Scientists have discovered a hibernation-like state in an ancient Antarctic animal, dating back 250 million years. The discovery indicates that torpor arose in vertebrates even before mammals and dinosaurs evolved.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children with accelerated weight gain before age four have higher lung function at age seven, but also exhibit airflow limitation. The research suggests that early childhood growth patterns can be a useful tool for identifying respiratory health issues.
A new breast cancer treatment developed by UIC researchers has shown safety and effectiveness in Phase 1 clinical trials, with no toxic side effects reported. The drug, TTC-352, halted disease progression in six patients with metastatic breast cancer, offering a promising alternative to traditional hormone therapy.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered that senolytic drugs can rejuvenate older organs, reducing inflammation and improving survival rates. The study suggests that these drugs could help close the gap between organ demand and supply, benefiting patients on transplant waitlists.
Researchers found a biological switch in the pituitary gland that enables animals to adapt to changing seasons, governed by hormones and genes. The study reveals a crucial role of the circadian gene BMAL2 in seasonal adaptations, shedding light on the underlying processes.
Emerging treatments for liver cancer show promising safety results, with atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination therapy improving overall survival. Lenvatinib and pembrolizumab combination also demonstrates efficacy in Phase 1b study, while nivolumab + ipilimumab combination yields encouraging results in subgroup analysis.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports eliminating daylight saving time, citing increased risks of motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, and mood disturbances. A recent survey found that 63% of US adults support the elimination of seasonal time changes.
A new study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in US men and women increased over two decades. The analysis controlled for learning effects when repeating the same test, revealing a trend reversal compared to previous studies.
Researchers developed a lethal mouse model for SARS-CoV-2 by infecting genetically engineered K18-hACE2 mice with the virus. The study reveals acute disease symptoms and fatal outcomes in these mice, providing a valuable platform for medical countermeasure development.
Researchers develop a yeast-based platform to synthesize complex bioactive molecules efficiently. This method uses baker's yeast as a substitute in drug development research, enabling the large-scale production of thousands of products, including opioid analgesics.
Scientists successfully combined high pressures, magnetic fields, and ultra-low temperatures to study cer-rhodium-indium-five metal's conducting properties. The resulting phase diagram reveals exciting insights into the mysterious superconductivity of this metal.
Researchers warn that the introduction of 'cigarillos' to the UK market is exploiting loopholes in public health measures, targeting cigarette smokers with low-cost products. The authors advocate for urgent adjustments to the tax system to raise pack prices and reduce the incentives behind these products.
A new study by researchers from the University of Göttingen and IPB University reveals that land use change leads to more frequent and severe flooding in Indonesia. The expansion of monocultures such as oil palm and rubber plantations causes soil degradation, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased water runoff.
The Control-IQ system, manufactured by Tandem Diabetes Care, safely and effectively manages blood glucose levels in children with type 1 diabetes. The study found that the artificial pancreas did a better job keeping the children's blood glucose within the target range.
Tropical Storm Hernan forms in the Eastern Pacific, moving towards Mexico's coast. NASA's nighttime view reveals a sheared tropical cyclone with potential for heavy rainfall due to cold cloud tops.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that life expectancy for Black men in Washington, DC, was on average 17.23 years shorter than for white men, while Black women had a gap of 12.06 years. The study attributed these disparities to factors such as heart disease, homicide, cancer, and socioeconomic conditions.
A new study reveals a large-scale change from predatory fish to stickleback dominance in the Baltic Sea, threatening local ecosystems. The shift is linked to eutrophication and climate change, and its effects include reduced recruitment of pike and perch.
A recent study found that couples who worked on healthy habits together had better chances of losing weight, especially when they participated in lifestyle programs. The study, which analyzed data from over 400 patients, showed that having a partner with similar lifestyles helped maintain motivation and overcome practical challenges.
Researchers from the University of Freiburg and their collaborators have developed a new method to simulate the formation of quantum crystals using dipolar atoms. This allows for unprecedented precision in measuring structures that have not been observed before, providing insights into the quantum properties underlying crystal formation.
Scientists at UCLA have developed effective methods for decontaminating single-use N95 respirators, allowing them to be reused multiple times. The researchers found that vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light are suitable decontamination procedures, with the former being the most effective.
