The University of Rochester is leading a new initiative to understand matter under extreme pressures, with potential implications for understanding planets and stars. Researchers will explore four main areas, including the behavior of hydrogen and helium, element reactions, energy transport, and direct astrophysical implications.
Researchers developed novel variants of adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsids with improved transduction properties in the mouse retina and cornea. The efficient gene delivery of these variants was confirmed in non-human primate tissue, adding to their potential use in treating human ocular diseases.
Research published in BMJ Military Health finds a strong association between heavy class A drug use and sight loss among US military personnel. Those with military experience are more likely to use illicit drugs and report partial or total blindness than civilians.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered how quickly certain pre-cancerous lesions can form on the DNA of our skin when exposed to sunlight, a finding that could lead to more effective prevention methods. The research reveals that these mutations can form in as little as three picoseconds after exposure to UV light.
A recent study suggests that remote work can be beneficial for postdoctoral researchers, enabling them to overcome financial and family constraints. By leveraging digital tools and establishing transparent communication channels, remote research can facilitate collaboration, reduce stress, and promote productivity. This shift in perspe...
Researchers have found that male seahorses transport nutrients to their developing babies during pregnancy, a complex process similar to human pregnancy. This breakthrough provides new insights into the biology of seahorse pregnancy and its potential parallels with human reproduction.
Researchers found that seasonal flu vaccination boosts antibody-producing cells, but most are lost within a year. The study suggests longer-lasting 'universal' flu vaccines and improved vaccine design could address this issue.
A new study estimates that 350,000 people globally died from smokeless tobacco-related illnesses in 2020, up from an estimated 258,000 in 2017. The researchers are urging governments to regulate the production and sale of smokeless tobacco products.
A new study reveals that the occipital cortex is essential for guiding involuntary attention to prioritize visual information. Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation to disrupt cortical excitability in this region, finding that it eliminates behavioral benefits and costs at attended and unattended locations.
Increasing crop diversity in landscapes with high proportions of semi-natural habitats increases the diversity of beneficial insects like pollinators and ground beetles. This benefit was only observed in landscapes with both high crop diversity and semi-natural habitat cover.
A new study from UC Davis found that mixed-breed dogs weighing over 44 pounds are at higher risk for joint disorders if neutered before 1 year of age. The study suggests that dog owners should consider their options carefully when deciding whether to spay or neuter their pet.
A team at University of Toronto Engineering has developed a method to inject healthy cells into damaged eyes, showing promise for treating forms of vision loss. Co-injection of retinal pigmented epithelium and photoreceptor cells improved vision acuity in mouse model, with restored activity in dark chambers.
Researchers found 24 diverse species feeding on snowshoe hare carcasses, challenging previous thought of food webs. The study revealed prey species' impact on both direct predators and scavengers, highlighting the complex role of scavenging in ecosystems.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that inhibiting the PHD3 enzyme improves mouse exercise capacity, running distance, and VO2 max. This finding sheds light on a key mechanism for fat metabolism and offers clues toward understanding muscle function and fitness.
A team of scientists calls for a prioritized list of what should be conserved from a scientific, economic, social and environmental perspective. The current biobanking infrastructure is 'fragmented and not prepared' to handle the rapid advancement of microbiome research.
A new study reveals that half of those who have opened a health savings account haven't put money into it in the past year. Those with lower levels of education and health insurance literacy are less likely to open or contribute to an HSA.
Researchers develop innovative method to fabricate high performance lenses in monolayer two dimensional transitional metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) material using femtosecond laser. The lens provides subwavelength resolution and high efficiency, enabling diffraction-limited imaging.
A new neurofeedback approach, Decoded Neurofeedback (DecNef), has been explored in a preclinical study to treat chronic pain. The study found that DecNef enhances the brain's natural ability to control pain by boosting the 'endogenous pain control system', which is often dysfunctional in chronic pain patients.
Researchers developed a rapid molecular test called N1-STOP-LAMP that can diagnose SARS-CoV-2 with 100% accuracy in just 20 minutes. The test uses a portable machine and is highly efficient, making it suitable for settings with limited testing capabilities.
A trio of Danish researchers warn that lockdowns could lead to an explosion in obesity rates due to increased consumption of high-energy foods and decreased physical activity. The study highlights the need for counter strategies to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity while combatting COVID-19.
