A new study finds that excess body fat increases the risk of depression, with a 17% higher probability for every ten kilograms of extra weight. The study suggests that psychological consequences of being overweight or obese drive this increased risk, rather than biological effects.
A study published in Communications Biology reveals that the genetic mutation responsible for black pigmentation in nonagouti mice is caused by the insertion of a retrovirus β4 into VL30. Researchers found that this mutation originated from East Asian mice related to Japanese fancy mice.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can convert near-infrared light into visible light, allowing mice to see in the dark. The technology aims to improve safety and sensitivity for human use and has potential medical applications.
A study from Aarhus University has found that fat pumps in cell membranes create an electrical current, which may play a role in controlling essential processes in the body. This discovery highlights the importance of flippases in maintaining cellular function and suggests potential connections to neurological diseases and Alzheimer's.
The university's Extended Reality Initiative aims to create immersive video experiences for teacher training, improving authenticity and engagement. The team will explore the use of 360-degree videos with multiple cameras and prompts to enhance learning.
Researchers found that viewing memories in the third person reduces vividness and emotion, while recalling experiences in the first person strengthens memory. Virtual reality technology is being used to explore how perspective influences memory formation.
Researchers have discovered a new form of immunotherapy that targets and removes specific immune cells called macrophages, which support cancer growth. The technique has shown promising results in treating malignant melanoma, with tumors shrinking after the removal of these cells.
A study of 3.5 million books found that words describing women tend to focus on physical appearance, while those describing men refer to behavior and personal qualities. The analysis highlights the potential impact of biased language on AI systems and employee recommendations.
Researchers studied nanoparticle uptake in human stem cells and found minor effects on gene expression. The nanoparticles were encapsulated in lysosomes, ensuring their storage and preventing cell damage.
New study reveals that the temperatures on the dark sides of hot Jupiters are remarkably uniform, suggesting the presence of clouds made of minerals and rocks. This discovery could provide insights into cloud formation elsewhere in the universe, including on Earth.
Researchers found that rats fed high fat diets during pregnancy and nursing had slower learning abilities and persistently abnormal brain development. They also had lower levels of insulin receptors, leptin receptors, and glucose transporter 1 compared to rats from mothers on normal diets.
Scientists successfully edited the genes of albino lizards using CRISPR-Cas9, allowing them to study gene regulation and vision development. The technique, which can be applied to other animals, demonstrates a new approach for manipulating reptile genomes.
Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism that causes lung cells to lose their identity, promoting tumor growth. The study reveals how genetic mutations coordinate pathways to drive malignancy in lung cancer, shedding light on mechanisms of tumor progression and influencing drug development.
The University of Arizona Southwest Institute for Research on Women (SIROW) has launched the Lighthouse Project, a five-year initiative providing trauma-informed services to unstably housed LGBTQ young adults in Tucson. The project aims to target 300 homeless individuals and offers a range of services, including mental health support, ...
A US land-use program has led to a rebound in white-tailed deer numbers and other wildlife in North Dakota. The Conservation Reserve Program provides permanent cover and high-quality forage, promoting fawn survival and increasing biodiversity.
Researchers have found evidence of a kilonova that produced large quantities of heavy metals, including gold and platinum, after a neutron star merger. The discovery was made by re-examining data from a 2016 gamma-ray burst, which matched the signature of a kilonova observed in 2017.
Researchers develop new methodology to analyze metal threads without damaging artifacts, revealing gold, silver, copper, and zinc compositions. The technique provides high-resolution images and cross-sections, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and layered structures.
A vaccine that protects against a worrisome superbug has been successfully tested in mice, providing hope for a solution to the growing global health threat of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The vaccine, developed using genetically modified E. coli, proved highly effective in preventing severe disease and death.
University Hospitals has received a $1 million grant from the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge to further develop its opioid pill tracking technology. The platform, UH Care Continues, helped keep over 12,000 prescription opioid pills out of circulation in just six months by leveraging algorithms to prompt clinicians to evaluate patient...
A new study has revealed the genetic origins of the White Plymouth Rock chicken, a crucial component in today's meat chickens. The research team used genomics to study breed formation and identified the major contributors to the breed's development.
A recent study found that while protected areas are reducing deforestation, their effectiveness varies, and conventional management indicators do not show the whole picture. Approximately half of the studied areas showed no deforestation, and 29 out of 36 had a positive impact in mitigating deforestation.
