Researchers discover e-cigarette liquid can cause lung tissue repair process to go haywire, leading to scarring. Inhibiting a certain nicotinic receptor may help promote cell death and slow scar formation in affected individuals.
Researchers found that immunotherapy 'checkpoint' inhibitor treatment before surgery eliminated cancer evidence in nearly half of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. The treatment approach may reduce surgery extent and slow tumor relapses.
Research identifies lower concentrations of neuropeptide arginine vasopressin in infant cerebrospinal fluid of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for early detection and prediction of the disorder.
A recent study used a 10-year galaxy survey to test one of cosmology's pillars and provided a new approach to understanding the universe's growth. The research team demonstrated that denser clumps grew faster, while less-dense clumps grew more slowly.
A nationally representative survey of 16,000 US households found that those with disaster preparedness tend to have higher socioeconomic status and insurance coverage. Households with stockpiles of food and water, electric generators, and communication plans are more likely to be prepared for disasters.
A recent study discovered that lizards in areas frequently affected by hurricanes have larger, stronger toepads than those not exposed to such storms. This suggests that hurricanes play a significant role in shaping the evolution of lizard populations across different geographic and phylogenetic scales.
Researchers found that pupil features correlate with cognitive processes involved in mental arithmetic and decision-making. The study used pupil-tracking technology to measure changes in pupil size over time, revealing two distinct influences: a rapid, transient effect and a longer-lasting, sustained influence.
Infection with Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) alters honey bee social behavior, reducing aggression and changing chemical signals. This manipulation facilitates viral transmission between colonies, raising concerns about the impact of high colony densities on pathogen evolution.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed synthetic bryostatin analogs that boost the effectiveness of cell therapies and show promise as a functional cure for HIV/AIDS. The new compounds were tested on lab-grown human cancer cells and found to be more effective than bryostatin in some cases.
Experts from Weill Cornell Medicine emphasize the importance of planning early for beds, equipment, and personnel, as well as utilizing remote communication platforms. The authors also highlight the need for daily communication among healthcare professionals to alleviate anxiety and ensure essential care.
Researchers at Rice University developed a plan to recycle wastewater, reducing the need for surface water by 28%. The 'direct potable reuse' method could also improve water quality and travel times, providing a more efficient and sustainable water supply system.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Idaho discovered that prolonged antibiotic exposure can 'prime' single-resistant bacteria to become multidrug-resistant. This effect makes it more likely for bacteria to acquire resistance to multiple antibiotics, even in an antibiotic-free environment.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully treated motor dysfunction in an animal model of Parkinson's disease using light-based deep brain stimulation. The technique, which targets specific neurons, shows promise for tailoring therapies to individual patients and improving treatment outcomes.
A phase II randomized trial found that continuous dosing of BRAF and MEK inhibitors improved progression-free survival by nine months compared to intermittent treatment, which failed to show significant benefits. The study, led by the SWOG Cancer Research Network, enrolled 249 patients with common melanoma mutations and showed that con...
Researchers studied Comet 67P, finding features that shed light on the mechanical properties of materials forming the comet. The study suggests a revised model of cometesimal rheology requiring water ice and organic material binding action.
The report highlights eight urgent recommendations for reducing COVID-19 impact on urban poor, prioritizing community leadership and access to healthcare. Governments should provide basic needs like water, sanitation, and moratoriums on evictions to help vulnerable populations.
Researchers in Namibia demonstrated the effectiveness of targeting high-risk individuals with anti-malarial drugs and insecticide spraying to reduce malaria transmission. The trial, conducted in a low-endemic setting, showed a significant reduction in cases by up to 75%.
Researchers from Skoltech and international collaborators investigated the BREX defense mechanism, which bacteria use to protect themselves from viral infection. They found that a multipurpose viral protein called Ocr can mimic DNA and disable this defense system.
Dr Philippa Tomczak has been awarded a £1.2m grant to reconceptualise prison regulation, including representatives from multiple sectors and stakeholder groups. This will enable a step change in prison regulation and boost potential improvements in prison safety.
Researchers created 3D brain-region specific spheroids to study complex developmental processes and neuropsychiatric diseases. The spheroids can be connected to form fused structures called brain assembloids, allowing for the investigation of inaccessible developmental processes.