Researchers at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology have identified new genetic markers for controlling glucosinolate content in rapeseed. This discovery can help crop breeders create oil-rich rapeseed varieties, improving oil quality.
A new study found that extreme hurricane rainfall events in the Caribbean are five times more likely in a warmer world, but meeting Paris Agreement goals could reduce this risk by up to half. The research highlights the urgent need to tackle global warming and recommends targeting resilience funding towards the most at-risk areas.
Novel agents targeting viral production and immune response show promising results in early clinical trials. Four studies presented at DILC 2020 evaluated the strategy of disrupting viral protein synthesis using RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotides, with two combining NRTIs with novel therapies achieving significant HBsAg re...
Researchers identified a new cellular protection pathway that targets a common vulnerability in several pandemic viruses, including Ebola and SARS-CoV-2. The study found that the MHC class II transactivator CIITA induces resistance by activating CD74, which disrupts viral entry into cells.
Neighbourhoods with high walkability and bikeability scores are associated with higher collision risks, despite being deemed safe for walking and biking. Researchers identified hotspots in the downtown core and areas like Strathcona and Mount Pleasant as high-risk zones for cyclists.
Austrian researchers identified drug-like compounds that could block a key coronavirus protein called PLpro, found in all coronaviruses. These compounds previously developed to fight SARS showed promise in halting the growth of COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) in laboratory testing.
A new study warns that unregulated AI can be detrimental to sustainable development, particularly in developing nations. AI's misuse by big tech can lead to biases, corruption, and job displacement, highlighting the need for proactive regulatory measures.
Researchers find significant decline in coral skeleton density due to ocean acidification on the Great Barrier Reef and South China Sea. This effect will likely accelerate as ocean acidity increases over the next several decades.
A new wearable gas sensor has been developed to detect nitrogen dioxide at low concentrations, with improved sensitivity compared to conventional designs. The sensor combines laser-induced graphene foam material with molybdenum disulfide and reduced-graphene oxide nanocomposites, enabling real-time environmental monitoring applications.
A new study found that teen drivers and older adults are more likely to drive vehicles with fewer critical safety characteristics, putting them at higher risk of injury. Drivers from lower-income neighborhoods were also less likely to drive newer, safer cars.
A retrospective analysis found that Black pediatric patients are less likely to receive proton therapy, which may lead to increased side effects and long-term health disparities. The study calls for addressing barriers to access and promoting equitable distribution of this high-cost treatment.
Global methane concentrations have risen due to increased anthropogenic emissions from the fossil fuel sector and agriculture. Key findings indicate a significant role of methane in climate change, with rapid emission reductions offering substantial benefits.
A recent study revealed that the human gut microbiome is linked to multiple diseases and traits, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atopy, and BMI. The research used genetic data to estimate microbiome composition in a large cohort of unrelated individuals, finding associations between eleven bacteria and 28 health outcomes.
Researchers have identified three forms of disease progression for acute decompensated liver cirrhosis, including a high-risk variant that leads to severe organ failure and death. The study provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of ACLF and lays the groundwork for developing preventive therapies.
Researchers found that elite HIV controllers have viral reservoirs located in inactive regions of the genome, known as gene deserts, which are incapable of reactivating. This unique characteristic may hold the key to achieving a functional cure for HIV by targeting active viral reservoirs.
Researchers at West Virginia University aim to understand zinc's role in neuronal communication, using animal models and sensors to track activity. They hope to uncover the inner workings of the auditory cortex and develop new treatments for conditions like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at ITMO University have developed a metasurface that enables simultaneous power transfer at various frequencies, allowing users to charge devices from different manufacturers with different power transfer standards.
A new meta-analysis of published studies on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment finds no mortality benefit, while combining it with azithromycin is associated with a 27% increased risk. The study supports current clinical recommendations against using these drugs for COVID-19 patients.
A team led by Huimin Zhao at the University of Illinois has received a five-year, $20 million NSF grant to develop new AI tools for molecule synthesis. The institute aims to accelerate automated chemical synthesis and advance the discovery and manufacture of novel materials and bioactive compounds.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding dispersion's impact on entangled photon systems, allowing for more reliable communication networks. This discovery could enable faster data transmission rates and secure secret sharing.
