Researchers in Leicester are investigating the use of antibiotics to treat certain types of severe asthma, a condition affecting 1 in 20 people with asthma. The study aims to identify patients with specific subtypes of severe asthma and test new oral treatments, including doxycycline and dexpramipexole.
Researchers propose using compressed air storage in porous rock formations to meet UK's electricity needs during winter months, providing a viable option for steady and reliable renewable energy supplies. The approach aims to store enough compressed air to cover the UK's typical electricity demand for January and February.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a method to fuel macrophages with energy needed to attack and eat cancer cells. By rewiring macrophage metabolism, macrophages can overcome signals that prevent them from attacking tumors, leading to tumor shrinkage and prolonged survival in mice.
A protein-secreting device implanted into the hippocampus of epileptic rats reduced seizures by 93% in three months, improving anxiety-like symptoms and cognitive performance. The effects persisted even after device removal, indicating a possible modification of disease progression.
A new blood test reliably detects signs of brain damage in people with Alzheimer's disease, even before symptoms of confusion and memory loss arise. The test may also identify neurodegeneration in other brain diseases, injuries, and conditions such as multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury.
Researchers identified genetic changes that may predict breast cancer relapse in women taking hormone therapy. The study found subtle differences in gene expression between tumours that relapsed and those that didn't, suggesting potential new tests to identify high-risk patients.
A study at Oregon State University found that 'silent slip' - a brief episode of shallow mantle creep and seismic swarms - occurs before large earthquakes. The research deployed seismometers on the ocean bottom to detect over 1,600 earthquakes at the Blanco Ridge fault.
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists found that deep-sea microbes are unable to fully utilize organic carbon due to its scarcity and physical isolation. The research suggests that the unique environment of deep sediments may limit life on Earth and provide insights into the possibility of extraterrestrial microbia...
Researchers found that inhibition decreases in autistic mice brains but does not affect spiking rates, instead stabilizing brain activity through compensation. This finding challenges the 'inhibition' theory of autism and suggests other mechanisms may contribute to disease symptoms.
Researchers found that British citizens generally believed the government should play a role in providing a state pension, while Germans preferred to prevent old-age poverty through targeted support. The findings highlight differences in attitudes towards pensions between the two nations.
Researchers at University College London have discovered the genetic differences between lung cancer precursor cells and harmless lesions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of screening tests and new treatments that can stop cancer in its tracks, saving lives by detecting the disease earlier.
A 100-million-year-old hagfish fossil provides critical evidence of the evolutionary history of these enigmatic creatures. The discovery helps place hagfish in a more accurate position within the vertebrate family tree, suggesting a closer relationship with lampreys than previously thought.
Researchers at DZNE and HIH developed a blood test that detects neurofilament, a protein found in the blood, which accumulates long before clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The test accurately reflects the course of the disease and predicts future developments.
Researchers discovered a link between air quality and happiness in Chinese cities, finding that higher pollution levels are associated with decreased happiness. Women and those on higher incomes were found to be more sensitive to pollution's impact.
A review aims to help primary care physicians care for vulnerable adolescents with gender dysphoria, emphasizing individualized approaches and collaborative decision-making. The review highlights the need for optimal care for this population, particularly in addressing gaps in research and ethnocultural diversity.
A new study from Linköping University found that the brain reduces sensory perception when touched by oneself, and this difference arises as early as in the spinal cord. This phenomenon suggests that the brain attempts to predict sensory consequences of one's actions, assigning less importance to self-generated sensations.
The study suggests that letting beneficial microorganisms thrive could aid in fighting infectious diseases, as conventional methods may interfere with their natural containment. By adopting a more diverse approach to health, researchers hope to create stronger defenses against pathogens.
The study models environmental impacts of adopting Bonsucro Voluntary Sustainability Standards, finding a potential reduction in sugarcane production area and water use. By focusing on 10% of current production area, most benefits can be achieved
Researchers found that super-donors have stool rich in bacteria that enhance metabolism and can provide the necessary chemicals to restore gut balance. Fecal transplants from these 'super-donors' achieve clinical remission rates double those of other donors, offering new hope for treating a range of conditions.
A genetic study of over 77,000 people with osteoarthritis has identified 52 new genetic changes associated with the disease. The research could lead to new medicines and improved treatment options for those affected by the condition.
A new fossil discovery reveals defining characteristics of hagfish appeared before the Cretaceous period, resolving a longstanding debate on their evolutionary position. The study suggests that hagfish and lampreys form a distinct clade, implying that living jawless vertebrates may not be as primitive as initially thought.
A new study of Bajondillo Cave in southern Spain found that modern humans replaced Neanderthals approximately 44,000 years ago, challenging the traditional timing of this event. The research suggests that coastal corridors played a key role in the early dispersal of Homo sapiens into Europe.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool and McMaster University have discovered a quantum spin liquid state in TbInO3, a complex material that defies its crystal structure. The exotic state emerges from the local environment around magnetic ions, giving rise to extraordinary properties.
A genome-wide association study found genetic variants that influence head circumference and intracranial volume in 46,000 adults and children, revealing stable genetic influences during development. The study identified 9 novel loci associated with large effects on head circumference, including a rare variant of the TP53 gene.
Researchers at University of Oxford and University of Jyväskylä have discovered a gold compound that reacts with carbon dioxide to form a product where the gold atom attacks the central carbon atom. This finding marks the first example of nucleophilic reactivity by molecular gold, enabling new applications in chemical reactions.
A multidisciplinary team has found a new connection between the lateral hypothalamus, a feeding center, and the hippocampus, a memory center, revealing how the protein complex NCOR1/2 regulates memory. The study sheds light on potential links to autism, intellectual disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study shows that social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can predict a person's behavior based on their friends' posts, undermining the idea of individual choice online. The research found that up to 95% of predictive accuracy remains even if someone leaves or never joined the platform.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered that a natural immune system response can cause further harm after a spinal cord injury. The study found that the process of clearing myelin debris from the injury site can lead to inflammation and the formation of abnormal blood vessels, inhibiting recovery.
A team of scientists has discovered a new species of fossilized shark teeth, Galagadon nordquistae, in the same rock as SUE the T. rex. The small shark lived in freshwater rivers and had distinctive shaped teeth similar to spaceships from the video game Galaga.
A two to three-fold increase in heatwave activity has been identified in the UK, with frequency, duration, and severity significantly rising. This analysis of historical temperature data provides a new understanding of climate change's impact on heatwaves.
Researchers found that plants prioritize protection against physical stresses over biological ones depending on leaf age, with older leaves more sensitive to pathogen attacks and younger leaves protected under abiotic stress.
A team of researchers isolated a peptide named emericellipsin A from soil fungi, which possesses antitumor and antibacterial properties. The substance was proved to be effective against various types of bacteria and fungi, including those resistant to other antibiotics.
A genetic study of over 6,000 Latin Americans has identified new variations associated with skin colour and eyesight. The research found that lighter skin among Eurasian people evolved independently from different genetic backgrounds.
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.