Researchers from Hokkaido University discovered that marimo develop their characteristic spherical shape due to the rare formation of reproductive cells. The study found low levels of zoospore production, particularly in aggregative forms, which maintains the marimo's shape.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technology that enables digital communication through direct touch, allowing for secure payments and information transfer without biometric authentication. This innovation uses an "Electro-Quasistatic range" to confine signals within the body, preventing hacking and interception.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered a previously unknown biochemical cascade in the brain that leads to the destruction of synapses in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that abnormal chemical reactions, termed 'protein transnitrosylation reactions,' contribute to synapse loss.
A new study by global health law scholars reveals that most countries are not fulfilling their international legal obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers argue that the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR) are often misunderstood and may not be sufficient to guide governments' responses to pandemics.
A team of researchers at the University of South Florida has discovered that Sesn2 protein, which protects the heart from stress, diminishes in levels over time, weakening the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack. This finding holds promise for developing new therapeutic treatments to maintain healthy cardiac function.
Researchers analyzed Neandertal-associated phenotypes in Asian and European populations, finding shared variants increasing risk of autoimmune diseases like dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, a specific gene variant in Asians had a protective effect against prostate cancer.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that gastric bypass surgery can lead to long-term diabetes remission in over half of adults with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that weight loss is not the only factor contributing to improved blood sugar levels.
A study published in Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences reveals wide variations in mechanical restraint use across Pacific countries, with Japan having the highest rate at 98.9 events per million population per day.
Researchers analyzed data from over 87,000 patients with inflammatory diseases and found that even low doses of glucocorticoids nearly doubled the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that long-term steroid treatment should be personalized and monitored for cardiovascular risks.
Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have discovered a new form of DNA methylation in zebrafish, specifically at TGCT repeats. This discovery could lead to the development of new experimental models for studying how DNA modifications impact human development and disease.
A comprehensive map of approximately 200 kinases has been created to assist researchers in designing molecules that target specific kinases for destruction. This could lead to more effective cancer therapies by targeting kinases that play a key role in tumor cell proliferation.
Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University, Harvard University, and Guangzhou University investigated viscoelastic flow mixing in microfluidics. They found that viscoelastic fluids exhibit transiently unstable flow patterns compared to Newtonian fluids, resulting in increased mixing.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed graphene-based heat pipes that can efficiently cool electronics and power systems. The new technology offers a significant energy efficiency contribution to data centres and other applications, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers used connectomic mapping to study inhibitory neuronal circuitry in developing mice brains. They found that different types of interneurons followed distinct developmental time courses to establish synaptic partners.
The BIOS-SCOPE program will continue its research into the microbial ecology of the Sargasso Sea, leveraging over 30 years of data from BATS and other sources. The program brings together researchers from different backgrounds using systems biology, genomics, and marine chemistry to study organic matter cycling and microbial interactions.
A study of extinct bird species reveals that flightlessness developed in many cases due to human impact, with 29% of extinct species lacking the ability to fly. The researchers found that if humans had not caused some extinctions, there would be over 150 independently developed flightless bird groups.
A new report reveals widespread ocean pollution poses significant human health risks, affecting 3 billion people. The study recommends banning coal combustion and single-use plastics to mitigate these impacts.
A new study reveals that a ubiquitous additive in vehicle tires, 6PPD-quinone, turns streams toxic and kills coho salmon. The highly toxic compound is deadly to juvenile salmon at concentrations as low as 1 microgram per liter.
A team of Brazilian and French researchers has developed hydrogels based on modified starch for use as 'ink' in 3D printing of foods. The gels have optimal printability, allowing for the creation of customized food products with desired shapes, textures and flavors.
A study found that individual coronavirus antibody tests have varying levels of sensitivity, making it essential to combine multiple tests for accurate results. This is crucial for planning major seroepidemiological studies and understanding the prevalence of COVID-19 exposure in populations.
A recent study suggests that Palaeolithic humans migrated to the Ryukyu Islands via deliberate boat voyages, contrary to previous uncertainty. The findings indicate that humans deliberately crossed one of the world's strongest currents to reach these islands approximately 35,000 years ago.
