Antibodies in joints can generate pain even without inflammation, according to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. The researchers found that immune complexes activate pain cells via Fc-gamma receptors, leading to chronic non-inflammatory pain in autoimmune diseases.
A new study from UTMB has identified biomarkers that predict individual susceptibility to muscle function decline and found effective exercise and hormone treatments to combat atrophy. The findings may allow scientists to personalize space medicine by designing specific programs for each astronaut before long-term missions.
The Genes for Good project has engaged over 80,000 Facebook users, collected 27,000 DNA samples and amassed a trove of health survey data on a more diverse group than previously possible. Researchers say their app could work as a model for studies on an even larger scale.
Researchers found that lemurs' gut microbes vary by species and habitat, affecting their ability to digest plant-based diets. The study suggests that leaf-eating sifakas may be more sensitive to forest loss due to their specialized microbial mix.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified protective antibodies against malaria, which may lead to a highly effective vaccine. The study found that specific antibodies can block the malaria parasite's ability to bind to red blood cells.
A Phase IIa trial found that verinurad with febuxostat significantly reduced urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio by 39% and serum urate levels by 57% after 12 weeks. The effect was sustained through week 24.
Researchers found no vaccine infections or disease flares in children given live-attenuated booster vaccination while on immune suppressing therapies. The study supports the use of flu vaccine and other vaccinations in patients with rheumatic diseases.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have made significant breakthroughs in human body communication (HBC), which uses the human body as a network to transfer information. By analyzing the characteristics of impedance and electrodes, they found that HBC can be used to design more efficient devices with better user interaction.
A new study found that tropical squid species are unaffected by projected end-of-century CO2 levels, which could lead to an increase in their population. This is surprising given the negative impact of ocean acidification on other marine species.
A new developmental mechanism, interdigital cell death, shapes limbs through differential growth and ROS production. This mechanism is shared by all amniotes, including humans, and was triggered by high oxygen levels surrounding the embryo.
Researchers developed an analytical model to validate the capability of break junction techniques in extracting conductance information from single-molecule systems. The study explores the feasibility of using this technique to analyze molecular assembly, diffusion, and reaction processes in weak interaction systems.
A team of Princeton researchers has successfully controlled Majorana quasiparticles in a setting that makes them more robust. They achieved this by combining a superconductor and an exotic material called a topological insulator, which enables the detection of Majoranas with less susceptibility to heat or vibrations.
A new microfluidic organ chip model of the human blood-brain barrier has been developed, allowing for in vivo-like transport of drugs and therapeutic antibodies. The model recapitulates the physical barrier functions and transport abilities of the human BBB, offering a significant advance in drug development.
A new Iowa State University study reveals that combining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) improves food security by at least 2 percentage points.
Researchers discovered that dopamine decreases hair cell sensitivity in female fish's inner ear, but reduces inhibition via D2a receptors during summer, increasing hearing sensitivity. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms of acoustic communication in vertebrates.
A recent study found that lowering cholesterol with statins does not decrease the activation of immune cells in patients with high cholesterol levels. This 'trained immunity' allows immune cells to 'remember' previous exposures and maintain hyperactivity despite cholesterol reduction.
The topline Phase 3 results of ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab) show efficacy and safety in treating aHUS. The therapy has shown promise in reducing inflammation and blood clotting, with the potential to treat patients with progressive organ damage.
A new study estimates that half of all Ebola outbreaks have gone undetected since the virus was discovered in 1976. The research highlights the need for improved detection and rapid response to prevent future epidemics.
Researchers found that tilting one's head downward systematically changes the way the face is perceived, making a neutral face appear more dominant. The effect is caused by the artificial appearance of lowered and V-shaped eyebrows, which elicit perceptions of aggression and dominance.
