A study on the Orobanchaceae parasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonicum reveals that β-1,4-glucanase enzyme is crucial for both plant parasitism and cross-species grafting. The enzyme facilitates cell-cell adhesion and transport of water and nutrients between the parasite and host plants.
The study developed a reliable method for creating porcine hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which exhibited similar characteristics to human HCC cells. The Oncopig model was shown to be a valuable tool for testing innovative therapeutic modalities and correlative studies for new therapies.
Hurricane Delta is expected to produce significant flash, urban, and small stream flooding in Louisiana, with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches. NASA's satellite rainfall product estimated rainfall rates around the center of circulation as high as 50 mm per hour.
A new index assesses HIV/AIDS prevention policies among people who inject drugs globally, with top performers including Spain and Switzerland. Russia ranks 59th, highlighting the need for improved policies to combat the spread of HIV among drug users.
A new study found that about 24,000 more people died in Lombardy than expected between January and April, with only 14,000 confirmed as COVID-19-related. The researchers estimated that up to 43% of excess deaths may be due to delayed or reduced access to healthcare for other health issues.
A new study reveals that meltwater lakes at glacier margins cause ice to recede much further and faster than glaciers terminating on land. This finding has significant implications for estimates of recession rates and ice mass loss, potentially leading to under-estimates in the coming decades.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have discovered a universal scaling law for touch sensitivity using seismic waves. The law enables better understanding of touch experiences across species, predicting similar sensations despite differences in force and receptor depth.
Researchers observed an overactive B cell response in severely ill COVID-19 patients, reminiscent of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which may inform treatment decisions. The findings could lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients with severe immune dysregulation.
Researchers identified nerve cells in the brain whose activity indicates decision-making confidence. The frequency of electrical pulses in these neurons increased with increasing decision confidence.
The Tumor Neoantigen Selection Alliance (TESLA) has discovered five characteristics that strongly indicated which cancer markers were most likely to generate an immune response. The data model accurately predicted 75% of effective neoantigen targets and filtered out 98% of ineffective ones.
Six University of Ottawa-affiliated projects have received $1 million in CIHR funding to study the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and substance use. Researchers will assess workforce capacity, measure stress among frontline cleaners, and develop holistic support for vulnerable populations.
UCF researchers, led by Professor Ranajay Ghosh and Professor Seetha Raghavan, aim to develop sophisticated computer models to identify the initial stages of stress-corrosion cracking. The goal is to create early detection systems that can isolate damaged areas and design resistant materials and coatings.
A study by CNIC scientists reveals metoprolol's ability to protect the heart during a heart attack is not shared by other beta-blockers. This unique property limits inflammatory damage and hyperactivation of neutrophils, which can cause significant additional injury to the heart.
West Virginia University has received a $1.2 million grant to establish telehealth connections between rural emergency departments and medical specialists. The program aims to provide acute, emergent subspecialty care in rural areas, reducing the need for hospital transfers and readmissions.
The study demonstrates the creation of microfluidic channels at the micron scale using 3D printing, which could automate production of diagnostics, sensors, and assays. The researchers also integrated these devices with electronic sensors for lab-on-a-chip sensing capabilities.
Researchers used PAHs to monitor pollution and track down its sources in various ecosystems, including soils, plants, and water. The team identified key factors that impact PAHs accumulation, providing a new tool for environmental monitoring and pollution analysis.
A study at King's College London reveals Black patients are more likely to require hospital admission for mild infection progression while Asian patients are at higher risk of dying from severe complications. Despite similar comorbidity rates, the study attributes these disparities to biological factors.
Researchers have found a way to directly couple aryl halides and alkyllithium compounds using palladium catalysts containing YPhos-type ligands. This breakthrough enables the efficient synthesis of complex chemical structures with minimal side products, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Researchers found daily average sound levels dropped approximately 3 decibels during the pandemic, which could have a significant impact on people's overall health outcomes. The analysis shows that digital devices can be used to evaluate daily behaviors and exposures.
Researchers found that serum antibodies from recovered SARS patients effectively neutralized SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. The study also discovered that mice and rabbits immunized with a specific RBD elicited stronger antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2.
A new study from Imperial College London found that one in 12 partners experience post-traumatic stress after miscarriage, with symptoms persisting for up to nine months. The research highlights the need for improved psychological support for both women and their partners following pregnancy loss.