A new study found that people with rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases are at a greater risk of dying during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly those under 35 and women. The research also revealed that working-age individuals with these conditions face similar mortality rates to someone 20 years older in the general population.
Researchers from Nagoya University have determined the three-dimensional structures of RNA hybridization with artificial nucleic acids, revealing a new mechanism for stable binding. The study's findings challenge current knowledge on ribose's role in forming stable duplexes and open up avenues for novel drug designs.
The study enables the creation of highly specialized light-focusing abilities, increasing data-routing capability in computer chips and optical systems. The researchers' method will impact the manufacturing of complex optical components and advance personal computing.
A novel T cell genetically engineered by University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers targets and attacks pathogenic T cells that cause Type 1 diabetes. The 5MCAR T cells, which mimic the evolutionary design of natural killer T cells, were tested in a non-obese diabetic mouse model with promising results.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that exposing children to small, regular doses of peanuts can reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions. Nearly 80% of preschoolers were able to eat a full serving of peanuts without reaction, protecting them from 99% of accidental exposures.
Engineers at West Virginia University are developing a new energy conversion system that can reconcile the supply and demand conflict between renewables and power grids. The system uses hydrogen as a fuel to generate power, addressing the issue of excess renewable energy being dissipated due to storage limitations.
Researchers analyzed protein sequences of SARS-CoV2 virus and host cell receptors to find commonalities among animals susceptible to infection. Greater cellular oxidation may predispose the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to more severe infection.
Researchers discovered that plants adjust their root investment when planted with neighbors, reducing overlap to minimize competition. The study suggests a balance between aboveground and belowground resource use is key to understanding carbon deposition and optimizing food production.
Researchers used fMRI to study effort-based decision-making and found two distinct regions of the ventral striatum associated with different phases of physical effort. The findings provide new insights into motivation, depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD.
A study by UC Santa Cruz professor Terrie Williams explores how marine mammals' physiological adaptations can help understand the effects of COVID-19. Marine mammals have evolved mechanisms to protect critical organs during low-oxygen conditions, which may inform strategies for humans to mitigate long-term damage from oxygen deprivation.
Researchers identify neutrophils as potential culprits for psoriasis inflammation and keratinization, offering new directions for developing novel therapeutic approaches. The study provides mechanistic insights into the involvement of neutrophils in psoriasis pathogenesis.
Researchers have directly visualized and measured elusive dark excitons in a new class of extremely thin semiconductors. This breakthrough technique could transform research and lead to significant advancements in fields like solar cells, LEDs, smartphones, and lasers.
Researchers are using artificial intelligence to analyze COVID-19 patient data from multiple healthcare institutions, identifying trends and connections to improve treatment outcomes. The initiative aims to accelerate global collaborative research on COVID-19 and develop new treatments.
A recent study by the CMCC Foundation suggests that Australia could become a major hub for hazelnut production due to its favorable climate. Climate change is expected to increase hazelnut yields in southeastern Australia, with potential increases of 18-52% projected between 2020 and 2039.
Amali Samarasinghe, a researcher at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and UTHSC, received the Charles and Amelia Gould Innovation Award to study eosinophils in asthma. The award aims to improve personalized approaches to therapy for children with asthma.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a majority of anorexia patients tolerated and met their weight gain goals on a rapid weight gain plan, with 70% reaching a healthy BMI. The study suggests that meal-based nutritional approaches can be well-tolerated and achieve weight restoration in a majority of patients.
A new antiviral drug, MK-4482/EIDD-2801, completely suppresses virus transmission within 24 hours, according to Georgia State University researchers. The drug is potent against influenza viruses and has broad-spectrum activity against respiratory RNA viruses.
A team of researchers from the University of Rhode Island discovered single-celled microorganisms living in sediments at 120 degrees Celsius, where they didn't expect to find them. The study found evidence of metabolism and temperature regimes that make these environments habitable.
A fleet of deep-diving ocean robots will investigate how marine life captures and stores carbon from the atmosphere. The research, called SOLACE, aims to improve our understanding of the 'carbon pump', a process responsible for pumping large volumes of carbon into the ocean.