Scientists have developed a retina-on-a-chip technology that recreates the human retina's complex tissue architecture, enabling the efficient study of eye diseases and screening for drug side effects. The tool uses living human cells with an artificial tissue-like system, mimicking the body's environment and blood vessels.
A Pitt bioengineer is developing a new approach to improve gait rehabilitation for stroke patients. By understanding how individuals perceive their movement, the researcher hopes to create the illusion of error-free performance during split-belt walking, enabling patients to carry over improvements to daily activities.
Researchers at U of T have developed growth factor-mimicking antibodies that can induce tissue repair in the body. The antibodies, called FLAgs, mimic key proteins called Wnt that normally instruct stem cells to form tissue.
A University of Turku team has found that PIM kinases regulate the sense of smell in nematodes. The enzymes, previously linked to cancer cell motility and survival, also influenced olfactory neurons' ability to detect attractants or repellents.
A new study found that adolescents who engage in more fun-seeking behaviors tend to exhibit both risk-taking and prosocial behavior. Researchers also discovered that faster brain development in certain regions is associated with less rebellious behavior.
Researchers tested AuroLase Therapy, a treatment using gold-silica nanoshells, in 16 men with low- to intermediate-grade prostate cancer. The treatment was successful in 87.5 percent of lesions treated at one year of follow-up, preserving quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a portable breathalyzer that can detect tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a user's breath. The device uses carbon nanotubes to measure THC levels and has been shown to be comparable to mass spectrometry methods.
Researchers have developed a way to enhance the imaging speed of two-photon microscopy up to five times without sacrificing resolution. By combining compressive sensing with a faster scanning method, scientists can now observe biological phenomena that were previously too fleeting to image with current state-of-the-art microscopy.
A five-year study aims to examine the impact of ecological restoration on health and wellness in low-income Detroit neighborhoods. Researchers will assess the health of 700 residents while restoring parks, measuring physical wellbeing and stress levels.
Scientists have discovered that skin creams contain micelles and are self-preserving, contrary to the long-held textbook picture. The study uses X-ray and neutron scattering techniques to analyze cream structure and finds co-surfactants in lamellar layers as predicted but surfactant not present.
A team from North Carolina State University created a technique called Wi-Fi-Assisted Inertial Odometry (WIO) to track devices in near-real time. WIO uses Wi-Fi signals and accelerometer technology to accurately measure speed and distance, correcting errors made by inertial measurement units.
A $1.5 million, three-year grant will fund the development of new tools to study astrocytes, key players in brain function and disorders. The tools will allow scientists to manipulate astrocyte properties with spatial and temporal control, enabling investigations into their role in modulating neurons.
A study from King's College London found that moderate red wine consumption is associated with greater diversity in the gut microbiome, leading to improved gut health. This resulted in lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and obesity.
A new algorithm developed by University of Waterloo researchers increases the efficiency of solar photovoltaic systems and reduces power waste, with potential savings of up to 138.9 kWh/year for small home-use systems. The technique could lead to substantial reductions in emissions from large-scale solar farms.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods increases the risk of obesity in adulthood, with teens facing a 29% higher chance. The research, which controlled for genes and parental stress, shows that neighborhood disadvantage can have a lasting impact on health.
Researchers at the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut developed beta-Ga2O3-MOSFETs with a high breakdown voltage and record power figure of merit, achieving unique performance figures close to theoretical material limits. The improved electrical properties lead to lower on-state resistances and higher breakdown voltages.
Researchers at UAB aim to understand the biological changes underlying major depressive disorder by studying RNA chemical modifications. They will analyze postmortem brain tissue for changes in mRNA methylation and its impact on gene expression.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have identified key signaling pathways involved in lymphatic valve development and maintenance. The study suggests targeting these pathways may one day be a viable therapy for patients with lymphedema, a debilitating disease characterized by chronic swelling and fluid buildup.
A new Northwestern Medicine study finds total heart disease deaths increasing since 2011, with a significant portion of deaths preventable. The study's authors call for a shift in focus towards prevention to combat cardiovascular disease.
Structured diffuse auroras track Van Allen belts' shape and size changes, enveloping satellites in unexpected radiation. The discovery helps track the edges of the belts, crucial for mitigating effects on space exploration.
A study of 554 people in Germany found that most relationship aspects remained stable across past and present relationships, with only two exceptions: frequency of sex and expressing admiration. Despite initial differences, the level of sexual satisfaction tended to stay the same.
