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.
A Dartmouth study highlights the need for transparency in self-driving car geospatial data, which can be used to inform decisions on traffic management, urban planning and public projects. Hacking, open source design and legislation are proposed avenues to address concerns over privacy and security.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discover that a blood-clotting protein called fibrinogen destroys connections between neurons in the brain, resulting in cognitive decline. This finding offers an alternative explanation for memory loss and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
Tropical Cyclone 12S has developed in the Southern Indian Ocean, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its formation on Feb. 5, 2019. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane-force storm by Feb. 7, affecting the Republic of Mauritius.
Researchers have revised the history of big, climate-altering volcanic eruptions using a new method that accurately identifies airborne particles in Antarctic ice cores. The study confirms many events and corrects misidentifications, revealing new information on large stratospheric eruptions over the past 2,600 years.
A new study published in Human Reproduction found that men who have smoked marijuana at some point in their life had significantly higher concentrations of sperm compared to men who have never smoked. The study also found no significant difference in sperm concentrations between current and former marijuana smokers.
Conflict with mothers during early years of elementary school may predict a child's struggle to find purpose as an adult. A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that children who reported conflicted relationships with their mothers were more likely to experience a sense of confusion and uncertainty about their life path.
A new European Fans in Training (EuroFIT) program has shown promise in increasing physical activity among male football fans in Europe. The 12-week group-based program resulted in improved physical activity and reduced sedentary time, with participants also experiencing improvements in diet, body weight, and well-being.
A new study found that closely monitoring brain activity during surgery and adjusting anesthesia levels had no effect on preventing postoperative delirium. However, patients with close brain monitoring had significantly lower 30-day mortality rates.
A team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering has designed an artificial neural network approach that can predict the elastic modulus of graphene-enhanced composites from just one sample, streamlining materials testing. This reduces the need for extensive experimentation, lowering costs and accelerating product development.
Researchers created an interactive audio map of nonverbal vocal communication, revealing 24 kinds of emotion conveyed through 'vocal bursts'. The study suggests humans are attuned to subtle differences in nonverbal signals, allowing for nuanced understanding of emotional states.
Conservationists have successfully used acoustic monitoring devices to track the movements of reintroduced hihi birds, marking a breakthrough for conservation efforts. The 'stitch' call of the endangered species was found to change from random distribution to settled home range, indicating success.
A large-scale genetic study has linked hundreds of genes to depression, providing new insights into the condition's origins. The study also suggests that neuroticism may contribute to depression risk and could inform personalized treatments.
Scientists successfully created functional blood vessels in vitro for rat hearts after a heart attack, resulting in increased blood flow to the engineered tissue. This innovation offers hope for treatments that could help patients regrow heart muscle tissue and achieve more complete recovery.
A University of Kansas geologist's work in the remote High Arctic has exposed the global spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes, including multidrug-resistant 'superbugs'. Researchers found 131 antibiotic-resistant genes in Svalbard soil samples, with some tracing back to human sewage or bird guano.
Researchers used time-lapse microscopy to reveal a key protein's role as a 'brake' controlling sporulation timing in Streptomyces. The study found that removing this brake leads to premature sporulation, highlighting the importance of BldC protein binding on the chromosome.
Researchers at the University of Houston's Akay Lab found that chronic nicotine exposure during pregnancy significantly activates dopamine neurons in newborns, leading to unusually high levels of dopamine. This altered gene expression may hold the key to developing targeted medication to eliminate addiction in offspring.
Researchers found that leaves in grassland communities change their nutrient content in response to fertilisation, climate and soil conditions. This discovery provides a new tool for understanding the impact of environmental changes on ecosystems.
Macrophages play a vital role in controlling the processes of nerve repair following damage by secreting repulsive cues. The interaction between Slit3 and Robo1 allows for the migration of Schwann cells and regrowing nerve projections, enabling successful regeneration and recovery of nerve function.
A genus of deaf moth has evolved a novel sound-producing structure in its wings to warn bats of its presence. The discovery suggests that the moths are acoustically mimicking unpalatable, sound-producing moths to deter bats.
Astronomers at the University of California, Riverside, have created a workshop that converts astronomical phenomena into vibrations for students with hearing loss. The workshop uses storytelling, videos, and images to bring meaning to the sounds of the universe, making it an engaging experience for deaf students.
A Swedish patient has become the first recipient of an osseo-neuromuscular implant to control a dexterous hand prosthesis. The breakthrough technology enables patients to use implanted neuromuscular interfaces to control their prostheses while perceiving sensations in daily life.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed a human induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC) derived 3D organoid model for drug testing. The system demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy with doxorubicin and predicted clinical response to temozolomide, offering a more personalized approach to treating glioblastoma.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine identified 10 synthetic cannabinoid compounds that effectively inhibited the growth of seven types of human colon cancer cells. These compounds work through alternative mechanisms, not relying on traditional marijuana receptors, and hold promise for developing drugs to treat cancer.
Researchers found that playing Pokémon GO increased step counts among middle-aged and elderly adults, suggesting a positive impact on physical activity. The study's findings could inform urban planners and game designers to encourage more people to engage in regular exercise.
Treating psoriasis with biologic drugs has been shown to reduce early plaque buildup in arteries, restricting blood flow and leading to heart attacks and stroke. The study highlights the potential of immunotherapies in reducing cardiovascular disease risks.
