Scientists have developed a method to culture human pancreatic slices for nearly two weeks, allowing them to study the regeneration of insulin-producing beta cells. The discovery has important therapeutic implications for treating diabetes.
Researchers have proposed a new class of hydrated eutectic electrolytes to improve the performance of aqueous zinc batteries. The study reveals that these electrolytes provide better stability and low-temperature operation, paving the way for long-life rechargeable batteries.
Researchers tracked guineafowl movement using X-ray technology to study foot patterns below ground. They found that despite varying substrates, the birds' foot movement remained consistent, suggesting fossilized dinosaur tracks could be from the same species.
Researchers propose STyLuS*, a new approach to solving complex robot control problems, by growing 'trees' in the search space to find optimal solutions. This method reduces memory requirements and processing power needed for large-scale robotic tasks.
A new study found widespread use of products made from vulnerable species like sun bears, Asiatic bears, and serows in northern Laos. The demand for these products poses a significant threat to their populations, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to reduce unsustainable harvests.
New research from San Diego State University reveals that spring snowmelt in the Arctic triggers fresh carbon dioxide production at higher rates than previously assumed. The study found that cold thaw accounts for nearly half of carbon emissions, offsetting summer uptake by vegetation.
A new study sheds light on the molecular factors that render entorhinal brain cells uniquely sensitive to degeneration. Researchers found that a suite of genes is likely involved in making these neurons easy targets for degeneration, with PTBP1 playing a major role.
Researchers analyzed weekly changes in US deaths due to COVID-19 and found a significant increase, indicating an estimated 1.8 million excess deaths between March 2020 and May 30, 2020. The study used data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Vital Statistics System.
Researchers found that a low-dose combination of four inhibitors is more effective in treating NSCLC with EGFR mutation. The therapy, called MLD, inhibits the action of multiple proteins in the same signaling pathway, blocking cell proliferation and tumor growth.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 antibody tests found significant methodological weaknesses, including high bias risk and limited study populations. The review suggests that existing point-of-care tests should not be used for COVID-19 diagnosis due to low sensitivity and specificity.
A new radiomics model can identify early stage lung cancer patients at high risk for poor survival outcomes and require aggressive follow-up or adjuvant therapy. The model uses two radiomic features to stratify patients into three risk groups, which may have more aggressive cancer despite early detection.
A new study reveals that the common asthma drug salbutamol may offer potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. It is effective at reducing the accumulation of insoluble fibres of the tau protein, which are found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists identified specific brain regions linked to humans' sense of agency, finding that brain activity involved in planning and motor monitoring is crucial. By altering this network with transcranial magnetic stimulation, researchers were able to reduce participants' sense of control over their actions.
Researchers found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act is associated with improved breast cancer stage at diagnosis. The study also revealed disparities in insurance status, age, and race/ethnicity among patients before and after the expansion.
Researchers found that GPS-guided tractors can reduce overlap and gaps in field coverage by up to 6% and 16%, respectively, leading to increased crop production and environmental benefits. This technology has the potential to be adopted by small farms, which currently lag behind larger producers in terms of technology adoption.
Researchers from the University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station have unlocked a mystery surrounding unique aquatic insects in the Flathead watershed. Subterranean stoneflies have been found to survive in low-oxygen environments, and their DNA has revealed a possible mechanism for this adaptation.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that flame sterilization introduces carbon dioxide into shake flasks, significantly affecting cell growth. Excess CO2 concentrations increased by up to 70% in certain microbes, while others showed minimal impact.
Research by Florida Atlantic University professors shows that telehealth is an important tool for rural hospitals in treating COVID-19. The study found that telehealth capabilities are more common in larger hospitals and those with economies of scale, but smaller facilities need support to expand access.
A recent study investigated mental health symptoms among the general population in China during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey found high rates of depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for mental health support during pandemics. The study's results provide valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in China.
Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that Ultra Music Festival was stressful for toadfish, causing a significant stress response and elevated cortisol levels. The study showed a 4-5 fold increase in blood cortisol levels in toadfish during the festival.
