The San Diego Zoo's breeding program for endangered Hawaiian birds aims to strike a balance between animal welfare and conservation needs. Researchers studied the welfare of several species, including the 'alalā and 'akikiki, using guidelines from the 'Opportunity to Thrive' model.
Barts Charity is funding a £6 million initiative to launch the 'Rising Stars' lectureship programme, supporting 16 young scientists in their careers. The programme aims to establish a new generation of researchers who will shape the next decade of medical research.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered an intracellular pathway that regulates metabolic adjustments promoting health and longevity in C. elegans worms. This discovery reveals how lysosomes communicate with mitochondria to extend lifespan.
Researchers have identified a protein, nemuri, that promotes sleep after sleep deprivation or infection in fruit flies. The protein also increases the ability of flies to survive bacterial infections. This dual action suggests a link between sleep and immune function.
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology has identified a pathway connecting some antiretroviral (ARV) drugs with liver disease. The research suggests that ARV drugs interact with the pregnane X receptor, stimulating fatty acid uptake and cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
A new book review clarifies the rewilding concept as an adaptive approach to regaining wildness in degraded ecosystems. The authors highlight similarities and differences between methods and discuss how they work in practice.
A recent expedition to Borneo's Ulu Temburong forest discovered a new species of tiny beetle, Clavicornaltica belalongensis, through citizen science efforts. The beetle, measuring 1.25mm in length, feeds on moss and is one of hundreds of thousands of unknown beetle species.
Researchers debunk Burrows hypothesis suggesting researchers led to the demise of the Serengeti wild dogs. Instead, lions were a key reason for their departure from the park. Wild dog populations survived in other parts of the greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem.
A study by Yale researchers reveals a complex interplay between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects of ketamine. Administering BDNF or VEGF to specific brain regions produces rapid and long-lasting antidepressant-like actions similar...
Researchers identify a new molecular pathway that suggests rapamycin, an anti-rejection medication, could be repurposed to treat certain liver cancers with β-catenin mutations. The study found that tumors are 'mTOR addicted' and can be inhibited by rapamycin, offering a precision medicine approach for improved treatment success.
The researchers proposed a new approach to testing, leveraging heterogeneous computing strategies and programmable networks to speed up testing in the wake of big data. This method reduces the risk of capturing corrupted or unusable data and enables more rapid evaluation of mission effectiveness.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland examines consumers' intentions to consume foods of insect origin among vegans, non-vegan vegetarians, and omnivores. Vegans held the most rigid negative attitude toward consuming foods of insect origin, while non-vegan vegetarians showed the most positive attitude towards eating insects.
A recent review found that daily calorie intake was higher in people eating breakfast, but skipping breakfast did not cause greater appetite or weight gain. The study questioned the popular recommendation that eating breakfast is key to weight control.
Researchers are exploring alternatives to conventional antivenoms, including small molecules like varespladib that inhibit venom enzymes and human monoclonal antibodies to snake venom components.
A study analyzing electronic health records found that Native Americans experience a higher incidence of ischemic stroke, with common risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. The study also revealed significant increases in these modifiable risk factors between 2000 and 2016.
Experts debate the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating severe depression, with some arguing it has no long-term benefits compared to placebo and can cause brain damage. Others claim ECT is effective and safe for treatment-resistant depression, with most side effects resolving within weeks.
MIT engineers have developed an algorithm that enables autonomous underwater vehicles to weigh the risks and potential rewards of exploring unknown regions. The algorithm assesses risk levels and reward probabilities in real-time, allowing AUVs to take calculated risks when justified by potential scientific rewards.
Researchers found that stroke risk factors increased by tripling the likelihood of a stroke within 10 years, with hormonal treatment and racial differences also playing a role. The study calls for targeted interventions to reduce stroke risk among post-menopausal breast cancer survivors.
Two studies found that flu-like illnesses increase the odds of having a stroke by nearly 40 percent over the next 15 days. Researchers also identified an increased risk of tearing neck arteries within one month of battling a flu-like illness.
Researchers used advanced brain scans to map the visual cortex in Old World monkeys, finding complex topographic organisation unlike previously thought. This improved understanding will enable more precise navigation of the brain and potentially reveal human visual cortex organization.