MIT engineers have devised a way to speed up drug development by rapidly testing how well drugs are absorbed in the small intestine. The new system uses pig intestinal tissue grown in the lab to test thousands of different versions of a drug in just hours.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a potential link between heart disease and worse COVID-19 outcomes. The study found that patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had elevated levels of the ACE2 protein, which the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses to gain entry into cells.
Scientists have identified biomarkers that signal potential heart damage from cancer treatment, allowing for early diagnosis and intervention. The findings could lead to better patient care and outcomes by enabling doctors to adjust chemotherapy types or dosages before cardiac damage occurs.
The MIT-led consortium analyzed 18 incidents of viral contamination in biopharmaceutical drugs and found that most were caused by Chinese hamster ovary cells. The study recommends companies use rapid virus detection systems and new technologies to inactivate or remove viruses from cell culture media.
A study led by Stanford researchers found that low levels of the hormone vasopressin in infants' cerebrospinal fluid may predict an autism diagnosis. The findings suggest that early intervention could be beneficial for affected children.
New research from the University of Washington finds that designated ethnic spaces make underrepresented minority students feel more engaged and valued. The study reveals that these spaces are crucial in signaling to students of color that they belong at the university.
Researchers are testing the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine as a preventative therapy for COVID-19 in healthy individuals who have been exposed to infected patients. The study aims to prevent infection and symptoms, with the goal of protecting vulnerable populations and reducing transmission within households.
A recent survey found that only 8% of NYC respondents had been tested for COVID-19, with a significant disparity in test rates among different racial and ethnic groups. Meanwhile, economic assistance programs have shown a positive impact on those affected by the pandemic.
A new animal study suggests that maternal nicotine exposure during breastfeeding can affect offspring's skull and face development. The research team found that exposure to nicotine during lactation was associated with abnormalities in craniofacial development.
A new wearable smart patch is being developed to help people personalize their diets and reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The device will measure key dietary biomarkers and send the information to an app, enabling users to precisely track how their bodies respond to different foods.
Researchers from ITMO University developed a new composite material with perovskite nanocrystals, increasing operating time by almost three times and improving stability in air and water. The material retained its optical properties when dispersed in water, making it suitable for biological applications.
Researchers discovered that the loss of NEDD4-2 protein leads to impaired mucociliary clearance and dysregulation of the TGF? signaling pathway, contributing to pulmonary fibrosis progression. The study provides a novel animal model for IPF research, enabling further investigation of disease mechanisms and development of new treatments.
Researchers found that organic substances produced by decomposed vegetation cover on top of caves create the red coloration, which is linked to climate conditions. The study used various analysis techniques to identify these compounds and established a link between the red color and mid-Holocene climate changes.
A new study reveals that hurricanes trigger evolutionary changes in island lizards, resulting in larger toepads in populations frequently affected by the storms. The research, spanning 12 island populations and 188 Anolis species, shows a significant correlation between hurricane frequency and toepad size.
A recent study found that North Atlantic right whales are in poorer body condition than Southern right whales, likely due to vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and changes in food supply. This decline affects the species' reproduction, growth, and survival.
A study has tracked the shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to early farming in prehistoric Europe. Dairy products were found in 80% of pottery fragments from the Atlantic coast of Britain and Ireland.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals have developed a novel drug, IPN60090, a glutaminase inhibitor for lung and ovarian cancers. The Phase I clinical trial shows promising results, particularly for patients with KEAP1/NRF2 mutations or low ASNS levels.
A recent study by the University of Göttingen suggests that new plant breeding technologies, such as genetic engineering and gene editing, can help increase food production whilst being more environmentally friendly. This approach has been evaluated over 50 years of research from around the world.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered that soil silicates can help control bleeding after injury by triggering clotting. The presence of soil in wounds activates a blood protein called coagulation Factor XII, leading to the formation of a plug and limiting blood loss.
Researchers have mapped out cell types behind various brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease, indicating that the disease may start in the gut. Oligodendrocytes were found to be affected early on, suggesting they play a key role in the early stages of the disease.
