Researchers have discovered a new drug combination that can restore beta cell function in an animal model, showing promise for diabetes remission. The treatment, which combines GLP-1/estrogen with insulin, was found to be more effective than single-treatments and increase pancreatic insulin content and beta cell numbers.
SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Metabolism·DateFeb 20, 2020
A University of York study reveals that community question answering sites like Yahoo! Answers are plagued by hate speech and Islamophobia when discussing terrorism. The research found sensitive questions were more likely to be submitted anonymously and loaded with negative emotions.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalAslib Journal of Information Management·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers found that both strands of microRNA coordinate to act on the same cancer pathways, driving aggressiveness and growth. MicroRNAs miR-30a and miR-145 were identified as key players in keeping cancers in check, impacting patient survival.
SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers develop effective treatment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. The novel therapy, AB569, kills the bacteria by targeting multiple processes, offering hope against superbug infections.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020
The Sombrero galaxy's halo is home to an unexpected abundance of metal-rich stars, defying conventional theory. Researchers attribute this finding to major mergers in the galaxy's past, which are puzzling given the galaxy's smooth disk structure.
The study analyzes mechanisms regulating carcinogenesis and tumor progression, opening new perspectives in the fight against human cancer. HERC1 ligase is found to regulate the activation of ERK and p38 kinase through ubiquitination.
SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020
A cryptographic 'tag of everything' can verify a product's authenticity, with implications for combating losses due to supply chain counterfeiting. The MIT-developed ID chip is small enough for virtually any product, uses photovoltaic diodes for power and backscatter technique for transmission.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers from NIST and Griffith University developed a new test that measures multiple hormones simultaneously, providing a more reliable marker of pregnancy. This technique improves the accuracy of hormone tests, enabling biologists to better understand whale populations and their environmental health.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new procedure for recycling concrete with wood, yielding a building material with superior bending strength. This innovative approach may help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and construction costs.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers found that using plant-based analogs of cholesterol improves the shape and structure of nanoparticles, allowing them to deliver genes more effectively. This boosts delivery by up to 10-fold and enables patients to be treated with higher efficacy.
SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2020
Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered that TLR2 plays a critical role in the development of retinal degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. The study suggests that regulating TLR2 activity may help prevent dry AMD, offering new avenues for therapy.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020
A new study highlights the potential need to standardize quality measurement for cardiovascular care. Hospitals recognized by the AHA and ACC for high-quality care were more likely to be financially penalized under value-based programs than other hospitals.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 20, 2020
The Kong group will investigate how neurons and muscle cells communicate, with the goal of understanding how to reactivate neurons in injured muscle. They will also develop a drug delivery system to target tau proteins responsible for Alzheimer's disease.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers discovered that the monkeyflower's distinctive spots are controlled by a reaction-diffusion mechanism involving two proteins. The study used mathematical modeling and experimentation to validate the theory, shedding light on how natural patterns arise.
SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 2020
A new study found that both parental examples and encouragement play a significant role in teaching children to eat vegetables. The researchers suggest serving cooked vegetables as a main course or side dish can promote healthy eating habits, while dinner is the most important meal for teaching kids to eat greens.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateFeb 20, 2020
Brazilian researchers analyze gene expression in medulloblastoma tumors from patients, finding all subtypes express stem cell markers BMI1 and CD133. They develop a novel combination therapy using epigenetic compound HDAC inhibitor to reduce tumor cell viability and cancer stem cell formation.
SourceWrite Science Right·JournalJournal of Molecular Neuroscience·DateFeb 20, 2020
Research at Queen Mary University of London reveals that people's motivation shifts from rewards to effort when putting plans into action. To achieve goals, focusing on effort before action can lead to successful outcomes.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·DateFeb 20, 2020
A University of Houston researcher is increasing health literacy among Hispanics/Latinos to address the significant disparities in Alzheimer's disease development and treatment. The largest ethnic minority group in the US, H/Ls are 50% more likely to develop AD, yet they comprise less than 1% of clinical trials.
Researchers developed a non-invasive wearable device that increased physiological brain activity near injured areas in chronic ischemic stroke survivors. The device produced significant improvements in motor function, as measured by functional MRI, and treatment effects persisted over three months.
Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet orbiting a star in just over 18 hours, the shortest orbital period ever recorded. The hot Jupiter, NGTS-10b, is perilously close to its sun and may be spiralling towards destruction.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 20, 2020
A clinical trial has identified HIF-2α as a pivotal protein in the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinomas, which is susceptible to inhibition by PT2385. The study found that the drug effectively blocks cancer-promoting genes and starves tumors of blood.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 20, 2020
Computational biologists at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new algorithm, MOCHI, to identify communities within the cell nucleus. The algorithm uses spatial arrangement and genetic interactions to subdivide interwoven nuclear components into groups.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers discovered a 7,000-year-old fossilized coral reef that predates human settlement and closely resembles its pre-human state. The team found the reef to be resilient, with minimal changes over centuries, despite current environmental degradation.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020
Scientists have created two-layered nanofibers consisting of an ordered row of alternating peptides and determined what drives their self-assembly. The discovery has potential biomedical applications due to the ability to tailor peptide structures.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020
A new study from the University of Michigan presents the first genetic evidence of resistance in some bats to white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has decimated some North American bat populations. Genetic differences were found in genes associated with regulating arousal from hibernation and breakdown of fats.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering designed a new drug combination that mimics glucose deprivation in cancer cells, leading to their death. The combination may have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapies and reduce the incidence of acquired resistance.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 2020
A new study analyzes ancient packrat middens for DNA, revealing a mix of bacterial and eukaryotic organisms, including plants and vertebrates. The findings provide valuable insights into past ecosystems and the impact of human-caused climate change.
A new study reveals the earliest known interbreeding event between ancient human populations, dating back to around 700,000 years ago. The super-archaics in Eurasia interbred with Neanderthal-Denisovan ancestors, providing insights into human migration out of Africa and into Eurasia.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers developed a pill-sized 'heater' that regulates temperature of biological samples through different stages of diagnostic testing, increasing accuracy and accessibility. The device can be used in various settings to detect viruses without electricity, reducing the need for specialized training and costly lab equipment.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020
A study published in Science found that methane emissions from ancient carbon reservoirs are small and do not reach the atmosphere in large quantities. Researchers believe natural buffers such as ocean microbes and bacteria help prevent the release of methane.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2020
A new study from Michigan State University finds that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) helps arteries relax and expel muscular tension when stretched. This structural benefit assists in reducing energy expenditure and stress on the vessels.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020
A sub-Neptune sized planet, G 9-40b, has been validated as an exoplanet using the HPF at the Hobby-Eberly Telescope. The discovery confirms the planet's mass and orbits its low-mass host star 100 light years from Earth.
Researchers have developed an efficient method to convert biomass-derived fatty acids into alkanes under mild conditions. The process utilizes photocatalytic decarboxylation with light, generating alkyl radical intermediates and achieving high yields of Cn-1 alkanes.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered new human genes controlling HIV infection, which could lead to the development of new therapies. The study used a large-scale genetic approach to uncover host proteins that facilitate infection and identify key genes involved in the process.
SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers have found a promising candidate to advance pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), particularly ILC2s. Activating ILC2s with interleukin 33 (IL-33) enhances antitumor activity, which may complement existing checkpoint inhibitors.
SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2020
A new study by UCL researchers has found a link between iron accumulation in the brain and cognitive decline in people with Parkinson's disease. The study used advanced MRI techniques to detect iron deposits in different brain regions, revealing associations with poor memory and thinking scores.
A first cell atlas of the human thymus gland has been mapped, revealing new cell types and signals that guide immune cell development. The atlas could help engineer improved therapeutic T cells to attack cancer, offering a potential breakthrough in immunotherapy.
SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2020
The Beckman Institute has developed imaging techniques that capture more information about a tissue compared to traditional methods, allowing for better visualization of extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are known to increase in number and be associated with cancer, particularly breast cancer cells.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that oil plays produce significantly more water than natural gas plays, posing a challenge for managing produced water. The studies project water demand and produced water volumes for eight major oil-producing areas in the US.
A new study reveals that nuclear RNAs are sorted using a two-layered targeting mechanism, where NEXT and PAXT complexes work together to degrade non-functional transcripts. This process prevents deleterious accumulation of non-functional RNAs in cells.
SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020
A protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a significant role in the spread of colorectal cancer to other parts of the body, particularly the liver. Suppressing IL-6 expression can enhance anti-tumor immune functions and improve patient survival.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers have found a cost-effective method to produce catalysts for hydrogen engines, reducing material costs and increasing efficiency. Molybdenum sulfide is proposed as a suitable alternative to expensive platinum or molybdenum-based catalysts.
SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalNanomaterials·DateFeb 20, 2020
A Canadian survey of 2,300 people found that 30% of Canadians use condoms during penile-vaginal intercourse, with higher rates among young adults, men from visible minority groups, and those with education on condom usage. The study highlights the importance of condom education in reducing STIs and unintended pregnancies.
A massive genome analysis identified 179 genes and regulators as cancer 'drivers', but found that thousands of non-driver mutations, or 'passengers', can also contribute to cancer development and have a significant impact on genomic regions. These findings suggest that passenger variants can both hinder and promote tumor growth.
A recent study by the University of California, Riverside found that e-cigarette users have elevated biomarkers of exposure and potential harm, including zinc excess correlated with oxidative DNA damage. The study highlights the risks of prolonged e-cigarette use and advises physicians to exercise caution when recommending e-cigarettes.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBMJ Open Respiratory Research·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers at the University of Chicago have predicted a new state of matter that could efficiently conduct both electricity and energy. They found that quantum entanglement enables the coexistence of these two properties in certain materials, which could lead to significant technological advancements.
A new study reveals that MNT is required for the survival of MYC-driven lymphoma cells, suggesting a promising new approach for treating this type of cancer. Inhibiting MNT may also make tumours more susceptible to other drugs, offering hope for improved treatments.
SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalBlood·DateFeb 20, 2020
A team of researchers has created a detailed cell atlas of an entire salivary gland tumor in a mouse model, revealing that the tumor is composed of various cell types, including cancer stem cells. The study uses single-cell RNA sequencing technologies to identify these cells, which make up less than one percent of the tumor population.
SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers found that intestinal stem cells (ISCs) regenerate through the process of de-differentiation, eliminating the need for a reserve stockpile. Under normal conditions, ISCs differentiate into daughter cells, which can then reverse their differentiation to become ISCs.
SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers developed a novel receiver scheme for detecting complex-valued double sideband signals with field recovery, called carrier-assisted differential detection (CADD). CADD doubles the electrical spectral efficiency compared to conventional carrier-less differential detection, and is insensitive to chromatic dispersion.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 20, 2020
Treating stroke patients in mobile stroke units speeds up treatment and reduces disability. The Berlin Prehospital Or Usual Delivery trial found that prehospital treatment in a mobile stroke unit improved patient outcomes compared to usual care.
Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have identified chemicals in urine specific to overactive bladder, which could lead to a diagnostic gadget similar to a pregnancy test. The device is expected to be simple, accurate, and cost-effective, saving millions from painful procedures and long waits for diagnosis.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020
A study published in Blood Cancer Discovery found that deleting one copy of the miR15a/miR16-1 gene cluster accelerated the development of multiple myeloma in mice, while also enhancing disease aggressiveness. The researchers also analyzed a genetic dataset of multiple myeloma patients and found similar associations.
SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateFeb 20, 2020
Four research teams at Columbia University will pursue four different approaches to develop drugs and antibodies against the new coronavirus. They aim to identify protease inhibitors, polymerase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies, with the goal of advancing at least one compound into clinical trials within a year.
SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateFeb 20, 2020
Research in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association finds that patients on antidepressants for years may face difficult withdrawal symptoms due to physical dependence. A tapering schedule with physician guidance is recommended to safely discontinue medication and manage mental health.
SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers propose that massive Arctic sea ice melting disrupted North Atlantic currents, causing abrupt climate change after the last Ice Age. Thick sea ice was found in early 19th-century expeditions and numerical models show it could have slowed ocean circulation and cooled climate.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGeology·DateFeb 20, 2020
Researchers at Kiel University have created a new simulation method that enables fast calculations of many-body quantum dynamics, saving computer time by up to 10,000 times. This breakthrough allows for simulations of complex quantum systems, such as molecules and solids, with unprecedented accuracy.
SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2020
Racial and ethnic minorities with kidney failure and atrial fibrillation are less likely to fill prescriptions for blood thinners, resulting in higher stroke rates. Equalizing warfarin distribution could prevent 7-12% of the stroke disparity among minority groups.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 20, 2020
The discovery of Vellbergia bartholomaei, a tiny Middle Triassic lizard from Germany, provides new information about the early evolution of lepidosauromorphs. The species' unique characteristics suggest it may be a common ancestor of modern lizards and tuataras, revealing key findings in reptile evolution.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020
A new study published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology suggests that amino acid L-serine may be useful in treating ALS. The study found that L-serine successfully reduced ALS-like changes in an animal model of ALS, including motor neuron degeneration and pro-inflammatory microglia.
SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·DateFeb 20, 2020