A study published in Political Communication found that digital ads increased voter participation in a Dallas municipal election by 2.6 percentage points. The ads targeted millennials with information and reminders, resulting in higher turnout rates in competitive districts.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that minority patients with blood type B can receive kidneys from donors with blood type A2 without compromising their health. The study showed comparable patient and graft survival rates for both groups, but higher costs for type B recipients who receive...
A new Tulane University study questions the reliability of sea-level rise measurement in low-lying coastal areas, suggesting higher rates of relative sea-level rise due to subsidence. The research, published in Ocean Science, calls for a rethinking of how sea-level rise is measured in rapidly subsiding coastal lowlands.
Researchers at Linköping University found that big cities feed on their hinterlands to sustain growth, driven by the selective migration of highly productive individuals. This phenomenon fuels urban growth while exacerbating regional inequality.
Scientists discover lampreys can fully regenerate their spinal cord even after two complete injuries, a phenomenon with potential implications for human spinal cord injury treatment. The study reveals that central nervous system regeneration in lampreys is resilient and robust after multiple injuries.
Rutgers researchers and scientists created a visual guide to help identify and control the Asian longhorned tick, which transmits fatal human diseases. The guide identifies tiny details that distinguish the tick from native species, allowing for easier detection and control of its spread in North America.
Researchers have identified the genetic underpinnings of lager yeast's ability to ferment at cold temperatures and consume all sugars in wort. This discovery could lead to the development of new, cost-effective brewing strains with novel properties.
A FSU research team discovered medulloblastoma's heterogeneity makes it challenging to treat. By pinpointing specific driver gene mutations, they hope to develop individualized treatments using advanced bioinformatics tools.
A new NIH-funded study identifies the common occurrence of mental health symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in civilians. Lower education levels, African-American status, and history of mental illness are associated with increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder.
Researchers at the University of Groningen have developed an enzyme-based polymerization method to create a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polyethylene terephthalate (PET). By using a commercially available enzyme, they successfully produced furan-based copolyesters with improved properties.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a genetic defect in dogs that causes a rare metabolic bone disease similar to human hypophosphatasia. The study provides the first spontaneous animal model of the disease and may lead to the development of new therapies.
Researchers at ICMAB-CSIC create a new thermoelectric material using bacterial cellulose and carbon nanotubes, offering high electrical conductivity and thermal stability. The device has potential applications in Internet of Things, Agriculture 4.0, and Industry 4.0.
A group of researchers proved that whether an object exhibits quantum features depends on the reference frame. The physical laws, however, are still independent of it. This insight might play a role at the interplay of quantum mechanics and gravity.
Researchers developed an adaptive treatment strategy to identify patients at risk of treatment failure in Internet-delivered CBT. The study found that adjusting the treatment to accommodate individual needs can significantly improve outcomes for those at high risk.
Columbia engineers create a robot that learns what it is from scratch with zero prior knowledge of physics or motor dynamics. The robot uses deep learning to create a self-model, allowing it to adapt and learn from its own experiences.
Researchers recommend human milk as the best diet for infants with CHD due to improved feeding tolerance, decreased risk of NEC, and better developmental outcomes. The journal advocates for prioritizing informed feeding decisions and supporting mothers' breastfeeding goals.
A new study found e-cigarettes to be more effective than nicotine-replacement therapy in quitting smoking, with a one-year abstinence rate of 18% compared to 9.9% for NRT. However, health experts caution against recommending e-cigarettes as a primary treatment due to unknown health risks and long-term use concerns.
Patients on SSRIs are 40% more likely to develop severe GI bleeding when taking NSAIDs, according to a review in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Physicians should educate patients on recognizing symptoms and monitor for bleeding risks during SSRI therapy.
Researchers have developed graphene quantum dot sensitized C-ZnO nanotaper photoanodes, which demonstrate superior photoconversion efficiency and incident-photon-to-current conversion efficiency. The resulting quantum dot sensitized solar cells exhibit improved photovoltaic performances compared to conventional ZnO-based photoanodes.
A recent Rutgers University study reveals that South Asian immigrants who travel frequently to countries with widespread tuberculosis may have latent infection without symptoms, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment. Approximately 1.7 billion people worldwide, including 13.6 million in the US, have latent TB.
