Researchers at IRB Barcelona achieved the first stable simulations of DNA crystals, providing detailed atomic descriptions of their properties. This accomplishment allows for optimized crystallization conditions and protocols for biophysicists and computational physicists/chemists.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet reveal altered mosquito behavior and parasite selection as major obstacles to malaria eradication. The study shows a 96% decline in malaria incidence in Zanzibar, but highlights the need for new strategies to overcome challenges and achieve elimination.
A pilot study found that specialist-led bereavement services led by senior doctors, nurses, and the quality and safety lead can help curb patient complaints and legal action in the wake of a difficult death. Most families who used the service had unanswered questions about clinical care and quality of care provided.
Researchers identified a new process capable of generating antibiotic resistance in bacteria up to 600 million years ago. The discovery highlights the need for combined multidrug treatments and reduced agricultural use of antibacterials.
A recent study from Uppsala University found that genetic factors play a significant role in determining where fat is stored in the body. The researchers identified nearly 100 genes that affect distribution of adipose tissue to different compartments, with women showing stronger associations than men.
Paying a living wage to garment industry workers in BRIC countries may increase Western European clothing prices by 12.5%, but could lead to more jobs and less poverty, while keeping global carbon emissions roughly the same. The study challenges conventional wisdom that higher wages are bad for the environment.
Researchers found that teenagers with asthma or eczema had the same levels of physical activity as their peers without these conditions. However, obese teenagers were less active and experienced increased periods of inactivity. The study used data from over 6,400 teenagers aged 12-16.
Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a polarization-insensitive metalens using non-symmetric nanofins. This design doubles the efficiency of previous iterations and enables achromatic focusing across the visible spectrum.
A study by Lancaster University tested six acoustic guitars with different back and side plate materials, finding similar sound quality ratings among all instruments. Despite this, experts suggest using sustainable woods as substitutes for expensive and endangered ones to minimize environmental impact.
A nationwide cohort study found that timely kidney transplant significantly increases survival in patients with lupus nephritis and end-stage renal disease. The study revealed a 70% reduction in overall risk of death, with benefits observed across various subgroups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and both sexes.
A study found that mice raised in an enriched environment with social interaction and mental stimulation can transmit the brain benefits to their offspring through changes in gene expression. Despite being raised in the same impoverished environment, the offspring maintained lifelong visual cortex plasticity.
A new study reveals that cancer survivors experience greater financial burdens compared to non-cancer individuals, with younger survivors facing the most hardship. Privately insured cancer survivors with high deductible health plans without health savings accounts were particularly vulnerable to medical financial hardship.
Basophils, a rare type of white blood cell, have been found to play a crucial role in preventing sepsis. By releasing protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF), basophils trigger an immune response that helps protect against infection and prevents the progression to sepsis.
Cells maintaining their shape and proportions are crucial for successful reproduction through cell division. Fission yeast cells, studied in the research, found that a cell's shape determines where it will divide, highlighting the fundamental biological basis of scaling.
Researchers have characterized graphene nanoribbons grown in both configurations on the same wafer, opening up a path towards high-speed, low-power nanoelectronics. The unique properties of graphene nanoribbons are closely related to their precise structure and symmetry.
Russian scientists developed advanced implants for the Ilizarov orthopedic system, which form part of the system's variation applied for lengthening and correcting deformities in children. The new implants reduced treatment terms by two times, accelerating bone regeneration and improving tissue density.
Reef-building corals use green fluorescent protein to lure in photosynthetic symbionts. The study found that corals emit green light, which attracts Symbiodinium algae, increasing their density by 10-fold.
A new study provides evidence-based recommendations on how to catch life-threatening conditions that cause fainting. Low-risk patients can be safely discharged home within two hours, while medium and high-risk patients can be sent home after six hours with no danger signals detected.
A study analyzing GRACE and GPS data found that ice mass loss in southwest Greenland was driven by changes in surface mass balance, rather than glacial discharge. The Greenland Ice Sheet is highly sensitive to atmospheric forcing, and this region may contribute significantly to sea level rise under continued climate warming.
Researchers found that dopamine plays a crucial role in music-evoked pleasure, with levodopa increasing motivation to purchase songs. The study used pharmacological manipulation to alter dopamine levels, revealing its impact on brain reward responses.
