Researchers from Tokyo University of Science develop novel CRISPR/Cas9 strategies for gene disruption and introduction in filamentous fungi. Single-step gene targeting with short homologous sequences and bypassing PAM requirements enhance efficiency and speed.
A Finnish study proves that 79% of thrombus aspirates from stroke patients contain DNA from oral pathogens. This research highlights the importance of oral health and good dental hygiene in preventing serious health damage.
Chimpanzees use percussive technique to gain access to meat of inaccessible reptiles, exhibiting intelligent behavior. They plan for future needs, such as hunger, in a surprising display of cognitive flexibility.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a mechanism that clears blocked proteins from the mitochondrial entry gate. This discovery, dubbed 'mitochondrial protein translocation-associated degradation', has implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers used zebrafish to study the effects of a genetic mutation linked to brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. The study found that the mutation caused clustering of cellular interactions, leading to disrupted normal development and brain health.
Scientists from Sanford Burnham Prebys have revealed a new mechanism for ALS' pathogenesis and suggest that modulating membralin has potential in ALS therapy. A membralin-boosting gene therapy extended the survival of mice with ALS-like symptoms, providing an important new perspective into the disease.
Researchers have discovered that specific areas within the Nushagak River watershed are critical for salmon production and growth, with favorable locations changing year to year due to climate conditions. The study highlights the importance of protecting or restoring the entire basin scale to maintain ecosystem function.
Dr. Ana Rita Brochado's research focuses on gram-negative bacteria, which are difficult to treat due to their complex cellular envelope. Her work has shown that certain bacterial strains can be effectively combated using antibiotic combinations and food compounds, like vanillin.
Scientists have developed a method to determine the geometry of electrons in quantum dots, allowing for better control of electron spins. This could lead to the development of smaller information units in future quantum computers.
Researchers developed a new methodology to create stretchable polymer composites with improved electrical and thermal properties. The materials are promising candidates for use in soft robotics, self-healing electronics, and medical devices.
Using light to optimize osmosis for electricity generation at estuaries has shown promise. The system produces twice as much power in the dark as it does with light, offering a potential solution to weather-dependent renewable energy sources.
Children with type 1 diabetes experience a 20% reduction in medication adherence during school holidays, weekends, and public holidays. This can have serious consequences for their health, increasing demand on healthcare systems and potentially leading to hospitalization and mortality.
A new biodegradable chemical is produced through natural fermentation, which can be refined as a source of energy and replace petroleum-based chemicals in various products. The technology, developed by the University of Waterloo, reduces costs associated with food waste management by using leachate recirculation.
Researchers at Indiana University created a powerful new molecule for extracting salt from liquid, with potential to increase drinkable water on Earth. The molecule is designed to capture chloride using carbon-hydrogen bonds, providing greater efficacy and versatility than previous designs.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have identified two regulatory genes that control the development of leaf shapes in thale cress. By switching these genes on at specific times and locations, scientists were able to create complex leaves in a related plant species.
Scientists at Cornell University have developed a new, genetically clean strain of the C. elegans worm, which will serve as a standardized baseline for future research studies. The new genome sequence reveals hidden genetic variations and highlights the need for accurate DNA sequencing in synthetic biology.
Researchers have developed a high-resolution imaging method that captures mid-infrared spectral images of fast events or dynamic processes. This technique could lead to higher resolution imaging of cancerous and normal tissue samples, improving the accuracy and speed of medical diagnostics.
Tiny cryptobenthic reef fishes play a vital role in maintaining coral reef diversity and productivity by producing a steady stream of larvae to replace adults devoured by predators. These small fish contribute nearly 40% of reef-fish biodiversity and nearly two-thirds of near-reef larval fish pools.
In a study on Egyptian fruit bats, researchers found that females consistently take food from male peers and eventually mate with them. The findings support the 'food-for-sex' hypothesis in this species.
The Children's Tumor Foundation has launched the NF2 Accelerator Initiative, a three-year research effort to bring active NF2 treatments to patients. The initiative focuses on expanding the clinical drug pipeline, improving drug selection through innovative testing models, and developing gene therapy options.
The study reveals seven distinct patterns of muscle activity and demonstrates that individual muscle cells can participate in multiple patterns with different kinetics. This coordination of many cells working together enables the creation of complex behaviors not present in single cells.