A novel microbiome-based diagnostic tool has been developed to quickly and inexpensively identify liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients. The non-invasive method analyzes patient stool samples and achieves an accuracy of over 90% in diagnosing cirrhosis, with potential implications for improving treatment outcomes.
A national research and development center will focus on weaving topics into the full curriculum, using real-world examples that are engaging and directly relevant to students of this age. The center aims to develop and test interventions that leverage transdisciplinary approaches to improve instruction for English Learners.
Researchers created jellyfish-bots that can outswim real-life counterparts and exhibit powerful movement. The new technique uses pre-stressed polymers to make soft robots more efficient, enabling faster speeds and improved performance.
Astronomers at the University of Warwick have discovered a Neptune-sized gas giant with an exposed core, allowing for the first time to peer inside a planet. The core is believed to be 'failed' or stripped of its gaseous atmosphere, offering insights into planet formation and composition.
A case series reports neurological symptoms and radiographic findings associated with COVID-19 infection in children. The study presents clinical findings from four children who experienced neurological symptoms, highlighting the potential impact of COVID-19 on pediatric neurology.
An experiment by PLOS found that adding a second entrance to an ant's nest reduces their ability to find and distinguish between food sources of varying value. This reduction in efficiency occurs due to increased competition among the ants, leading to decreased overall foraging success.
Researchers from CityU have developed a novel detection method called CARPID to identify binding proteins of specific RNAs in living cells. The method uses CRISPR/dCasRx system and biotin-labelling technology to detect RNA-protein interactions, showing high specificity and applicability for lncRNAs of different lengths.
Researchers have identified a protein PPARα that regulates bile acid metabolism and suppresses the growth of cholangiocarcinoma in mice. The study provides new insights into liver cancer development and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers from UCL and international collaborators propose a detector using nano-scale diamond crystals to measure mid-frequency gravitational waves. The device would be 4000 times smaller than current detectors, enabling the study of black hole collisions and exploring nonclassical gravity.
Experts discuss the need and implementation of telemedicine for patients with substance use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the benefits and challenges of using telehealth to address this critical health issue.
A new ultra-rapid insulin formulation, UFAL, reached peak activity in pigs with diabetes twice as fast as Humalog, a commercially available option. This could lead to faster quality-of-life improvements for diabetic patients by allowing quicker blood sugar level management during mealtimes.
A new study found higher metal concentrations in the Moon's craters, which could change our understanding of its formation. The researchers used radar to image and characterize fine dust at the bottom of craters, revealing a potentially richer subsurface.
A recent study challenges previous theoretical predictions on justified defection, a mechanism that ensures benefits are returned to cooperative individuals. Researchers found that people have a neutral attitude toward justified defection, unlike cooperation with a bad person, which is viewed as good.
Researchers have developed a new laser-based microscope that can resolve the distribution of electrons in crystal lattices with unprecedented resolution. The technique, known as Light Picoscopy, uses powerful laser pulses to drive electrons into fast motion, allowing them to emit radiation that reveals their position within the crystal.
Researchers found that in-person and remote assessments of jugular venous pressure often agreed, correlating with right atrial pressure measurements. The study's results could enable more frequent checks and reduce trips to the doctor's office for heart failure patients.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed three types of mouse cells into induced hair cell-like cells, offering a potential solution for identifying causes and treatments of hearing loss. The new cells possess characteristics similar to naturally occurring hair cells and are vulnerable to an antibiotic known to cause hearing loss.
A Cornell University-led team of researchers found that traditional chemical insecticides work best against the invasive Allium leafminer on allium crops. Synthetic insecticides like dinotefuran and cyantraniliprole reduced damage by up to 89% and eradicated the insect in some cases.
New radar findings suggest the Moon's subsurface is richer in metals like iron and titanium than previously believed. The research uses dielectric properties to locate metal oxides in lunar soil, revealing a steady increase in concentration with crater size.
Researchers discovered widespread expression of immune genes in structural cells, which contribute to the response to pathogens. The study highlights that structural cells are not only essential building blocks but also play a key role in defending against infections.
A new study found that specific infant sleep problems can signal mental disorders in adolescents, including psychotic experiences and borderline personality disorder. The research analyzed data from over 7,000 participants and found associations between irregular sleep routines and shorter nighttime sleep.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute identified a novel drug that can protect the brain during and after a stroke. The study shows that injured neurons can remain viable if prevented from following biochemical pathways leading to cell death.
