Mosquitoes use an olfactory coreceptor called Ir8a to detect acidic volatiles found in human sweat, which is necessary for their host detection system. The study suggests new approaches for designing improved mosquito repellents and potentially even a life-saving perfume.
The Human Frontier Science Program has awarded 89 fellowships to outstanding young life scientists from around the world. The new fellows will conduct innovative research in biology, including studies on skin-based lymph nodes, motor proteins for translation, and temporal learning.
Researchers at Rice University have created 3D-printed scaffolds that can mimic the physical characteristics of osteochondral tissue, a hard bone beneath a compressible layer of cartilage. The scaffolds are designed to promote healing and potentially treat common sports injuries.
A global-scale analysis reveals that chytrid fungus has caused dramatic population declines in over 500 amphibian species, including 90 extinctions, within the past 50 years. The study suggests that conservation efforts can help target future research to prevent extinctions.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo found that virtual reality can help individuals with autism and other neurological disorders recalibrate their internal clock. The study used a VR game to encourage participants to adjust their time perception, resulting in significant reductions in estimates of time by around 15 percent.
Scientists have named five new species of tiny frogs found across the island of Madagascar, belonging to the 'narrow-mouthed' frog family. These miniature frogs are remarkable for their extreme miniaturization, with some species reaching lengths as small as 7.7 mm.
Researchers have developed dual-ion batteries that integrate anodes and cathodes, enabling high efficiency and low cost. The batteries use aluminum foil as the cathode material and graphite as the anode, achieving a new level of performance.
A new strategy to treat sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia has been developed using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, with the goal of achieving durable therapeutic effects. The approach targets blood stem cells and enables efficient production of functional hemoglobin.
The article discusses the rising trend of heroin abuse in the US, which has led to an increase in surgical complications such as skin and soft tissue infections, septic thrombophlebitis, and mycotic pseudoaneurysms. Rapid recognition and management of these complications are crucial to prevent life-threatening outcomes.
Researchers from the CNIO Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group have identified a new gene, DLST, involved in the development of paragangliomas and phaeochromocytomas. Mutations in this gene were found to be directly linked to the disease, providing a potential breakthrough in diagnosis and treatment.
Increased human activity along the boundaries of protected areas is degrading vegetation, altering grazing opportunities, and cascading down the food chain, favoring less palatable plants. This could make the ecosystem less resilient to future shocks such as drought or climate change.
A new mathematical method developed by USC researchers can identify anomalies in self-driving cars' perception algorithms before they hit the road, improving safety. The method uses 'sanity conditions' to test machine learning tools and can be used to pinpoint specific problems and retrain the algorithms for faster error detection.
A survey of 4,464 adults found that Americans with higher education levels score higher on science knowledge. Whites outperform Hispanics and blacks on the science knowledge scale, while men generally outscore women. Republicans and Democrats hold similar levels of science knowledge.
Columbia University has received a planning grant to develop innovative evidence-based practices and programs for opioid education and naloxone training on college campuses. The project aims to establish a platform for disseminating and implementing effective strategies to address the opioid epidemic among college students.
A new model predicts substantial reduction of malaria transmitting mosquitoes in West Africa by introducing genetically modified male mosquitoes with a driving-Y chromosome. The approach, which targets the most important species of malaria mosquitoes, has the potential to reduce populations and ultimately eliminate disease transmission.
At the level of nanoscopic structures made of magnetic layers, researchers at PSI have discovered a special magnetic interaction that enables the development of planar magnetic networks. These interactions allow for the creation of synthetic antiferromagnets and logical gates suitable for constructing computer memories and switches.
A recent study in Aquatic Invasions documents 53 introduced marine animal species on the Galápagos Islands, nearly 10 times more than previously known. The majority of these non-native species are likely arriving through ships from tropical seas, posing concerns for conservation efforts.
A Stanford study finds that a bacterial pathogen produces a virus that increases its ability to infect humans and causes the immune system to mount an antiviral response. The discovery could lead to new ways of preventing chronic infections by keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria from getting a foothold in wounds.
Researchers have developed a new method to design systems with greater disaster resistance and resilience by incorporating negative probability. This method models correlated disruptions as independent impacts on virtual supporting stations, reducing complexity and enabling easier calculation of probabilities.