A large UK population-based study found no association between the antidepressant trazodone and a reduced risk of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from over 15 million patients and compared them with users of other antidepressants, but found higher incidence rates among trazodone users.
A comprehensive exposome approach by Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) reveals early life exposure to parabens, phthalates, and PFAS associated with reduced lung function in children. The study highlights the importance of preventing exposure to chemical substances through regulation and labelling of consumer products.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that psychological placebos can have a positive impact on participants' well-being when attributed to them. The results suggest that the narrative associated with the placebo, as well as the relationship between the researcher and participant, play a crucial role in this effect.
A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials found that all types of dietary improvement significantly reduce depressive symptoms, with weight loss, fat reduction, and nutrient-improving diets having similar benefits. Simple changes like eating more fiber-rich meals can be effective in improving mental health.
Researchers found that moderate cannabis use is associated with higher sperm concentrations and testosterone levels compared to non-smokers. However, the study highlights the need for more research on the effects of cannabis on reproductive health due to limitations in the data collection process.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new microscopy technique that allows the observation of a metal surface during hydrogen penetration. This breakthrough could lead to safer reactor vessels and more efficient hydrogen storage tanks. The technique, which uses a liquid electrolyte to expose metal surfaces to a hydrogen environment, has ...
A new microchip technology can identify the optimal medication and dosage for effective treatment of bacterial infections in six to seven hours. The microchip's innovative design features enable it to determine the minimum inhibitory dosage that prevents bacterial growth, a crucial step in treating life-threatening infections.
A new study found that spending more time watching TV is associated with a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer in people under 50. The research, published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum, suggests that sedentary behaviors like watching TV may be a distinct risk factor for young-onset colorectal cancer.
A federally funded study of nearly 400 patients found that compounded topical pain creams and gels offer no statistically significant difference in pain relief compared to placebos. The researchers concluded that people using these creams are being taken advantage of, as the scientific evidence supporting their benefits is lacking.
Researchers found implicit bias and mistrust issues leading to reduced treatment rates for black patients. A new system-based intervention eliminated disparities by providing real-time transparency and enhanced patient-centered communication.
Researchers at USC developed a new 3D-printed rubber material that can repair itself after damage, reducing manufacturing time and increasing product durability. The material was manufactured using photopolymerization and exhibits self-healing properties through the transformation of chemical groups.
Researchers at LMU Munich develop a novel enhancement resonator to generate ultrafast laser pulses, enabling the characterization of multidimensional electron motions in weeks instead of months. The technique opens new opportunities for investigating local electric fields in nanostructures.
A new study found that school suspension and expulsion are more effective predictors of youth drug use than police arrests, particularly among minority youth. The research suggests that removing students from school can facilitate drug use due to lack of supervision, whereas being arrested does not necessarily lead to drug use.
A new study reveals significant venom variation among Florida pygmy rattlesnakes, with individual snakes having varying effectiveness against lizard prey. The research suggests that the toxicity of snake venom may be adapted to specific prey species.
A comprehensive study on ST3GAL5 deficiency, a rare genetic disorder affecting ganglioside synthesis, provides insights into its clinical characterization and natural course. Researchers hope to develop pre-symptomatic therapies using gene replacement techniques.
Wellcome and DNDi partner to develop novel, orally administered treatments for leishmaniasis, a devastating parasitic disease affecting one billion people worldwide. The three-year programme aims to select two new chemical entities for Phase II studies, focusing on safety, efficacy, affordability, and administration.
Rice University researchers have developed a nano-infused ceramic that can act as a sensor for structures, monitoring their health and reporting damage. The ceramic's unique electrical properties make it suitable for self-sensing applications in buildings, bridges, and aircraft.
Scientists have identified four new anti-CRISPR proteins that can regulate CRISPR-Cas9 systems better. These proteins were found in soil and human gut samples, suggesting they are widespread in nature.
The Meridies Medieval History research group at the University of Cordoba collaborated with chemists to replicate five medieval inks. The team analyzed handwritten recipes, translated texts, and analyzed chemical reactions to recreate the exact same inks used six centuries ago.
Researchers have identified CDK6 as a significant factor in the development of JAK2V617F-initiated MPNs. The absence of CDK6 reduces proliferation of affected stem cells and increases life expectancy for patients.
This special issue analyzes the negotiation tactics of U.S. President Donald Trump and their implications for various areas, including international diplomacy, trade negotiations, business, labor, societal conflict, and peacebuilding. Thirty-five experts examine Trump's bargaining style and its impact on different fields.
Scientists from Cardiff University propose that volcanic activity played a significant role in the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama, which formed around 2.8 million years ago. This discovery sheds light on one of Earth's most significant geological events, affecting global weather patterns and biodiversity.
A study of over 630,000 Danish children with and without type 1 diabetes found no significant differences in reading and math scores. The findings suggest that the relationship between type 1 diabetes and poor academic performance may not be universal.
Researchers have discovered genetic switches that ignite axon formation, revealing the role of PTBP2 and SHTN1 genes. The study shows how alternative splicing enables neurons to produce long axons, essential for neural communication.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that OxyContin reformulation in 2010 led to a large rise in hepatitis C infections as drug abusers switched to injectable heroin. States with higher rates of OxyContin misuse prior to the reformulation saw a three-fold increase in hepatitis C infections.