A new pre-clinical study identified genes linked with the development of brain folds in the grey matter of the brain. The research found differences in genetic expression and neuron shape during the folding process, which can lead to cognitive deficits and neurological conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
Scientists develop a strategy to synthesize biomolecule-metalorganic frameworks with high bioactivity by adding peptides as modulators. These biohybrids can mimic cellular cascades and function as optical glucose sensors, offering potential for industrial applications.
A study found that local authorities' spending cuts on alcohol services are associated with increased hospital admissions. The research, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from 2012 to 2019 and found a link between reduced funding for specialist treatment and higher rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations.
Researchers have discovered that charcoal nanoparticles can effectively combat damaging levels of superoxides, which are toxic at high concentrations. The nanozymes could aid in the treatment of COVID-19 patients by reducing radical oxygen ions produced in response to an injury or stroke.
A Berkeley Lab-led team has gained insight into bacterial DNA packing, enabling potential control over microbial behavior. Researchers at JBEI have developed synthetic biology tools unlocking complex plant engineering, allowing for more sophisticated traits in plants. High-performance windows with reduced energy consumption will be ins...
Before state-level stay-at-home policies were implemented, individuals in the US reduced their movement, which was strongly correlated with a decline in COVID-19 case growth. This suggests that social distancing played a crucial role in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Materials scientists at Northwestern University have discovered a small number of impurity atoms that contribute to the strength but also make human enamel more soluble. The study, using atomic-scale resolution, sheds light on the spatial distribution of these impurities in the enamel's core-shell structure.
A checklist for health communicators has been outlined to tackle risk communication challenges related to COVID-19, focusing on proactive approaches and people-centered strategies. The five-objective framework aims to enhance global health communication during a crisis.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have created a new thermoplastic biomaterial with shape memory properties, enabling it to be stretched and molded but reforming into its original shape when heated. The material offers a stable, long-lasting option for medical devices such as bone replacements.
A new hybrid prevention program aims to prevent prescription drug abuse among high school students by providing valuable life skills and resiliency training. The program, developed by Dr. Kenneth W. Griffin, uses a combination of online e-learning modules and interactive sessions to promote pro-health attitudes and behaviors.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a new test strip that can detect adulterated food with high accuracy, solving the problem of people paying more for their food than it's worth. The technology aims to replace current tests that are expensive, complicated or less effective, and is scheduled for completion in 2023.
A new study has dissected the unique phenomenon of fertility-sterility transition at molecular level using systems biology approach in a single environment-sensitive genic male sterile (EGMS) line of pigeonpea. The research identified key transcription factor REVEILLE1 regulating auxin levels to explain fertility transition.
A NIH-funded study has revealed unprecedented atomic details of human tooth enamel structure and composition, including the presence of minor elements such as magnesium and sodium. The findings suggest that these irregularities may introduce areas of strain in the crystallite, potentially making enamel stronger overall.
Scientists have discovered a new approach to treating Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease by targeting toxic proteins that prevent myelin production. The treatment, which uses antisense oligonucleotides, reduced symptoms and extended lifespan in laboratory studies.
A novel wearable device tracks key COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, and coughing. The device, which sits at the base of the throat, measures vibrations and temperature to identify potential infections earlier.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a novel sperm selection technology that uses microfluidic chip technology to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates. The technique successfully collects and selects fertile sperm with high viability, resulting in higher fertilization rates.
A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that TMAO, a compound produced in the gut from red meat metabolism, impairs artery function and hastens aging. Adults with higher blood levels of TMAO had significantly worse artery function and greater signs of oxidative stress.
Researchers from WRAIR and partners discuss the need for controlled human infection models (CHIMs) to study SARS-CoV-2, but note they won't advance current vaccines. CHIMs could provide valuable insights into vaccine efficacy and the virus's progression within the body.
Scientists have discovered an exoplanet with an exposed core, similar in size to Neptune, orbiting a star about 730 light years away. The researchers believe the planet may be a gas giant that lost its atmosphere or failed to form one due to special circumstances.