The European Research Council has invested EUR 540 million in grants for 222 top researchers across Europe. Their projects could lead to breakthroughs in renewable energy, biological clocks, and social justice, among other areas.
Researchers have identified over 7,000 structural variants in human gut microbiomes associated with disease risk and weight. These variants were found to be linked to a specific ability of bacteria to produce butyrate, a substance with anti-inflammatory effects.
The UC3M's FECYT project produces educational videos addressing topics like self-driving vehicles, therapy robots, and rare illnesses, combining humour, scientific discoveries, and ethical dilemmas to engage young viewers.
A new ventilation system has been shown to reduce the risk of airborne infections in hospital rooms, which can cause serious complications for immunosuppressed patients. The study found that displacement ventilation systems can reduce the risk of exposure to airborne pathogens compared to traditional mixing ventilation systems.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method of underwater plasma generation using a snapping shrimp's claw, producing jets of plasma reaching over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This discovery could provide significant improvements for actions ranging from water sterilization to drilling.
Scientists at ORNL used computational methods to evaluate 4,600 potential crystal structures of uranium oxide compositions, identifying a potentially stable crystalline phase for U2O7. Their findings could lead to a better understanding of how crystalline and amorphous uranium materials form in the nuclear fuel cycle.
Scientists have developed a kinder gentler way to deliver big molecules like Cas9 enzyme into cells, improving efficiency and safety. The new technique, nanopore-electroporation, creates fewer than a dozen tiny holes in each cell, allowing for more effective gene editing and delivery of therapeutic proteins.
A study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that rats' spatial maps change depending on their behavior and memories. The researchers suggest this process could play a role in addictive behavior in humans, as the brain's internal map is redrawn when rewards are associated with certain locations.
Research from University of Maryland suggests climate change is driving an increase in seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, with areas experiencing earlier springs having a 14% higher prevalence of the condition. This is due to a longer season for tree pollen and simultaneous blooms of multiple tree species.
A team of researchers used a simulation to project the genetic and demographic outcomes of bull trout reintroduction in Washington State, focusing on connectivity and habitat availability. The study found that sufficient gene flow and unoccupied patches are key to maintaining genetic variation and persistence.
Researchers will use HALO aircraft to collect data on atmospheric composition over both hemispheres, aiming to improve climate modeling by understanding hemisphere-specific processes. The project seeks to quantify transport time scales in the tropopause region, which affects global radiation budgets and climate predictions.
The Cancer Control and Survivorship Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been awarded the 13th annual AACR Team Science Award for its innovative research advancing childhood cancer treatment and long-term survival outcomes. The program's work has significantly contributed to our understanding of pediatric cancer epidemi...
A new study at Brown University found that using arbitrary categories can improve the transfer of visual learning to real-life skills. Participants trained on categorizing blurry striped circles showed significant improvement in recognizing patches with the same angle, even when not training specifically on it.
A breakthrough study has revealed that the building blocks of sickle cell disease are much less efficient at organizing than previously thought. This finding could lead to new treatments, including medicines prescribed at lower doses, and improve outcomes for approximately 20 million people worldwide who suffer from the lifelong disease.
Dr Elena Esposito is studying how algorithms predict the future's impact on society, focusing on personalized insurance, precision medicine, and predictive policing.
A new mathematical model could be key to designing effective therapies for brain disorders by quantifying the bias of biological signals through G-protein-coupled receptors. The model enables the discovery and development of drugs that are agonist, neutral antagonist, and inverse antagonist.
Researchers found that the medicine DFMO not only blocks cell growth but also directly targets H. pylori to reduce its virulence. This could lead to a new strategy for preventing stomach cancer. The study supports further research into using DFMO to prevent stomach cancer.
The European Society of Cardiology calls for reimbursement of digital health technologies to manage chronic diseases. Home-based care models, such as smartphone apps connected to medical devices, are more effective than traditional hospital visits in reducing blood pressure and improving patient outcomes.
A global study found that a fungal disease has caused dramatic population declines in more than 500 amphibian species, resulting in 90 extinctions. Chytridiomycosis is present in over 60 countries and is considered one of the most damaging invasive species worldwide.
African American women with poor oral health may face a substantially increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that adult tooth loss and periodontal disease prevalence were associated with a higher risk, particularly among those who had lost at least five teeth.
