Researchers have discovered a new species of deep-water coral, Psammogorgia pax, in the Pacific Ocean off Panama. This find is significant for its contribution to understanding the ecology and biodiversity of mesophotic coral communities, which are difficult to access and require increased protection.
A Northwestern University research team discovered similarities in RNA folding among riboswitches, which could impact the design of future RNA-specific therapeutics and synthetic biology tools. The findings could also inform efforts to treat diseases triggered by RNA-level misfolding.
The study reveals that the GAS7 protein's BAR domain is essential for phagocytic cup formation, enabling macrophages to efficiently consume debris. The protein's oligomerization and membrane binding are critical for this process.
A study in experimental models found that allopregnanolone, a hormone produced by the placenta, is essential for normal fetal brain development. Insufficient production of this hormone can lead to autism-like behaviors and cerebellar abnormalities.
A new study confirms FMT is effective in treating IBS with high response rates and symptom improvements, but selecting the right donor is crucial for success. The study used a 'super-donor' to produce high rates of clinical response and marked symptom improvements in patients with IBS.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Cambridge and University of Strathclyde found that highly-targeted messaging campaigns can effectively dissuade young gamers from getting involved in cybercrime. The campaigns were associated with a sharper and longer-term reduction in attack numbers.
Research reveals a connection between Alzheimer's disease and metabolic disturbances, including glucose resistance and abnormal sleep patterns. Introducing ApoE2 into cells expressing ApoE4 may reduce metabolic deficiencies, supporting cellular functions and energy metabolism in the brain.
The University of Bristol's Mantis robotic arm provides light, affordable, and simple solution for everyday users, enabling them to build and use robots without expensive kit or skills. The system simulates the sense of touch, providing haptic force feedback, and can be built and used by anyone from a secondary school student.
Researchers found gene therapy potential in treating neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. New therapeutic approaches reprogram glial cells into motor neurons and deliver antibodies to protect against toxins.
The study highlights the importance of understanding how physical and social environments influence drinking patterns and problems. Researchers recommend identifying high-risk contexts, measuring environmental characteristics, and exploring interactions in space and time to develop more effective prevention interventions.
A new study finds that antibiotic resistance to H. pylori has more than doubled in 20 years, from 9.9% in 1998 to 21.6% last year. This increase is particularly concerning for countries like Southern Italy and Greece, where rates of primary clarithromycin resistance are highest.
A Congolese giant toad has been found to mimic a venomous Gaboon viper in both appearance and behavior, using Batesian mimicry to avoid predators. The researchers observed the toad emitting warning hisses and displaying a bow-like posture, matching its surroundings to effectively deceive predators.
A study found that many women and healthcare providers believe CBD is safe during pregnancy, but there is no evidence to support this claim. Researchers urge pregnant women and providers to be cautious about using CBD due to potential interactions with other medications.
A large US retrospective study finds nitrous oxide effective in managing labor pain with high patient satisfaction rates and safety for newborns. Despite being an alternative option, most women ultimately opt for epidurals or other pain management techniques.
A research team has created a better way to grow an organoid model of the liver, bile duct and pancreas using human pluripotent stem cells. The resulting organoid bears a striking resemblance to its corresponding organs and demonstrates the potential for personalized modeling in studying organ development and disease.
A new study found that IBD cases are three times higher than previously reported, with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease prevalence increasing by 55% and 83%, respectively. The study also predicts a rise in IBD prevalence by almost a quarter from 2017 to 2025.
Studies show nearly 90% of women without opioid use in hospital post-cesarean delivery still receive a prescription for opioids upon discharge. Research highlights the need to reduce opioid use after cesarean delivery using alternative pain medications.
A study found that nearly one-third of children who had tonsillectomy did not need opioids for pain relief during and after surgery. Researchers used non-opioid pain medications instead, with similar postoperative care time in both groups.
A study found that plant-based diets and Mediterranean diets are associated with high levels of friendly gut bacteria, aiding nutrient production and SCFA energy for cells lining the colon. Plant protein helps biosynthesis of vitamins and amino acids.
A systematic review of seven published studies suggests that medical marijuana may be associated with benefits such as decreased opioid overdose rates and improved quality of life. However, the results need to be confirmed by more rigorous scientific research due to limitations in study design and potential side effects.