A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä found that older adults who reported attractive destinations more than 500 meters away were more physically active. This suggests that having diverse and quality neighborhood destinations may support older adults' physical activity, contrary to common assumptions.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that delaying radiation therapy for men with unfavorable intermediate-risk or high-risk localized prostate cancer, who are receiving radiation and hormone therapy, is unlikely to impact survival. This flexibility in radiation timing could help patients minimize exposure to COVID-19 by s...
Researchers used nationwide cancer mapping statistics to develop a mathematical model that reveals patterns of cancer incidence by remoteness. The study found cancers having higher incidence in remote areas include head and neck, liver, lung, oesophageal, cervical, and uterine cancers.
A team of researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown found that the ovipositor, a temporary tube-like structure protruding from the female's abdomen, stimulates the male to attempt mating. The study reveals a sequence of steps in male-female communication that resolves contradictory reports on courtship and copulation.
Researchers at Lund University found that a strict six-week low-calorie diet had the greatest positive effect on health markers after bariatric surgery. The operation itself caused minor changes, and most effects disappeared after six weeks.
Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University propose using plant-based hydrogels to grow tissues and organs, and as a delivery vehicle for highly toxic drugs. The hydrogels can suppress cell proliferation in malignant brain tumors and preserve neural stem cells' potential.
Researchers have assembled a comprehensive checklist of Panama's tree species, including their estimated geographic ranges, providing a quantitative basis for assessing extinction risk and guiding conservation efforts. The study found that 16.2% of Panama's tree species had ranges less than 20,000 km2, signaling endangered status.
A new study by John Innes Centre researchers sheds light on the evolution and function of diverse shapes in nature, using Capsella seed pods as a model. The discovery reveals a post-translational effect beyond gene expression, controlling organ-shape formation through protein modification.
Researchers at the University of Delaware used supercomputing resources to gain insights into the hepatitis B virus's genetic blueprint and how its protein shell assembles itself. They found that a mutation impairs this assembly process, revealing communication between different regions of the protein.
The large-scale production of COVID-19 vaccines will necessitate the sharing of manufacturing knowledge to ensure rapid and effective scale-up. This includes disclosure of necessary information from patents, which can facilitate international collaboration and standardization.
A task force review of mobile health technologies found that wearable sensors and electronic patient-reported data can monitor COVID-19 patients at home and predict those who need medical intervention. The technologies also show promise for monitoring and predicting coronavirus exposure in people presumed to be free of infection.
The study highlights Guadalquivir and Guadiana estuaries as breeding areas due to specific water conditions, including salinity gradient and turbidity. These factors enable high densities of early stages fish and macro-zooplankton, crucial for fish growth.
Scientists have observed interaction between therapeutic antibodies and target protein for first time, describing molecular mechanisms. This discovery opens way to development of new synthetic antibodies controlling patient's immune response.
Researchers used ancestral sequencing to study the translational machinery in bacteria, finding that evolution prioritizes fixing problems over completing them. The team discovered that natural selection favors mutations with the largest fitness advantage, leading to a myopic approach that neglects other cellular modules.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh developed a sustainable method to produce adipic acid, a key component of nylon, using genetically modified bacteria grown in liquid solutions containing guaiacol. This approach produces adipic acid without emitting nitrous oxide greenhouse gases.
Researchers found treponematoses in ancient human remains from Finland, Estonia, and the Netherlands, dating back to the 15th-18th century. This suggests that syphilis may have originated or developed in Europe before Columbus' voyages to America.
Researchers at EPFL uncover key role of Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor (BAF) in preventing cGAS-STING pathway activation, which stops cells from attacking their own DNA. This discovery sheds new light on complex processes involved in the body's inflammatory response.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin created a new tool to help Facebook users discern real from fake news. The study found that combining two simple interventions, including a stop sign icon and a strong statement, had a significant effect on helping people think critically. The researchers suggest that Facebook can improv...
Scientists discovered human monoclonal antibodies specific to HBV surface antigens in natural controllers, which showed neutralizing ability and capabilities of blocking viral infection. The findings highlight a promising therapeutic tool for treating chronic HBV infection and may provide an alternative to existing treatments.
Two types of solar cells, perovskite and organic, were tested in space as part of the MAPHEUS 8 program, achieving efficiency levels of 25% and generating power under exceptional conditions. The results show promise for future aerospace applications, particularly for missions to the outer solar system.