A new AI app aims to improve the diets and nutrition of adolescent girls in urban settings in Ghana and Vietnam. The app will use machine learning to analyze users' food consumption, provide personalized dietary advice, and encourage healthy eating habits.
Soil enzymes play a crucial role in chemical reactions, cellular metabolism, and organic matter decomposition. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium reduce enzyme activity by 3-3.5 times, particularly affecting carbon and sulfur cycles.
A new study finds that 50-70% of Antarctic ice shelves are at risk of rapid disintegration due to hydrofracturing, which could lead to significant sea-level rise. The research suggests that existing cracks in the shelves could provide routes for disintegration, and that warming temperatures could accelerate this process.
Effective solutions to climate change threaten coral reefs require prioritization challenges, weighing quality versus quantity, and species selection. Coordinated interventions combined with best-practice management are necessary to sustain the reef's resilience.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have developed a novel cell-based therapy using 'HUMBLE' cells, genetically modified human white fat cells that mimic heat-generating brown fat cells. Transplanted into mice with type 2 diabetes, these cells improved insulin sensitivity and glucose clearance, reducing weight gain and related chronic...
Hurricane Laura is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, with NASA capturing powerful images of the storm from space. The eye of the hurricane was located near latitude 26.4 degrees north and longitude 91.4 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 115 mph.
Tribal behavior on social media widened the gulf between Remain and Leave voters in the UK's Brexit debate, with frequent use of derogatory terms and language. The study suggests that social media platforms' business model can exacerbate this polarization, making it challenging to create a more even-handed discussion.
A UMass Amherst health informatician has received a $2.4 million grant to develop a mobile health system using finger-worn sensors to monitor and encourage movement in stroke survivors' weak upper limbs. The goal is to provide individually tailored data and visualization tools to motivate patients and inform clinicians.
A new study found that labiaplasty significantly improves physical symptoms such as tugging and pain during exercise, while also boosting self-esteem and intimacy. The procedure reduces visible signs of excess vaginal tissue, leading to improved quality of life for women.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a lab-on-a-chip device that can measure toxic lead in sediments and water samples within minutes. This affordable technology has the potential to enable municipalities, schools, and homeowners to quickly test their water supplies for contamination.
Research released at ESC Congress 2020 links depression or anxiety in adolescence to a 20% increased risk of heart attacks by middle age. A mental disorder in adolescence is associated with poorer stress resilience and lower physical fitness, contributing to the risk.
Plant researchers have identified the calcium channel responsible for stomatal closing, a crucial defense mechanism against pathogens. This discovery has the potential to engineer pathogen-resistant crops by allowing plants to 'close their gates' when threatened.
Santa Fe Institute researchers Artemy Kolchinsky and David Wolpert present a new framework for understanding the relationship between energy and computation in Turing machines. They derive relationships between algorithmic information and energy, showing that computations with more compressible outputs require more energy.
A study found that following the Eatwell Guide diet in the UK can reduce mortality risk by 7% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. The diet recommends consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, wholegrain carbohydrates, and lean proteins.
The University of Oklahoma is leading a $100 million NSF AI Institute to advance trustworthy AI in weather, climate, and coastal oceanography. Researchers will develop accurate predictions and improve societal resilience to climate change.
Researchers discovered that neutralizing antibodies provide protection from SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in a group of sailors who tested positive for these antibodies before embarking on a voyage. The high percentage of infected crew members highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing reinfections.
The Cambridge-developed DNA vaccine candidate, DIOS-CoVax2, targets key regions of the virus to produce beneficial anti-viral responses. The vaccine aims to protect against SARS-CoV-2 and other related coronaviruses, with a potential for widespread use and low-cost manufacturing.
A recent study found that men who used smartphones and tablets in the evening had poorer sperm quality, with lower sperm concentration, motility, and progressive motility. Additionally, longer sleep duration was associated with higher sperm total and greater progressive motility.
The NSF has awarded a $20 million grant to create an AI Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions, a cross-discipline collaboration between 20 physicists and seven AI experts from top universities. The institute will explore the use of AI in fundamental physics and apply physics principles to improve AI methods.
Research found occupational exposures to pollutants, including burning wood and vehicle exhaust, were associated with abnormal heart function and structure. Long-term exposure to these pollutants may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially among low-income occupations.