A new transatlantic research alliance aims to develop radical new strategies and technologies to detect cancer at its earliest stage, improving survival rates. The International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection will accelerate breakthroughs in early detection, leading to quicker benefits for patients.
The development of neural-digital interfaces raises concerns about equality, identity, security, privacy, and access. The roundtable explores societal and ethical issues surrounding these technologies.
A new smartphone app reminder significantly increased medication adherence among heart patients, with 65% correctly taking their pills at 90 days compared to 21% in the control group. The study's results suggest that mobile health technology can be a cost-effective strategy to improve adherence and reduce poor outcomes.
Dr. Seun Johnson-Akeju, a leading expert in neuroscience and anesthesia, has been awarded the 2019 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award. His research focuses on identifying patients at risk for postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction and developing innovative treatments.
A team of researchers from SciLifeLab and AstraZeneca have used cryo-EM to unravel the extracellular region of the receptor tyrosine kinase RET, which is involved in degenerative diseases. The study reveals how two large RET monomers dimerize on the membrane, leading to potential therapeutic targets for neuronal survival.
Patients in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program used nearly half as many opioids and reported significantly less pain compared to those without ERAS. ERAS protocols focus on managing patient expectations and providing alternative pain medications, leading to decreased opioid consumption.
Neuro Space is an immersive installation that reimagines how scientists view neurons through the intersection of art and technology. The exhibit explores the power of art to reflect scientific structures and illuminates the vastness of what remains unknown in neuroscience.
Artificial skin creates first ticklish devices by mimicking human skin's sensing resolution and detecting gestures like tickling, caressing and twisting. The Skin-On interface enables devices to 'feel' user interactions, conveying expressive messages through touch gestures.
A new project aims to use Inga trees to keep land fertile for the long term, reducing pressure on smallholders to abandon their land. The plan could help maintain tree cover in the Amazonian Arc of Deforestation by supporting sustainable agriculture and providing a premium income for milk produced from grazing cattle.
Researchers have discovered a molecule that absorbs ultraviolet light and then disperses it in a 'flamenco-style' dance, making it ideal for use as a UV filter in sunscreens. The molecule is eco-friendly, easy to synthesize, and lasts longer than industry-standard sunscreens.
Lithium-ion batteries face limitations including flammability, fast charging degradation and overcharging issues. Developing alternatives to liquid electrolytes is a promising strategy to address these challenges.
The assay has a clinically relevant 5-day turnaround time and can be conducted on as little as 20 ng genomic DNA. It requires minimum input of tumor DNA without the need for matched normal and is histology agnostic, addressing pre-analytical variability.
Tropical Storm Neoguri has become more organized over the past 24 hours, according to NASA-NOAA satellite data. The storm was classified as a tropical depression for days before consolidation on October 18, and is expected to strengthen before weakening.
The George Mason University team will examine the impact of increasing traffic and industrialization in the Arctic on its infrastructure and governance. The five-year project aims to understand the environmental and social implications of a significant increase in people, shipping, and infrastructure needs.
Research finds that delta waves during sleep selectively activate specific neuron assemblies involved in long-term memory formation. These assemblies code information and send crucial signals between the hippocampus and cortex, allowing memories to stabilize.
The All of Us Research Program awards $7 million to HudsonAlpha to evaluate leading-edge DNA sequencing technologies. The project aims to generate genetic data on 6,000 participants, revealing elusive genetic variations associated with rare diseases.
A team of scientists will develop high-tech tools to explore cyanobacteria in lakes across the East Coast. The project combines big data, artificial intelligence, and robotics with new techniques for lake sampling to understand where and how cyanobacterial blooms develop.
Tropical Storm Octave formed on Oct. 17 as a tropical depression in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with cloud top temperatures reaching -70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to weaken due to wind shear and movement out of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), forecasted to degenerate into a remnant low over the weekend.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a process to break down plastic waste into molecular-level gases, which can be transformed back into new plastics. This method could enable the creation of circular use of plastic and reduce reliance on oil and fossil gas.
The UK veterinary profession is critically low and unprepared for a 'No Deal' Brexit, with concerns over workforce shortages, animal certification, and research. The government's lack of preparedness has been rated as red by Vet Record.