Research finds global land monsoon summer precipitation increased by 2.54% and 5.75% in lowest and highest emission scenarios respectively, driven by thermodynamic responses to increased moisture. Model spread in projection was larger for higher emission scenarios, emphasizing importance of circulation change prediction.
Researchers from the University of Otago have discovered that viruses can use a 'decoy' strategy to evade the immune system. By acquiring a membrane inside the nucleus of infected cells, these viruses can travel through different environments and avoid detection by the immune system.
Obesity, as measured by body mass index and abdominal fat content, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and progression of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Lower physical fitness levels are also linked to a higher cardiovascular risk.
A team of researchers has identified four subtypes of cells in triple negative breast cancer that contain promising new therapeutic targets. The study found that one subtype produces molecules that suppress immune cells, which may help cancer cells evade the immune system.
Interplanting native tree species like rosewood and amarillo with teak in Central America's nutrient-poor soils improves soil health, increases water management, and boosts biodiversity. These findings suggest a more sustainable approach to reforestation and may protect the Panama Canal from flooding and drought.
Researchers discovered that the unexpected dimming of supergiant star Betelgeuse was most likely caused by an immense amount of hot material ejected into space, forming a dust cloud that blocked light from about a quarter of the star's surface. The resulting dust cloud led to the star returning to normal brightness in April 2020.
A Linköping University study found that employers in Sweden reject transgender people for jobs more often, with 18% more likelihood of cis person getting positive response. Discrimination varies by occupation type, with greater differences in male-dominated fields.
Researchers have designed an off-grid, low-cost modular energy source that can efficiently produce power at night. The rooftop radiative cooling system uses commercially available technology and can generate up to 2.2 Watts per square meter, enough to power sensors in security or environmental applications.
A Georgetown University Medical Center-developed online COVID-19 symptom tracking tool enables individuals to monitor their symptoms while maintaining confidentiality. The system assigns a unique identifier and provides actionable reports on symptoms requiring medical attention.
A University of Georgia study found a strong correlation between antibiotic resistance and heavy metal contamination in the environment. Soils contaminated with heavy metals had higher levels of specific bacterial hosts carrying antibiotic-resistant genes.
NASA's Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) has observed unusual dimming in Betelgeuse, a star experiencing an early minimum brightness cycle. The observations, made between late June and early August, show that the star is dimming unexpectedly again, adding to ongoing questions about its behavior.
A long-term study in Southeast Asian rainforests found that active restoration accelerates forest recovery, with areas recovering up to 50% faster than those left to regenerate naturally. However, the high cost of restoration currently limits its impact on mitigating climate change.
Houston Methodist reports a significant increase in Hispanic COVID-19 patients from 26% to 43%, with a demographic shift toward a younger patient population, according to a peer-reviewed study published in JAMA.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsens existing health disparities in cancer patients, with marginalized communities facing poorer treatment outcomes. Healthcare providers must acknowledge these disparities to deliver equitable care.
A recent study at University of Cambridge found that placing vegetarian options in a prominent location increases sales of plant-based dishes. The researchers experimented with different arrangements and gaps between meat and veggie options, finding that a significant gap was necessary to boost green eating.
Researchers sequenced ancient DNA from 14 woolly rhinoceroses and found that the species remained stable and diverse until temperatures rose too high for them, leading to extinction around 18,500 years ago. Genetic mutations helped the animals adapt to colder weather, but climate change ultimately contributed to their demise.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have identified the structure of blue whirls, which produce almost no soot when burning. The team discovered that vortex breakdown enables the blue-whirl structure to emerge, comprising three flames meeting in a triple flame ring.
Researchers found an association between recent weight loss and increased pancreatic cancer risk among individuals with diabetes, especially those with a longer duration of diabetes. The study suggests that maintaining weight loss may be crucial in reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer in people with diabetes.
A study examined the association between radiotherapy timing and overall survival in patients with prostate cancer. The analysis of National Cancer Database data found that delaying radiotherapy relative to androgen deprivation therapy was associated with improved overall survival.
Researchers compared tear composition in birds, reptiles, and humans, discovering similar electrolyte levels but distinct crystal structures. The study's findings may lead to new insights into the evolution of tears across species and improved treatments for eye health.