State crisis standards of care (CSC) guidelines in the US allocate scarce healthcare resources among cancer patients, requiring careful consideration of prioritization methods. The guidelines include provisions for blood products and palliative care, highlighting the need for nuanced decision-making in resource allocation.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a new insulin molecule that can sense blood sugar levels and release insulin accordingly. This innovative approach aims to reduce the frequency of injections and monitoring required by people with type 1 diabetes, improving their quality of life.
Researchers from UIC have discovered distinct pathways for bone and teeth formation, which can be manipulated to enhance healing processes. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing new treatments to cure dental diseases and bone injuries.
A recent study found that strong selection pressure enhances evolvability more effectively than weak selection, allowing populations to evolve new traits. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the relationship between selection on fitness and robustness.
A new study suggests a link between low levels of glycine and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), potentially leading to novel treatment options. Researchers found that improving body composition and glutathione synthesis with a tripeptide called DT-109 could attenuate experimental NAFLD.
Researchers used satellite-tracked buoys to simulate ancient ocean migrations. They found that the vast majority failed to reach the Ryukyu Islands due to adverse weather conditions, suggesting intentional navigation. The study provides evidence of Paleolithic people's bold exploration and migration.
A Case Western Reserve University study found that children exposed to domestic violence need tailored interventions, including emotional and coping skills education. Service providers highlighted the need for increased trauma-informed care and better collaboration among agencies.
The American Heart Association recommends using existing data in electronic health records to adjust health targets and provide better preventive care. Improving the nation's cardiovascular health requires reinforcing prevention efforts and leveraging expertise from multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
A Cornell University research team will use acoustic technology to monitor and manage soil-dwelling pests, preventing damage from predators. The project aims to provide turfgrass managers with greater knowledge and decision-making power about pest distributions and management strategies.
Researchers at Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience developed high-resolution brain implants that enable recognition of artificially induced shapes and percepts. The breakthrough technology allows for a rudimentary form of vision restoration, enabling profoundly blind individuals to navigate and interact more easily.
Research highlights three key periods of dynamic brain changes sensitive to alcohol's effects: gestation, later adolescence, and older adulthood. Low or moderate drinking during pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes in offspring, while binge drinking in adolescence and aging affects brain volume and cognitive functions.
Rice University scientists have discovered a novel phenomenon in carbon nanotubes, where a delayed secondary fluorescence is emitted when triggered by a multistep process involving dye molecules and dissolved oxygen. The delay, only microseconds long, can be detected with specialized instrumentation.
Researchers propose guidelines to continue placebo-controlled trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidates even after an effective vaccine is found. This approach aims to address the global pandemic while ensuring valuable data collection from low-risk participants.
New research from the University of East Anglia found that households where mothers grow their own food have healthier children, with reduced stunting, wasting, and underweight. The study suggests home farming can complement Vitamin A supplementation programmes to control Vitamin A deficiency.
The Stingray Nebula, a young planetary nebula, has faded significantly over the past 20 years, losing its bright colors and shape. Its rapid dimming is likely connected to the cooling of its parent star, which has reduced ultraviolet ionizing radiation.
MIT physicists create a perfect fluid in the laboratory, capturing its sound waves to measure viscosity. The results confirm that strongly interacting fermion gas behaves as a perfect fluid, with properties applicable to studying neutron stars and the early universe's plasma.
Researchers have developed a simple and inexpensive method for testing liquid biological samples using in-fiber multispectral optical sensing. The sensor shows high sensitivity to impurities and can be used for diagnostic purposes and real-time simulations of various biological processes.
A University of Texas at Arlington study reveals that nationalistic countries emulate each other's COVID-19 policies, favoring national identity over scientific data. The research suggests growing international cooperation among nationalist regimes and leaders, despite geographical distance and varying political systems.
A study found that vaginal bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis can metabolize HIV prevention drugs, reducing their effectiveness. This imbalance can increase the risk of HIV transmission in women. The researchers highlight the need for better treatments and studies on women's health to improve HIV prevention efforts.
A new CRISPR/Cas9 variant, miCas9, has been developed to improve the efficiency of gene editing while reducing unintended insertions or deletions. This advancement holds promise for advancing gene editing in genetic research and potentially treating diseases.