Research found that users switch between activities on social media platforms to cope with stress, leading to increased technology addiction. Users often use the same features to divert themselves from stress, blurring the line between stress caused and compulsive use.
Scientists discovered Toxascaris leonina roundworm eggs in ancient puma coprolite from the Catamarca Province, Argentina, dated between 16,570 and 17,000 years ago. The findings provide evidence of parasites infecting wild mammals before human arrival in the region.
UMass Amherst researchers are using fNIRS and ECG to study the coordination of brain and heart activity in 3- to 5-year-olds, aiming to improve learning tools and mental health care for children. The study aims to understand what drives differences in self-regulation tendencies and how this relates to psychopathology.
Glacier-fed rivers in Canada's north are actively consuming atmospheric CO2, according to a University of Alberta study. Chemical weathering is the process behind this phenomenon, involving interactions between glacial sediments and melt waters with the atmosphere.
Agricultural production is likely to increase in West Virginia due to longer growing seasons, despite traditional crops declining. Climate change brings increased precipitation, but also higher humidity that hampers plant growth.
Researchers identified a molecule called DCAF15 that makes cancer cells more susceptible to natural killer cells. Blocking this molecule could lead to better survival rates for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
A new study published in Seismological Research Letters has found that a series of small earthquakes in Surrey, UK, were not triggered by nearby oil extraction. The quakes, which occurred between April 2018 and May 2019, were found to have moved ancient faults horizontally, indicating natural causes.
A comic book by Ann E. Fink examines the bioethics of treating a torturer's PTSD, highlighting the importance of considering social dimensions of traumatic stress. The comic raises critical questions about the responsibilities of clinicians and researchers, as well as individual rights and collective social responsibilities.
Scientists at USC and UC San Diego have discovered a potential novel target for treating glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer. They found that targeting the circadian clock in tumor stem cells can disrupt the growth and development of the tumor, leading to its death.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded PSU an additional $19.3 million grant to fund the BUILD EXITO program for another five years. The program, which boasts a retention rate of nearly 90 percent, helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds become top-level health sciences researchers.
Biofeedback has shown promise as a treatment for various conditions, including headache pain reduction, improved urinary and fecal incontinence, and aid in stroke recovery. The review highlights the benefits of biofeedback for several conditions, while also identifying areas where further research is needed.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to increase optical coherence tomography resolution down to a single micrometer, enabling live imaging of tissues throughout the body. Machine learning tools are used to compensate for light distortions and create high-quality images.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a simple, portable, and inexpensive method for detecting extremely low levels of norovirus using a smartphone. The device uses microfluidic chips made of paper and counts fluorescent beads to identify the virus particles in water samples.
Tropical Depression 6 forms under adverse conditions, with wind shear affecting its circulation. The depression is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm later tonight or on Wednesday as it moves northward and northeastward over the open Atlantic.
NASA analyzed Tropical Storm Dorian using Suomi NPP satellite images, revealing a compact storm system with powerful thunderstorms. The storm moved across the eastern Caribbean Sea, bringing tropical-storm-force winds to various islands.
Scientists find that the arrangement of water molecules on surfaces is crucial in determining ice formation. By understanding this relationship, researchers can design surfaces to promote or inhibit ice formation, leading to advancements in weather prediction and material development.
A complex interaction within Schwann cells has been discovered, which plays a vital role in the correct maturation of these cells. This interaction ensures that DNA is packaged correctly and marked accordingly, leading to proper transport of genetic information.
A study of lemur scents reveals that an individual's distinctive body odor reflects genetic differences in their immune system. Females pay more attention to the scents of males with different immune genes, which could lead to more diverse and resilient offspring.
Researchers from RMIT University have developed a cost-efficient method to fabricate textiles embedded with energy storage devices. In just three minutes, this technology can produce a 10x10cm smart textile patch that's waterproof, stretchable and readily integrated with solar or other sources of power.
A research group at University of Würzburg is focusing on the role of bacteria in bee health, finding that environmental factors have a stronger influence on solitary bees than previously thought. The study highlights the need for further research to combat bee mortality.
Dr. Xuan Liu has received a $70,000 Switzer Research Fellowship to fund gait retraining research in children with cerebral palsy. The study aims to test two types of biofeedback gait training to correct stiff knee gait patterns.
A study by the University of Bonn found that parasitic worms, such as Pomphorhynchus laevis, use bright orange coloring to attract specific host fish like barbels and sticklebacks. This strategy increases infection rates in these species, which are suitable for the parasite's reproduction.