Researchers found that water seeps between graphene layers at 22% relative humidity, modifying the material's interaction. The study suggests that graphene-based devices may function differently in humid environments, highlighting the need to record relative humidity in future experiments.
A new study found that early adult general cognitive ability is a stronger predictor of cognitive function and reserve later in life than other factors. Higher education and late-life intellectual activities were associated with reduced risk of dementia and sustained or improved cognitive reserve.
Researchers collected microplastic samples from different levels of the Baltic Sea and identified 33 types of contaminants, including nylon and polyethylene. The new method allows for clear identification of chemical composition, which is crucial for understanding ocean pollution.
Researchers have identified a cellular response to repeated concussions that may contribute to seizures in mice. A unique population of astrocytes responded to these injuries, leading to spontaneous recurrent seizures in some mice within one month. This study establishes a new animal model for post-traumatic epilepsy research.
Researchers have found a bacterial signature associated with intestinal disease, including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. The study identified 18 new species of bacteria that can affect disease outcome, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches to treatment.
A recent study found that Antarctic krill populations have shifted southward due to warming in their key habitat, posing major implications for the food web and biogeochemical cycling. The team analyzed data from scientific surveys spanning nearly a century and found a substantial change in the krill population over time.
Researchers have identified neurons in the human visual cortex that selectively respond to faces, a significant breakthrough in understanding face recognition. These neurons were found to respond strongly to both familiar and unfamiliar faces, as well as images of humans and animals in videos.
A population-based study of 49 individuals with autism who died by suicide found a significant increase in cumulative incidence rates compared to non-autistic peers. The majority of suicides occurred among women with autism, which was higher than the general population.
Researchers discovered significant differences in neural processing between self-touch and touch from others at the cortical and spinal cord levels. This finding has implications for understanding perception and social behavior, highlighting the brain's unique response to self-produced versus external tactile input.
Researchers found that male students' social connections influence leadership positions, while female students need both high network centrality and same-gender support to succeed.
Researchers discovered that corals use green fluorescent light to signal the presence of Symbiodinium, a type of mobile microalgae critical to the establishment of a healthy partnership. The study found that this 'positive phototaxis' mechanism enables corals to attract Symbiodinium, which provide essential nutrients via photosynthesis.
A new study found that Greenland's southwest region is losing ice at an alarming rate, contributing significantly to sea level rise. This finding has serious implications for coastal cities and island nations vulnerable to rising sea levels.
A newly discovered species of freshwater shark, Galagadon nordquistae, has been found with tiny 'spaceship-shaped' teeth, adding to the fossil record of this family in the Cretaceous. The discovery provides new insights into ancient aquatic ecosystems and sheds light on the diversity of sharks and rays during that period.
Researchers developed a new tool, NIR-GECO1, to visualize neural activity using near-infrared light, enabling deeper brain imaging. This breakthrough has implications for understanding brain functions and disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that body size-height and weight may have a greater impact on women's lifespan. Additionally, daily physical activity was associated with the best chance of reaching 90 for women, with an optimal threshold of around 60 minutes a day.
Researchers reveal a different internal structure of corn that can help optimize its conversion into ethanol. The discovery opens doors for new approaches to improve biofuel production efficiency.
A Vanderbilt University team developed a nanoparticle to target tumor-infiltrating immune cells and activate the STING pathway, a natural mechanism to mount an immune response against cancer. The breakthrough offers hope for patients who don't respond to checkpoint blockade therapies.
A large-scale genetic study has uncovered 52 new genetic changes linked to osteoarthritis, which may help identify new treatment targets and repurpose existing medications. The study analyzed the genomes of over 77,000 people with osteoarthritis and found potential avenues for drug exploration.
A recent study analyzed the gut microbiomes of ethnically diverse Africans from seven populations, revealing wide ranges of microbiome profiles. The researchers found that while there were differences between industrialized and non-industrialized populations, there were also unexpected similarities between groups.
A study by Otago researcher Dr Carolina Loch and colleagues has shed new light on the evolution of modern baleen whales' ancestors, revealing complex enamel structures in their teeth. The research suggests that these ancestral whales had a mix of mammalian and whale-like characteristics.