A new study presents the completed almond reference genome, revealing the genetic differences between toxic and sweet kernel genotypes. A cluster of transcription factors associated with sweet kernel genotypes was discovered, including bHLH2, which regulates the biosynthetic pathway for amygdalin production
A Rutgers University scientist has developed a new 'virtual biopsy' device that can quickly determine a skin lesion's depth and potential malignancy without using a scalpel. The device, called vibrational optical coherence tomography (VOCT), uses sound vibrations and near-infrared light to create a 3-D map of the lesion under the skin.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk due to high LDL-C levels. PCSK9 inhibitors like evolocumab and alirocumab have shown promise in reducing cardiovascular events, but more research is needed to prove their efficacy and safety in CKD patients.
A study found that one-fifth of US surgeons perform the less-recommended AV graft procedure too often, even when unnecessary. The research suggests that older, specialized surgeons are more likely to use this method.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation highlights the importance of incorporating animal social structure into conservation plans. By analyzing individual animal social interactions before, during, and after human intervention, wildlife managers can increase post-translocation success rates.
Research from the University of Exeter found that spending at least 120 minutes in nature a week significantly boosts psychological wellbeing. The study's findings suggest two hours of natural exposure is crucial for promoting overall health and wellbeing.
Three young scientists, Murad Mamedov, et al., receive $150,000 for their novel methods in understanding the human immune system. The Michelson Prizes recognize groundbreaking research using genomics, AI, and machine learning to transform human health.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a non-invasive method for detecting liver fibrosis using machine-learning algorithms and ultrasound scans. This technology has the potential to improve early diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, which affect millions worldwide.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a high-efficiency catalyst converting CO2 into carbon monoxide, paving the way for recycling fossil fuels' carbon dioxide to preserve resources and limit greenhouse gas emissions.
A study has identified new potential genetic causes of male infertility, which will help develop better diagnostic tests. Researchers found de novo mutations in genes involved in spermatogenesis, none of which were previously known to cause human infertility.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a method combining expansion microscopy with virtual reality to visualize and analyze cell structures. This innovation allows for better understanding of infectious and autoimmune diseases, enabling the development of disease diagnostics and prevention methods.
A study by Penn State researchers found that the ability to detect food textures is related to individual differences in pressure sensitivity. The study involved 111 volunteer tasters who were asked to perceive different textures in chocolate, with those who could detect grittiness being more accurate. This research may have implicatio...
A new study has identified the PcG protein EED as a critical modulator of hippocampal development and function. The researchers found that EED is necessary for the proper formation of the dentate gyrus, a key region involved in learning and memory.
Researchers have developed a new medical therapy that could protect people with cardiovascular disease by boosting the body's natural defences. The treatment, which is based on a peptide called apelin, has shown promising results in mice and humans, reducing mortality rates and improving health outcomes.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in fulfilling perfect diamagnetism of sulfur hydride system under high pressure, using a highly sensitive magnetic susceptibility technique. The research confirms high-temperature superconductivity and determines the superconducting phase diagram of sulfur hydrogen system.
A study published in Nutrients found that over half of adults aged 50+ have inadequate serum vitamin D levels, with 26% classified as deficient. Factors contributing to deficiency include female gender, advanced age, smoking, non-white ethnicity, obesity, and poor self-reported health.
A new approach is needed for clinical trials in dialysis patients to address high morbidity and mortality. Innovative RCT designs, such as pragmatic clinical trials and adaptive platform designs, can improve the success of testing interventions in ESRD.
A study from the University at Buffalo found that people experience a 'paralyzing paradox' when faced with too many options, leading to fear of making the wrong choice. To manage this, considering the relative importance of the choice and having clear guidelines can help scale down decision-making process.
Researchers found that atmospheric oxygen exposure triggers removal of interdigital webbing during embryo development. This mechanism is thought to be shared by all tetrapods and contributes to limb shape variation. The study provides insight into the evolutionary process behind limb development in animals.
A Rutgers University study found that warming ocean temperatures in the western tropical Pacific influence weather patterns around West Antarctica, leading to increased thunderstorms and rainfall. This could impact the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and global sea-level rise.
IMDEA Networks researchers have developed a novel communications architecture for future ultrafast wireless networks that promises to achieve data rates previously only possible with optical fiber. The architecture uses angle information to rapidly align directional millimeter-wave antennas and integrates a location system, enabling hi...