A new study from the University of Delaware has shed light on the age and origin of groundwaters in Egyptian aquifers using chlorine isotopes as chemical tracers. The research found that some groundwater samples are up to 200,000 years old, indicating a complex interaction between shallow and deep aquifers.
A survey of Japanese researchers found that 95% had shared their data, but only 56% had created a data management plan (DMP). The main reasons for not creating a DMP were unfamiliarity with funders' requirements and lack of institutional support. Japanese researchers cited supporting research progression and transparency as motivations...
Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University proposed a new configuration for nanoscopes that uses special diffraction gratings with gold plates, allowing for accelerated image generation without losing magnification power. The study's results are published in Annalen der Physik and show improvements in resolution up to 0.3 λ.
A new study found that a genetic variant of the FTO gene is associated with increased food intake in children who are at risk for obesity, even before they develop the condition. The study suggests that early identification of this behavior can inform best practices for intervention and prevention of obesity in children.
Scientists agree on the need to address wolf-dog hybridization but are divided on its management, threatening Europe's wolves. The study highlights the importance of educating people about the impact of free-roaming dogs and removing hybrids from small wild populations.
A new study found that exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 μm during pregnancy and childhood is associated with reduced fundamental cognitive abilities, such as working memory and executive attention in boys. The study included 2,221 children between 7 and 10 years old attending schools in Barcelona.
A team of researchers at ICFO have devised a novel technique to prevent biofilm formation on surgical implants by using gold nanoparticles to convert light into heat, killing bacteria. The method has shown promising results in preventing the formation of bacterial biofilms and eliminating the need for antibiotic treatments.
A study by Boston University neuroscientist Steve Ramirez shows that stimulating different parts of the brain can dial up or down a specific memory's emotional oomph. The hippocampus, a small structure in the brain, stores sensory and emotional information associated with memories.
Researchers developed a thermoelectric module based on liquid-like materials, achieving a record-high energy conversion efficiency of 9.1%. The Cu2Se/Yb0.3Co4Sb12 TE module showed excellent service stability when the ratio of cross-sectional areas between p- and n-legs was higher than four.
Researchers discovered unusual rocks in East Africa that provide clues into the hazards associated with active volcanoes. The rocks, formed by intense eruptions, suggest that future eruptions at these volcanoes have the potential to cause significant harm, further from the volcano than previously thought.
Female Egyptian fruit bats form bonds with male producers and exchange mating for nourishment. The study found that females give birth to pups of the males they most often scrounge food from, supporting the hypothesis that females trade mating for food.
Researchers discovered that previously drug-sensitive bacteria can survive exposure to antibiotics long enough to express resistance genes, rendering them immune. The mechanisms underlying this process involve a drug-jettisoning pump and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms like bacterial conjugation.
A team of researchers found that methane emissions from natural gas in Pennsylvania are significantly lower than those from coal, but not negligible. The study used a ratio of methane to ethane to determine the sources of emissions and estimated that natural gas production has about half the carbon footprint of coal mining.
Researchers from computer science, psychology, mathematics and linguistics work together to develop new methods for processing and representing image information. The project aims to improve the detection of movement in video recordings and explore applications of augmented and virtual reality technologies.
Researchers at Edge Hill University identified three main personality profiles: Fearful, Malevolent and Socially Apt. These profiles influence how easily people are persuaded by authority figures or limited-time offers.
A comprehensive review of new stimulant formulations for treating ADHD provides clinicians with a valuable guide to choosing effective treatments. The review highlights novel delivery systems, advances in individual variability, and nuanced approaches to treatment.
A study explores how parents make decisions about enrolling their critically ill children in research, finding that low-risk studies with potential benefits to future children are more likely to be enrolled. Another article highlights the importance of considering inclusion benefits in ethics committee assessments of research studies.
A pilot program using smartphones to detect asthma triggers is launching in Washington D.C., aiming to improve child well-being and create healthier homes. The project, led by Children's National Hospital, will use video conferencing to identify potential housing triggers with families.
The Collaborative Research Centre SFB/Transregio 102 at MLU is expanding its scope to investigate hybrid polymers, a combination of synthetic and protein-based materials. The researchers aim to gain a better understanding of these novel molecules and their potential applications in medicine and materials research.