Researchers have identified metformin as a potential treatment for myofibrillar myopathies, a group of rare genetic disorders causing progressive muscle wasting. The study's findings, published in Autophagy, show that metformin can prevent muscle disintegration and restore swimming ability in zebrafish models.
The HAMRC will investigate novel approaches to characterize lung cancer epidemiology, somatic mutation burden, and the relationship between HIV-1 infection and accelerated aging. The team aims to develop diagnostic computational imaging algorithms to discern lung cancer from respiratory infections.
Typhoon Chan-hom's heaviest rainfall was pushed northeast of its center due to wind shear. Rainfall rates reached 30 mm/hour just north of the center.
A new urine-based liquid biopsy test, UroCAD, has been developed to detect bladder cancer with higher sensitivity and similar specificity compared to traditional urine cytology. The test analyzes DNA copy number variants in urine exfoliated cells and shows promise for reducing the frequency of cystoscopy examinations.
A new study found that hydroxychloroquine had no effect on reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus levels in infected hamsters. In contrast, a high dose of favipiravir significantly reduced viral loads and prevented infection. Researchers are cautiously optimistic about the potential of favipiravir as a COVID-19 treatment.
A new tool developed by Utah State University scientists can predict drought and water flow in the Colorado River several years in advance. The model uses long-term ocean memory and associated atmospheric effects, as well as filtering effects of land systems to temper short-term precipitation events.
A special issue of Population Health Management explores data-driven approaches to combatting COVID-19. The journal highlights the need for population health tools to successfully tackle emerging health crises, with expert insights from major companies and organizations.
The Spitzer Space Telescope made significant discoveries in the solar system during its 16-year mission, providing a never-before-possible look at the universe. New papers catalog these findings and offer guidance for future scientists studying exoplanets and planet formation.
Researchers have found that REGN-COV2 offers benefits in animal models mimicking SARS-CoV-2 infection pathology, providing evidence for its therapeutic potential both as a preventative measure and treatment. The study demonstrates significant protection against weight loss and viral load reduction in golden hamsters treated with the drug.
A study found that female surgeons in the US perform 23% fewer complex procedures than their male counterparts, with no improvement over two decades. Researchers attribute this underemployment to biases among referring physicians and patients, not female surgeons themselves.
A new review highlights the severe impacts of drought on global wetland soils, leading to irreversible changes and decreased water quality. The study emphasizes the need for better understanding and protection of these critical ecosystems, which support biodiversity and carbon storage.
Researchers from RUDN University have developed a novel domino reaction for synthesizing chromenoisoquinolineamine derivatives, which showed promising antitumor activity against cancer cells, including drug-resistant strains. The new compounds were found to be toxic to tumor cells and efficient even at low concentrations.
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the Great Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 1365, showcasing hundreds of baby stars and dusty sites of future stellar nurseries. The PHANGS survey, conducted jointly with ALMA in Chile, aims to understand how galaxy environments influence star formation.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that over 40% of women experience constipation during pregnancy and right after childbirth. Daily exercise, balanced diet, and hydration can help prevent constipation. Lifestyle changes may not be enough to alleviate symptoms, with laxatives needed in some cases.
Researchers developed a method to generate precisely controlled graphene microbubbles with perfect spherical curvature, suitable for use as concave reflective lenses. The high uniformity of the graphene oxide films enables precise control over bubble position, size, and stability.
Research in Salt Lake City schools found a correlation between poor air quality and increased school absences. Even mild elevations in air pollution were associated with higher absenteeism rates, particularly among elementary students. The study suggests that low-level air pollution can have cumulative effects on health and education.
Research!America has launched a microgrant program supporting virtual civic engagement initiatives among young STEM graduate trainees, fostering skills in communication and government understanding. The program aims to create dialogue between public officials and community members, focusing on student-led projects.
A recent $3.4 million research grant will study the disparities in vaccine efficacy between rich and poor countries, with a focus on gut microbiota's role. The goal is to identify metabolites that could be used to optimize the existing rotavirus vaccine.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2's ORF3b is a potent interferon antagonist, impairing the immune system in COVID-19 patients. This may explain the disease's poor induction of type I interferon responses.
Researchers found in situ pulmonary artery thrombosis associated with radiation therapy has unique imaging characteristics and does not typically embolize. The study identified 27 patients with PAT after RT, highlighting the importance of radiologist awareness for accurate diagnosis and management.