Researchers developed a sensitive, portable device that can detect as few as 5-6 norovirus particles per sample, making it suitable for practical applications. The device uses fluorescence to detect norovirus and is compact enough for handheld use, enabling municipal water systems staff to check for the virus in the water supply.
Tropical Depression 13W, now named Podul, crossed the Philippines from east to west, triggering warnings and wind signals in various provinces. The Suomi NPP satellite provided a visible image of the storm, showing its impact on the country from north to south.
Researchers have created a material that challenges traditional crystal definitions by having variable components, which can maintain structure with different proportions. The study used DNA to tether smaller particles to larger ones, revealing 'electron equivalents' that enable delocalization and new technologies.
A clinical trial of alternate-day fasting found health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cholesterol levels. Participants experienced a mean calorie restriction of about 35% and lost an average of 3.5 kg during four weeks.
A massive ocean heatwave is approaching the Hawaiian Islands, threatening unique life on Earth. ASU is providing real-time monitoring of coral reef health through its Global Airborne Observatory and Planet satellite program to help minimize additional stress on corals.
A team of researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, has developed a microwave-sized water harvester that can pull water directly from the air 24/7. The harvester uses a highly porous metal-organic framework to capture and condense water molecules from ambient air, even in low-humidity conditions.
The collaboration aims to increase access and accelerate analysis of genomics data, reducing time from hours to seconds. Seagate's Active DriveTM technology will enable faster processing of massive amounts of cellular data.
Researchers used convolutional neural networks to analyze electrocardiogram data from over 500,000 patients, estimating their 'physiologic age' and determining sex with high accuracy. The study suggests AI-enhanced EKGs could help doctors identify asymptomatic conditions and improve healthcare outcomes.
A new study reveals that women of color perceive their interactions with healthcare providers as misleading, with information being 'packaged' to limit maternity care choices. The research highlights the impact of implicit bias and racism on birth outcomes, providing a potential mechanism for how these associations occur.
Researchers used microchips to test titanium dioxide, a common sunscreen ingredient, which is found nontoxic but offers protection against UV damage to skin cells. Microfluidic devices simplify nanoparticle analysis, reducing cost and time.
Researchers at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine are working on a novel project to identify the role of hypoxia in the formation of the eye lens and its potential as a therapeutic target for eye diseases such as cataracts. The grant will help advance regenerative medicine by developing ocular cells that can replace damaged tissues.
Researchers discovered that tryptase enzyme causes blood vessel leakage in severe dengue, leading to shock and bleeding. A possible new treatment strategy using nafamostat mesylate is being explored to prevent hemorrhaging and reverse shock.
A new study published in Joule finds that taxing carbon emissions would lead to improved energy efficiency, with potential reductions of up to 30% in energy usage by 2100. This innovation could motivate people to develop more efficient ways to use energy, making it easier to solve the climate problem.
The NIH Genomic Innovator Awards provide funding to six institutions to support early career researchers studying genome biology and its applications. The awards aim to accelerate genomics research and promote flexible and ambitious research projects.
A team of researchers has discovered a new mechanism for inactivating the mTor protein, which is involved in cell growth and metabolism. The study reveals that a specific lipid kinase can be activated by protein kinase N, leading to the inhibition of mTOR-dependent cell growth.
A review of 10-year experience at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that ketogenic diet was safe and effective in treating drug-resistant epilepsy in infants under 3 years old. Nearly half of children with genetic causes of epilepsy experienced significant seizure reduction after three months on the diet.
Researchers found neurological markers in the brain that can detect people at-risk for developing psychotic disorders. The study used MRI scans to identify dysfunction in the striatum region, which is associated with increased levels of dopamine and faulty learning feedback.
Researchers found that plants use the same transcription factor to regulate growth and defense, but require different levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for each process. This incompatibility leads to a trade-off between growth and defense, with implications for plant biomass production and disease resistance.
Researchers developed the MasSpec Pen to rapidly identify tissue molecular profiles for predictive diagnoses. The device uses machine learning algorithms and is being tested on human patients, showing promising results.
A Rutgers-led study found that intimate partner violence increases the probability of material hardship by 10-25% among women. Physical and controlling abuse had strongest associations with material hardship, highlighting the need for policy makers to consider the economic impact on vulnerable families.
Researchers developed a method to track the activity of phosphatidic acid spatially and temporally using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensor. The study found that phosphatidic acid plays a key role in plant stress tolerance, particularly under salt stress conditions.