Scientists have found a new stable form of plutonium with an unexpected pentavalent oxidation state, which may be crucial for improving the safety of radioactive waste storage. The discovery was made using advanced synchrotron X-ray methods and has significant implications for long-term nuclear waste management.
Researchers found that brain actively filters out background noise, with fluid outdoor sounds causing the largest effect on focus. The study uses wearable EEG technology to measure brain activity in different environments, paving the way for more realistic neurotechnology design.
A groundbreaking study found that employees who worked in a Maharishi Vastu building scored higher on the standardized Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, generating 50-80% more original ideas. The study suggests that traditional systems of architecture can have wide-ranging benefits.
Researchers found that functionalized carbon nanotubes enhance the interaction between perovskite and CNTs, improving their performance and stability. The study revealed a self-recrystallization process in perovskite at room temperature, which can be accelerated by frequent measurements but degrades stability.
Researchers have developed ultrasensitive nanoscale optical probes to monitor the bioelectric activity of neurons and other excitable cells. The new technology could enable scientists to study neural circuits at an unprecedented scale, leading to powerful brain-machine interfaces.
A new virus, BeHV, has been found in nearly a third of the US bald eagle population, causing seizures and liver damage. The virus is related to human hepatitis C and was found in eagles without symptoms of the fatal disease, Wisconsin River Eagle Syndrome.
Researchers at Ehime University successfully synthesized a nitrogen-embedded polycyclic compound with strong antiaromaticity and stability. The discovery presents significant opportunities for the development of novel organic electronic materials.
Researchers found that poor urban consumers in Uganda and Kenya are willing to pay a premium for more nutritious flour, with up to 94% of respondents agreeing to pay more. The study highlights the potential for improving nutrition among the urban poor through targeted policy interventions.
Researchers have developed a new genomic method, CUTseq, that can assess the amount and type of copy number alterations in tumors, helping identify highly heterogeneous and aggressive cancers. The technique is cheaper than existing technologies and can be applied to multiple biopsies or small tissue sections.
An observational study found a significant association between workplace exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products and an increased risk of new COPD cases among female nurses. The study highlights the need for better ventilation and protective measures in workplaces to mitigate this risk.
Bioinformatician Serena Nik-Zainal is awarded the Dr. Josef Steiner Cancer Research Award for her development of new methods to classify tumors using bioinformatics. Her research aims to improve cancer diagnosis and prognosis by making comprehensive computational infrastructure accessible to clinicians.
New research reveals creatine powers CD8 T cells' fight against cancer by storing and distributing energy. Creatine supplementation enhances existing immunotherapies, including PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, leading to significant tumor eradication rates.
A study on Ötzi's DNA found a decrease in Prevotella copri, a common human gut microbe, in Westernized populations. The discovery suggests that Westernization may have contributed to the loss of beneficial bacteria, with significant implications for public health.
A new study from University of Illinois researchers used computer modeling to estimate how land management practices may be affected by climate changes. The study found that redistribution of land uses and certain management practices can help reduce nitrogen loss without changing fertilizer application rates.
A new study found that a highly diluted version of the Ebola vaccine remains fully protective against disease in monkeys. The findings suggest that the vaccine could be made more available by reducing its dosage, potentially easing production burdens.
Chinese scientists developed a new material that enables the creation of flexible, wearable supercapacitors with high energy density. The electrodes are made from a hybrid material synthesized from two carbon nanomaterials and a metal-organic framework, which provides a balance of porosity, conductivity, and electrochemical activity.
The Center for Hardware and Embedded Systems Security and Trust will investigate unique vulnerabilities in collaboration with private companies and government agencies. The research focus is on developing techniques to avoid circuit counterfeiting and ensuring the authenticity of computer chips.
A University of Michigan study found that minority groups perceive negative news as a call to action, increasing collective effort and long-term change. Negative media depictions can inspire positive behaviors among group members.
Using whole genome sequencing, scientists can pinpoint populations that need an influx of new genes or identify the best pumas to move between populations. This approach may help prevent inbreeding and its consequences, such as health defects.
A six-week study found that exercising before breakfast increased fat burn by 100% compared to after breakfast. This shift allowed for better insulin control, potentially lowering diabetes and heart disease risk.