Researchers developed a tree-ring chronology that links Amazon precipitation patterns with those in North and South America, revealing an inverse relationship between the areas' growth and precipitation levels. The study provides valuable insights into large-scale climate extremes and the impact of El Niño phenomenon.
A research team at HKUMed discovered that exosomes derived from Vδ2-T cells can effectively control EBV-associated tumours and induce T-cell anti-tumour immunity. Allogeneic Vδ2-T-Exos showed higher therapeutic efficacy than autologous Vδ2-T-Exos in humanized mice.
Researchers found that accounting for climate variability increases predicted sea level rise by 2.7-4.3 inches by 2100, compared to 10.6-14.9 inches without variability. This additional ice melt will impact hurricane storm surges globally.
Researchers created an abstract language that describes protein molecules' shapes and structures, enabling predictions of their dynamics. This method uses machine learning algorithms to analyze molecular movements and provides insights into disease causes and targeted drug therapies.
A new study finds that being male, unmarried, and from low/middle-income countries significantly increases the risk of dying from COVID-19. The research also shows a higher mortality rate for those with lower education and income levels, as well as living in urban areas.
Two new studies reveal that the choroid plexus, a miniature organ in the brain, is a hotbed of immune system activity. The choroid plexus regulates brain development by secreting instructive cues into the cerebrospinal fluid and provides a protective barrier. However, when this barrier is challenged, the choroid plexus can act as a con...
A Rutgers University-led paper finds that most countries are neglecting nature-related economic reforms and investments in their post-COVID recovery plans. The authors call for governments to prioritize biodiversity and ecosystem resilience with incentives, regulations, and fiscal policies.
The CooperVision MiSight 1 day clinical study found that nearly one in four children's eyes remain stable for myopia after six years. The study also suggests that commencing treatment at an older age can slow the rate of myopia progression.
Researchers discovered that sodium and potassium make rare earth elements soluble, allowing for better predictions of their concentrations. This breakthrough could lead to new discoveries of neodymium and dysprosium deposits, essential for digital and clean energy manufacturing.
The Penn Center for Multi-Scale Molecular Mapping of the Female Reproductive System will create a comprehensive resource for women's health by documenting the molecular characteristics of individual cells in the female reproductive system.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded grants to five studies aiming to improve care and rehabilitation of wildlife impacted by wildfires. The studies will develop guidelines for rescue and rehabilitation, track outcomes, and improve antibiotic treatments.
A new study reveals that stem cells contribute to the formation of osteophytes, or pathological bone spurs, in arthritis patients. The researchers identified a specific type of stem cell with activity in the Sox9 gene as the major culprit behind this process.
Michigan State University researchers are developing a precision nanotherapy that turns the body's own cells into weapons against breast cancer. The approach targets cancer cells' CD47 protein, which defends against immune cells, and uses ultra-thin carbon tubes to arm immune cells for a covert attack.
The CGIAR Latin America centers are driving innovations to reduce poverty and improve food security in the region. Innovations like the Andean Initiative use technology and partnerships to generate site-specific adaptation measures for farmers.
Cedars-Sinai will investigate the diversity and determinants of immune-inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 in a diverse population, highlighting ethnic and racial disparities in COVID-19 risk and severity. The five-year grant aims to advance knowledge of immunology and coronavirus in the US.
Researchers exposed blue mussels to current and future levels of ocean acidification and warming, finding that warming alone led to increased shell growth, while both together resulted in decreased growth. Warming also caused increased brittleness, threatening the mussels' survival, but acidification mitigated some effects.
A case series reports 5 patients developing type 1 diabetes after receiving immunotherapy, with rapid onset and serious risk for diabetic ketoacidosis. Monitoring glycemia does not predict diabetes occurrence, and GAD antibodies are present in half of these cases, warranting further investigation.
A cost-efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen production has been developed using titanium-doped molybdenum phosphide. The new catalyst demonstrates enhanced durability and comparable performance to platinum, paving the way for more affordable hydrogen production.
Researchers found that too little sugar can lead to more bone-eating cells in people with bone marrow cancer. A special type of sugar water was shown to reduce perforations and cancer growth in mice with bone marrow cancer. Further animal experiments are needed to develop a treatment for humans.