A Northwestern University research team has developed tiny, fully reconfigurable metalenses made from silver nanoparticles that can adapt to different imaging applications. The new lenses have a thickness 100 times smaller than human hair and can form multiple images at various positions.
A study by ISGlobal found that a higher omega-6:omega-3 ratio in umbilical cord plasma is associated with an increased risk of ADHD symptoms in children. The research suggests that maternal diet during pregnancy plays a crucial role in shaping the child's brain development and may impact their future health.
A novel study in rabbits found that fetal exposure to nicotine can alter heart development and lead to impaired adaptation to adrenalin, potentially contributing to SIDS. This may explain why some babies do not wake up during sleep apnea.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that balancing sustainability objectives is a complex challenge. The 'best case' scenario for London involves concentrating development in central areas to reduce flood risk, transport emissions, and urban sprawl, but this comes at the cost of exposing more people to extreme temperatures.
A new study reveals that arctic warming contributes to drought in mid-latitude regions by reducing precipitation and weakening wind patterns. Researchers analyzed geological evidence from lakes and glaciers to estimate past dry conditions, finding that Wyoming experienced several thousand years of drought-like periods.
Families of patients who died after medical errors argue that the term 'second victim' is incompatible with patient safety and accountability. They suggest abandoning this term as it reinforces an inward-gazing provider-centric approach to healthcare.
Researchers will compare DNA from sepsis patients who died and survived to isolate signals and identify future drug targets. The study, funded by Sepsis Research, aims to better understand how genes govern sepsis recovery.
Researchers at VUMC and TGen are studying Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and irreversible lung disease affecting 50,000 Americans annually. The grants will help identify specific gene expression changes driving the disease, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new technique using PET scans to track the interaction between cancer drugs and tumor cells, providing valuable insights into how effective treatment is. This breakthrough could streamline cancer therapy by enabling doctors to tailor treatments, determine therapeutic doses, and avo...
Researchers are exploring RNA editing as a way to treat diseases without permanent genetic changes. This approach uses an enzyme called ADAR to make precise edits to RNA, which can be reversible and avoid the risks of CRISPR.
Researchers found that Mars' rivers were twice as wide as those on Earth and had intense flow persisting until one billion years ago. This suggests a global, long-lived phenomenon of climate-driven precipitation during low-atmosphere conditions on Mars.
A new study found that consuming even small amounts of red meat may increase the risk of death from all causes, especially cardiovascular disease. The research, part of the Adventist Health Study-2, analyzed over 7,900 individuals and found a significant association between low intake of red and processed meats and higher risks of tota...
Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience have revealed a special input pathway that codes sensory information in the Cerebellum. Climbing fibers are found to be responsible for conveying sensory information, with activity mirrored in Purkinje cells.
Researchers have developed a new group of medicinal products called IASPs that increase muscle and bone mass in mice. The treatment has shown promise in counteracting osteoporosis and improving muscle mass, but its effects on blood cells are still being studied.
A new study found that people of southern-European and non-European descent are unlikely to have a suitable match if they need a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Alternative donor transplants are considered for these patients.
A new study estimates the risk of cancer associated with moderate levels of alcohol consumption and compares it to the risk of smoking. The study found that drinking one bottle of wine per week is equivalent to smoking five cigarettes for men and ten cigarettes for women.
A team of healthcare data scientists and doctors developed an AI system using machine learning algorithms to predict the risk of early death due to chronic disease. The system performed better than current standard approaches and showed promise in improving preventative healthcare.
A study found a link between fewer reproductive years and an increased risk of dementia in women. Women with shorter total reproductive years had a higher risk of developing dementia, particularly those who started menstruating later or went through menopause earlier.
Liposomes, small artificial structures with lipids and aqueous cores, have been engineered to transmit light or electrical signals. By incorporating magnetic nanoparticles and fluorescent molecules, the vesicles can be controlled by magnets and used for Boolean logic operations, enabling on/off signal transmission.
A recent study by WVU researchers found that rural Americans with migraines often face long travel distances and financial barriers to accessing specialized care. The study highlights a nationwide shortage of headache specialists, which can exacerbate the economic impact of migraine in low-income areas.
Despite national guidelines, many patients who benefit from statins do not take them due to a lack of physician guidance and fear of side effects. Research found that 59.2% of eligible patients never received an offer of statins, with women, black patients, and those without insurance being more likely to report this.