Researchers at The University of Texas at San Antonio aim to improve the design of AM parts that are less susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. They will study the effects of high pressures, elevated temperatures, and hydrogen atoms on the nickel-718 alloy material.
Researchers have developed a self-assembling peptide hydrogel that increases blood vessel regrowth and neuronal survival in rats with traumatic brain injuries. The treatment also improves the survival of brain cells and shows signs of new blood vessel formation.
Researchers found a specific gene associated with autism undergoes changes in the sperm of men who use marijuana, sparking further investigation into potential intergenerational effects. The study suggests a possible connection between cannabis use and autism, warranting urgent research given the increasing prevalence of marijuana use.
A new study found that left-ventricular hypertrophy is a stronger predictor of heart failure than coronary artery calcium score. The study analyzed data from 6,814 men and women with no known heart disease and found that LV hypertrophy increased the risk of CHD events by 4.3 times.
A longitudinal study found that a preschool quality improvement program boosted participants' high school grades, partly due to gains in math and vocabulary made in preschool. The study also suggests that short-term improvements in basic skills laid the groundwork for advanced academic competencies over time.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have identified a novel way to kill cancers caused by inherited BRCA1 mutations. Adding back microRNA 223-3p forces BRCA1-mutant cancer cells to die, offering a potential treatment for inherited breast and ovarian cancer.
Australian researchers discovered a protein that prevents NK cells from fighting cancer and found that blocking it with the naturally occurring hormone Follistatin turbocharges the immune system. This discovery may lead to a new and highly potent immune-therapeutic drug for the eradication of cancers like melanoma.
A study on learning health organizations highlights the paradox of bystander ethics, where researchers must navigate ethical principles with quality improvement research. The authors propose a workaround to address this challenge, but critics argue it is inadequate.
Research shows that families are less engaged in middle school but still reap benefits when parents are involved earlier. Parents can make a difference by attending school functions, volunteering, or helping with homework.
Research by University of Kent economists found that corruption by inspectors increases labor costs in India by an average 35% across the country. The study sheds light on why restrictive labor regulations are often blamed for problems in developing countries.
Researchers at NUS have discovered a new quasiparticle, the polaronic trion, in molybdenum disulphide that can be tuned by both temperature and electric fields. This enables significant tunability in optoelectronic properties.
A $4.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation will provide scholarships and support services for Pima Community College students transferring to the University of Arizona to pursue STEM degrees. The grant aims to diversify talent pathways in Arizona and create a culture of belonging for underrepresented students.
Astronomers have discovered a massive planet three times the size of Jupiter that orbits its star on an egg-shaped path. The planet's unique orbit takes it from within our asteroid belt to beyond Neptune, providing a rare opportunity for scientists to study extreme planetary configurations.
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is developing a neurotechnology pathway to restore vision in people with age-related macular degeneration. The OBServ system, currently in development, aims to provide patients with limited vision, allowing them to regain independence through wireless streaming and surgically implanted devices.
A $2 million NSF grant will support the study of nature-based strategies to prevent urban flooding and manage stormwater in cities like Pittsburgh and Chicago. The project aims to develop engineering tools that integrate green infrastructure with existing built systems to improve water quality and ecological health.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology explores how texture affects the way we perceive speed when touching objects. The researchers found that finer textures produce more vibrations in the skin, leading to a greater perceived speed. This is because specific nerve fibers in the skin are highly sensitive to these vibrations.
A new study using advanced brain imaging reveals how prenatal exposure to organophosphates affects brain activity in teenagers. Teens with higher levels of exposure showed altered brain activity while performing tasks requiring executive control and linguistic working memory.
Penn State researchers developed a testing protocol using existing water chemistry tests to detect new methane gas leaks from oil and gas drilling. The study found 17 out of 20,751 samples showing possible signs of methane contamination, highlighting the potential for widespread methane migration.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that crows can deliberately control their calls, suggesting a high level of cognitive sophistication. The research used trained carrion crows to learn and respond to specific cues, revealing the birds' ability to exert control over their vocalizations.
Researchers develop 'hybrid' resists combining poly(methyl methacrylate) and aluminum oxide to improve lithography contrast and enable high-resolution silicon nanostructures. The approach uses an existing resist, metal oxide, and common equipment, offering a cost-effective solution for next-generation electronics.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center describe a promising new treatment combination for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, showing preliminary efficacy and improved tolerance compared to standard treatments.