A Canadian study found that asking patients about their sexual orientation and gender identity in primary care can lead to more inclusive and affirmative care for trans and nonbinary individuals. The study's findings suggest that including flexible response options and clear definitions can improve patient experiences.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a method to 3D print piezoelectric materials that can be custom-designed to convert movement, impact, and stress into electrical energy. The new printing technique enables the creation of smart materials with high sensitivities, flexibility, and programmable properties.
Research reveals over half of global groundwater flows won't respond to climate change until after 100 years, posing long-term water security risks for millions. This finding emphasizes the need for proactive water management policies and climate adaptation strategies.
Scientists at Osaka University have successfully controlled nano-sized magnets by heating, amplifying microwave signals and achieving a higher efficiency than current STT-MRAM technology. This breakthrough reduces power consumption of magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) and artificial intelligence (AI) devices.
New research shows aerosols' cooling effect is nearly twice higher than previously thought, necessitating a recalculation of climate change models. This discovery highlights the complexity of global warming and the need for further study.
Scientists have discovered two methods to mend DNA-protein crosslinks and established how DNA replication triggers these repair processes. The researchers hope their findings can be used to develop more efficient combination treatments for cancer cells.
A study led by Newcastle University found that turning off street lights at midnight has no negative impact on moths' ability to pollinate plants. In fact, it may even help restore natural behavior. By switching off part of the night, local authorities can save energy while supporting nocturnal wildlife.
A new brain training game, Decoder, has been shown to improve attention and concentration in healthy young adults after playing for 8 hours over a month. The game was tested against Bingo and no game controls, with significant improvements in focus and performance.
A University of Adelaide study found that orthodontic treatment has no long-term impact on dental health. The research followed 448 participants from age 13 to 30 and found that those with straight teeth still required regular brushing and check-ups to prevent decay.
Seven UNIST researchers have been named 'world's most highly cited researchers' for 2018. This is the second-highest number of HCRs in South Korea after Seoul National University, with two out of four affiliated with UNIST. The researchers are recognized for their work in multiple fields.
Jun Ho Lee, a doctoral student at UNIST, received the grand prize of $10,000 from Merck's 2018 Life Science Awards in Tumor Biology. His research on TonEBP expression in hepatocellular carcinoma has shown promise in predicting patient prognosis and preventing cancer recurrence.
Researchers have created a Hybrid Na-CO2 system that efficiently produces electricity and hydrogen from CO2, eliminating carbon emissions. The system achieves high conversion efficiency of 50% and demonstrates stability for over 1,000 hours.
A UNIST student has won a prestigious Red Dot Award for his redesign of the traditional Kyrgyz mancala game, Toguz Korgool. The award-winning design improves the user experience and aesthetics of the game, making it more appealing to players.
Researchers propose a novel technique called ExLL, which can reduce network latency and improve efficiency for 5G-based services. The new protocol is compared to Google's Biblio (BBR) and shows superior performance in reducing congestion issues.
A recent study led by UNIST researchers suggests that local greenhouse gas concentrations, rather than global processes, are driving the amplified warming in the Arctic. The findings indicate that regional factors such as carbon dioxide forcing and polar feedbacks play a more significant role than previously thought.
Researchers at UNIST have developed a new generation of solar cells using lead-free perovskites, showcasing enhanced efficiency and stability. The study demonstrates that the surface state of Cs2SnI6 is highly redox active, facilitating charge transfer through it.
The journal BioTM has released a tribute issue dedicated to Robert Langer and Nicholas Peppas, two biotechnology luminaries whose contributions have shaped the fields of drug delivery and biomaterials. The issue features research articles from their former students and colleagues.
Charité is leading three new EU-funded projects: ReSHAPE, VirtualBrainCloud, and ENDOSCAPE. The ReSHAPE project aims to develop a treatment for transplant rejection using regulatory T cells, while VirtualBrainCloud creates personalized brain simulations for neurodegenerative diseases. ENDOSCOPE develops non-viral gene delivery technolo...
Researchers at University at Buffalo received an $880,000 grant to develop a model of the female reproductive tract for testing drugs delivered vaginally or to the uterus. This project aims to create cost-effective generic equivalents for existing medications, addressing the limited availability of affordable treatment options.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered the identity of Hydra's inhibitor, protein Sp5, which maintains a single-headed adult body and regulates regenerative response. The mechanism has been conserved throughout evolution, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in human tumors.