A study found that the earthquakes were caused by subsurface movement of magma and fluid movement in Yellowstone. The swarm was divided into two clusters, one with Hebgen Lake aftershocks and another with a different origin. Researchers concluded that the events highlight the ongoing nature of earthquakes.
A CNRS and University of La Rochelle research team studied the impact of a fishing operation on orca populations. The study found that orcas who lost family members due to the fishing operation adopted erratic social behavior, leading to reduced access to food and ultimately higher mortality rates.
Researchers found that matching mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA could be important when selecting potential donors for mitochondrial donation treatment. They discovered that mitochondria are fine-tuned to the nucleus and may influence the likelihood of certain mutations being passed on.
A new study published in Studies in Asian Social Science found that group practice of Transcendental Meditation reduced sociopolitical violence in Cambodia by 96.2% between 1993 and 2008. The likelihood of this decline occurring randomly was one in 10 million, suggesting a coherence-creating effect on society.
Scientists created a human model using organoids to study the function of specific genes mutated in liver cancer. They found that BAP1 mutations change cell behavior, making them more likely to be invasive and forming malignant tumors. The newly developed model provides valuable insights into liver tumor development.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a DURIP grant to purchase equipment that can determine the severity of brain injuries, even those that are not immediately apparent. The new equipment will be used to expand associate professor Ashfaq Adnan's research in damage detection for blast-related traumatic brain injuries.
A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that uncertainty about what one knows leads to the most curiosity and learning. Tailoring classroom learning to students' misconceptions can be an effective way to stimulate curiosity and motivation to learn. The study's findings expand on Maria Montessori's child-centered appro...
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that low levels of the hormone adropin predict increased weight gain and metabolic dysregulation in male monkeys fed a high-sugar diet. Adropin regulates glucose and fat metabolism, and its expression is controlled by biological clocks.
Computational modeling reveals that vaccination success increases with access to local information about disease prevalence, rather than relying solely on global data. This suggests a need for strategic dissemination of detailed incidence data to inform individual vaccination decisions.
Researchers discovered subtle changes in female hearts during perimenopause, indicating stress at this early stage. Estrogen-mimicking drugs can still be beneficial for protecting hearts, but timing is crucial to maximize effectiveness.
Researchers introduce an electrically-driven steam methane reforming (SMR) process that maximizes methane conversion while limiting carbon byproducts. The approach could eliminate nearly 1% of global CO2 emissions if implemented globally.
A new study provides policy recommendations to help legal authorities determine the accuracy of testimonies from children and adults. The authors suggest using scientifically-established protocols, open-ended questions, and analyzing supporting and opposing elements to verify memories.
A newly engineered wood-based material successfully reflects heat and cools buildings by deflecting incoming solar radiation. The material, which is more than eight times stronger than natural wood, can reduce energy costs by between 20% and 50% in 16 U.S. cities.
HyQReal, the latest version of hydraulic-powered quadruped robots, successfully pulled a 3300kg small passenger airplane at Genova Airport. The robot features increased ruggedness, reliability, and energy efficiency compared to previous versions.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System are using a unique approach to understand cell communication via pannexin channels. By discovering how cells communicate, they aim to manipulate the channels to better treat major health threats such as high blood pressure and fatty liver disease.
Researchers discovered Charcot-Leyden Crystals are abundant in airway mucus, stimulate immune system and promote inflammation, which can be treated with newly developed antibodies. These antibodies can dissolve the crystals to reduce asthma features.
Scientists discover a vast, well-preserved collection of meteorites aged over two million years, providing insights into the rate of falling meteorites. The discovery, made in the Atacama Desert, reveals that the meteorite flux has remained constant over time.
Researchers found that daily self-weighing can help prevent holiday weight gain by allowing individuals to make behavioral changes based on their weight changes. Participants who engaged in daily self-weighing maintained or lost weight during the holiday season, while those who did not gained weight.
Researchers fabricated nanoscale artificial materials by manipulating atoms one after the other, discovering heavy electrons that exhibit unique electronic and magnetic properties. This breakthrough paves the way for designing novel materials with customized electronic behavior and exploring critical quantum processes.
The project aims to deepen early career researchers' understanding of the value of science for its own sake and foster their interest in conceptual fundamental research. The PAPA programme will provide an educational programme, intensive education and supervision, workshops, and a mentoring programme to support the scholars.