 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon annually, comparable to the emissions of 200 million cars. The research uses data from two NASA satellites and improves understanding of greenhouse gas sources.
An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has unraveled the mechanism for the biosynthesis of salicylic acid in plants. The study reveals that isochorismate-derived compounds accumulate when a specific gene is removed, leading to the formation of salicylic acid.
Heat waves in the US are becoming larger and more severe due to climate change, according to UA research. The study aims to develop predictive models for heat waves, which could inform improved planning and response to these events.
Researchers found EV RNA in CSF of 4 out of 567 total confirmed AFM cases, but significantly higher antibodies to EV peptides in 11 of 14 AFM patients. The study suggests enterovirus infection as a cause for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in children.
Heidelberg University physicists develop a novel spectroscopic method to map the energetic landscape inside solar cells based on organic materials. This technique enables scientists to study physical principles and better understand processes such as energetic losses with extreme precision.
A novel mechanism has been discovered that explains how specific types of cervicovaginal microbiome can protect women against chlamydial infection. The research found that certain bacteria in the vagina can produce D-lactic acid, which down-regulates cell cycling and blocks the entry of Chlamydia trachomatis into human cells.
Researchers have developed an all-optical diffractive neural network that achieves unprecedented levels of inference accuracy, closing the performance gap with electronic neural networks. The design incorporates a differential detection scheme, which enables specialized sub-networks to recognize specific object classes.
Researchers identify glial cells as critical players in brain's response to social stress. The study found that oligodendrocytes, the myelin-producing cells, play a key role in determining individual resilience or susceptibility to stressful events.
The PermaSense project has recorded a unique 10-year record of high-resolution data on the Hörnli ridge of the Matterhorn, offering a better understanding of processes that can lead to rock destabilization. The data set includes measurements of temperature, seismic activity, and deformation of the mountain ridge.
A University of Minnesota study found that high-fat foods significantly increase cannabidiol (CBD) absorption into the body. CBD exposure is vastly increased when taken with high fatty foods, and concentrations in the blood can be four times higher than fasting levels.
Researchers found that highland and lowland populations had distinct craniofacial variations, with adaptations to climate and altitude contributing to the differences. The study suggests a complex interplay of environmental factors, rather than just genetic drift, in shaping human diversification in the New World.