Researchers develop novel approach to deliver CAR T cell therapy directly into cerebrospinal fluid, effectively treating medulloblastoma and ependymoma in mouse models. Combining immunotherapy with azacytidine significantly enhances treatment efficacy.
A UCLA-led research team has developed a new method for delivering DNA into stem cells and immune cells safely, rapidly and economically. The technique uses high-frequency acoustic waves to manipulate cells and insert cargo without damaging them, enabling the creation of gene therapies for various diseases.
Researchers have developed a textile approach to tissue engineering using woven human tissue threads, which can create any shape and display excellent mechanical properties without synthetic materials. This innovative approach has the potential to aid in repairing damaged blood vessels, skin, nerve injuries, and other tissues and organs.
A new review study found that three tests - amyloid PET, FDG-PET, and MRI - are highly accurate in distinguishing between Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia. These tests show promise in improving diagnosis, but more study is needed for standardization.
Researchers warn of COVID-19's impact on pregnant women and newborns, highlighting the need for infection control measures and vaccine evaluation in clinical trials. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of viral transmission and its effects on maternal health.
The KIST research team developed a high-performance ceramic fuel cell that can operate at mid-to-low temperatures below 600°C using butane fuels. This technology enables the use of affordable fuels like butane in smaller, integrated systems for portable and mobile power sources.
A comprehensive comparative study suggests that early mutation rates were much higher and gene jumping occurred earlier than thought, making a simple interpretation of the 'family tree' of life misleading. However, it does show that early evolution was wildly different from present-day organisms.
Tropical Depression 1E formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on April 25 and reached its peak with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The system weakened as it encountered dry air and cooler sea-surface temperatures, eventually becoming a post-tropical remnant low.
Scientists at the University of Sussex suggest that free open source hardware (FOSH) could provide a viable solution to provide healthcare services with needed tools and equipment. FOSH designs are already being used to support the NHS, but verification and certification processes can be lengthy.
A study found that repeated annual rainfall shortages contribute to increased cropland expansion and deforestation in the developing world. The authors also noted that regions with adequate water infrastructure experience reduced cropland expansion and forest cover loss.
Researchers found that nicotine exposure during lactation can alter development of the head and face in mice, leading to premature closure of joints that connect sections of the skull. This could result in craniosynostosis, a disorder that requires neurosurgery to correct.
A team of researchers has used neutron crystallography to determine the structure of a large oxidase protein with high-resolution structural details. They found unusual proton behavior between a cofactor and an amino acid residue, and established a complete picture of topa quinone 30 years after its discovery.
A team of researchers at NYU Tandon and Drexel University developed a machine learning tool to detect posts with high engagement likely gained through pod manipulation. The study found that posting in pods boosted organic post interaction, with users seeing a five-fold increase in comments.
A new study suggests that using mice with pre-existing illnesses could improve the accuracy of flu vaccine development and efficacy. The researchers found that dirty mice showed more extensive lung damage from influenza A virus than clean mice, indicating a potentially less effective vaccine in these animals.
Researchers discovered that bacterial cells stimulated with light remembered exposure hours later, laying groundwork for memory-capable biological systems. The study reveals surprising similarities between low-level bacteria and complex neuronal processing.
Researchers created a novel microneedle technology that can target plant tissues for delivering life-saving treatments to crops ravaged by diseases. The method uses silk-based biomaterials and drug-delivery devices to precisely access plant vasculature.
The Wits Journal of Clinical Medicine published the first clinical data on COVID-19 in South Africa, covering various aspects of the pandemic. The special issue includes articles on diagnosis, ethics, social dimensions, and herd immunity as a strategy for fighting COVID-19.
A new study found that commercially available genetic tests for determining hemp plant sex may not be accurate, which could increase yields and reduce prices of CBD production. Researchers at Salisbury University tested three primer pairs and found two to be effective in identifying male seedlings.
Researchers at UC Davis studied the role of oxytocin in alleviating social withdrawal symptoms in mice, finding that blocking brain pathways affected by stress can reduce social avoidance behaviors. The study suggests potential for pharmacotherapies to effectively treat anxiety disorders.
A new study shows that salt-tolerant bacteria can be used to enhance salt tolerance in various plant types. Researchers found promising initial results with Kentucky Bluegrass, increasing yield 8.4 times in dry weight compared to control plants.