Researchers found that mechanical clot removal can limit disability and improve functional outcomes in stroke patients up to 24 hours after symptom onset. This study suggests that endovascular therapy beyond the normal treatment window can lead to better quality of life for stroke survivors.
Researchers designed an ingestible pill that quickly inflates to track stomach temperature for 30 days, then deflates using calcium solution. The hydrogel-based design is softer and longer-lasting than current sensors, inspired by the pufferfish's defense mechanism.
A recent study found nearly one-third of women under 40 underwent mammography before breast reduction surgery, despite guidelines recommending against it. The screenings can lead to unnecessary follow-up tests and treatments, wasting time and money.
Researchers have solved a decades-long riddle about Australia's threatened Lungfish species by discovering its unique life span of up to 80 years. By analyzing Carbon 14 levels in scales, the team was able to determine the age of individual fish and debunk concerns about an ageing population.
Archaeologists have dated the archaeological site of Denisova cave to at least 200,000 years ago, with stone tools suggesting human occupation may have begun as early as 300,000 years ago. Neanderthals visited the site between 200,000 and 100,000 years ago, interbreeding with Denisovans around 100,000 years ago.
Researchers found reduced RNA editing in the brain's frontal cortex, temporal cortex and cerebellum of individuals with autism. The study identifies two proteins, FMRP and FXR1P, that regulate abnormal RNA editing in autism spectrum disorder.
The authors propose a standardized communication method, BioCompute, to improve the repeatability and reproducibility of high-throughput genomic sequencing findings. This framework enables robust and reproducible data analysis, which is crucial for the future of personalized medicine.
Schizophrenia's negative symptoms, including loss of motivation and social communication, are linked to a breakdown in brain network connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. Non-invasive brain stimulation restored this network's function, improving symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
Researchers at UAB identified overconnectivity in unimodal-subcortical connections and underconnectivity in supramodal-subcortical connections in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This finding may help understand the expression of ASD and develop biomarkers for earlier diagnosis.
A new study found that e-cigarette users have a 71% higher risk of stroke, 59% higher risk of heart attack or angina, and 40% higher risk of coronary heart disease. The American Heart Association cautions against e-cigarette use due to nicotine content.
Research found differences in gut microbiota between patients with and without dementia, with higher levels of ammonia and indole associated with increased dementia risk. Lower levels of beneficial Bacteroides organisms were also observed in dementia patients.
Researchers at USTC create a new structure of atomically dispersed iron hydroxide on platinum nanoparticles to efficiently purify hydrogen fuel over a broad temperature range. This breakthrough enables protection against CO poisoning during frequent cold-starts and continuous operations in extremely cold temperatures.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that Lactobacillus bacteria interact with immune system cells to regulate the intestinal barrier function. The interaction, mediated by the Mincle receptor, promotes a beneficial response and helps prevent diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
A Puerto Rico-based neuroscience lab, supported by NIH's National Institute of Mental Health, fosters intellectual growth and diversity among its young trainees through journal clubs, lab meetings, one-on-ones, and philosophy retreats. The lab has published over 80 papers and generates more than 2,000 citations annually.
The ancient archosaur Smok wawelski exhibited bone-crushing behavior, consuming prey bones for their salt and marrow content. Researchers linked coprolites to the species through synchrotron microtomography and found crushed teeth and bite-marked bones.
A study by researchers at the University of Colorado Denver found that fear of violence causes people to take fewer risks, which may hinder their lives and economy. The study used longitudinal survey data from Mexico's war on drugs to establish a causal link between fear and risk-taking attitudes.
Researchers at Aalto University developed an AI called ARTIST that instantly determines molecular reactions to light, accelerating the development of new technologies such as wearable electronics and flexible solar panels. This approach has the potential to slash research and development costs.
The Boston University Oral Health Sciences (OHS) master's program has been successful in preparing minority students for dental school admission. The program's academic foundation positions graduates for personal and professional success, with a strong predictive power of successful admission to dental school.
A new study found that aerobic exercise training increases executive function and cortical thickness in the brain of young adults, suggesting that exercise can prevent or slow age-related cognitive decline. The flexibility of the exercise protocol made it more attractive to the general population.
A perception system for soft robots has been developed, mimicking human body components to predict complex motions and forces. The system uses a motion capture system, neural network, and soft sensors to interpret sensor signals, enabling accurate predictions of robot movements.