Researchers have demonstrated a new imaging modality that accurately evaluates plaque-based cholesterol, allowing for more timely treatment of atherosclerosis. The technology combines laser photoacoustics and frequency-domain signal processing to detect cholesterol in arterial plaque.
A new approach to treating eating disorders involves teaching patients with anorexia how to eat normally, with promising results. The method, which uses a smartphone app to track and regulate food intake, has been shown to achieve a 75% remission rate after just one year of treatment.
A study published in EULAR 2019 found that patients with osteoarthritis who undergo partial knee replacement have a 25-50% lower risk of venous thromboembolism, but an increased risk of revision compared to total knee replacement. The long-term benefits of partial knee replacement are offset by the higher risk of revision.
Research finds that rodent mothers become more pregnant after smelling odors from scared males, indicating a nuanced risk assessment of their environment. This phenomenon showcases the power of olfactory 'eavesdropping' in animal communication.
A study published in Science reveals that certain gut bacteria can degrade levodopa, the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease, by converting it into dopamine outside the brain. Researchers identified Lactobacillus brevis as a key player in this process and found a molecule capable of inhibiting the bacterial enzyme responsible. Th...
Researchers found that smokers' blood pressure rises more significantly after a drop, pushing it to unhealthy levels. The impaired baroreflex system may contribute to this increased response.
Broad-spectrum genomic testing can identify genetic markers that respond to targeted therapies for specific cancer-causing mutations. This technology has connected patients with life-saving clinical trials and medications.
A researcher at Case Western Reserve University has developed a data-driven algorithm that uses electronic medical records and computer science to identify which patients would benefit from air transfer. The study aims to reduce unnecessary helicopter transfers, saving patients and healthcare costs.
Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich developed a new scanning quantum dot microscopy method that can measure electric potentials of individual atoms and molecules. This allows for the characterization of biomolecules like DNA and opens up new opportunities for chip manufacture.
Researchers propose a new graph theory-based paradigm to improve material identification, focusing on topological relationships rather than bond length and angle. This method achieves automatic deduplication for the first time, identifying 626,772 unique structures from 865,458 original structures.
Researchers have discovered a 'hidden' phase in metal oxide materials that gives them ferroelectric properties when activated by fast pulses of light. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with controllable properties that can be turned on and off in trillionths of a second.
New research suggests that most of Earth's heavy elements, including gold and platinum, were spewed from collapsars, a rare type of star explosion. This finding challenges the widely held belief that these elements come from collisions between neutron stars or black holes.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego discovered a complex process where viral components are transported along filaments within bacterial cells. This 'treadmill-like' structure allows for efficient movement of cargo, similar to human cell mechanisms, and has significant implications for understanding phage therapy.
Prophetic patents often describe hypothetical experiments with excessive detail, potentially misleading scientists and non-experts. Labels are suggested to distinguish between prophetic and non-prophetic examples in patent applications.
The catalog includes 17 short and 169 long bursts, providing fresh insights into how gamma-ray bursts work. Astronomers can distinguish the two GRB classes by the duration of their lower-energy gamma rays, revealing clues to the physical mechanisms at play.
Researchers have identified two new biomarkers, ApoB:A1 ratio and metabolomic lipoprotein signatures, to predict cardiovascular risk in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients. These biomarkers can help identify high-risk patients and inform tailored disease treatments.
Researchers found that morning exercise increases metabolic response in skeletal muscle, while evening exercise boosts energy expenditure for an extended period. The effects of exercise timing may differ due to the body's circadian clock.
Researchers from the University of Konstanz's CRC 1214 create single-chain, uniform-shape monodisperse nanocrystals with high particle number densities. This breakthrough enables the creation of polymer materials based on nanoparticle assembly.
Researchers from Lehigh University used materials informatics to predict a class of high-entropy alloys with superior mechanical properties. The new method, combined with experimental tools like electron microscopy, revealed alloys with hardness values exceeding initial expectations by a factor of 2.
Researchers have discovered a previously unreported strategy employed by the virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles to powerfully inhibit natural killer cell function. This impairment enables the virus to paralyze natural killer cells, rendering them unable to respond to target cells, thereby evading the immune response.