Watching complex molecules at work
A team developed a new instrument to detect rapid and irreversible reactions in biological molecules like rhodopsin. The Féry spectrometer allows analysis of very fast processes with high time resolution.
A team developed a new instrument to detect rapid and irreversible reactions in biological molecules like rhodopsin. The Féry spectrometer allows analysis of very fast processes with high time resolution.
Susan Solomon, CEO of The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, receives the 2020 ISSCR Public Service Award for her tireless efforts to support stem cell science and researchers. NYSCF has raised over $350 million for stem cell research projects.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant association between malignant left ventricular hypertrophy and an increased risk of heart failure among black individuals. The study, published in the journal Circulation, suggests that early intervention can be beneficial in preventing future risk.
The new sensor detects hydrogen molecules at concentrations below 2%, outperforming traditional methods that require expensive equipment and trained personnel. Its sensitivity and resistance to interfering gases make it a game-changer for remote hydrogen leak detection.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new technology to destroy bacteria and bacterial biofilm without harming good cells, offering a potential solution to the deadly problem of antibiotic resistance. The technology uses precision-engineered liquid metals to physically rip bacteria to shreds and smash through the biofilm wher...
A new study has identified a genetic anomaly associated with poor response to glucocorticoid asthma treatment. The research found that patients with the HSD3B1(1245A) variant are less likely to respond to treatment and may develop severe asthma.
A new project at Aarhus University aims to develop a standardized, documentable 3D printing filament from recycled plastics. The goal is to improve the industry's reliance on new plastics and reduce waste., This innovation has the potential to significantly impact the environment and climate in the long term.
A new study has identified a promising therapeutic route for combating drug-resistant skin cancer cells by targeting specific cytoskeletal proteins. Researchers found that melanoma cells use these proteins to survive and escape anti-cancer treatments, opening up new avenues for combination therapy.
Researchers used microeconomics and hydrology models to study the relationship between climate change and violent conflict. They found that human adaptation to changed conditions may decrease conflicts over coveted resources.
Patients treated in a specialized resuscitation unit received faster treatment and better health outcomes, including a 36% lower risk of dying than those transferred directly to traditional intensive care units. The CCRU improved access to critical care resources and definitive surgical treatment.
Research found that South Korea, China, and Taiwan have experienced significant changes in food supply, with increased animal source foods and sugar contributing to obesity issues. In contrast, many Western countries have seen declines in animal source foods and sugar, accompanied by increases in vegetable availability.
A new study found that 85% of terrestrial vertebrate species are under intense human pressure, with 16% entirely exposed. Threatened species and those with small ranges are disproportionately affected.
A new study finds that online reviews can effectively gauge restaurant hygiene during periods between inspections. Roughly 30% of New York City restaurants decline hygiene standards within 90 days of certification. Continuous monitoring is crucial to maintain cleanliness at eateries.
Researchers have discovered that tidal effects from a close binary companion can cause a star to spin fast enough to launch material into space, forming a gamma-ray burst. This phenomenon is necessary for creating the most luminous events in the universe, observable from Earth when their jet of material is pointed directly at us.
A team of McMaster University chemists has discovered a method to efficiently break down and dissolve tire rubber, paving the way for more effective recycling. The process addresses the massive environmental burden posed by 3 billion tires worldwide, which can leach contaminants into ecosystems.
Researchers developed an AI system to analyze hundreds of thousands of comments on social media, identifying positive comments defending disenfranchised minorities. The system can reduce manual efforts to find these 'help speech' comments by up to 88%.
A Yale-led team found that parental monitoring and teen awareness of their parents' attitudes on alcohol use can have life-saving effects. The study showed that teens who knew their parents disapproved of drinking were less likely to drive while impaired four years later.
Researchers identified a variant in the HSD3B1 gene associated with resistance to glucocorticoids in severe asthma patients. The study suggests that genetic testing may help tailor treatment strategies for individuals with severe asthma, offering new hope for improved management of this chronic condition.
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have identified a protein complex elevated in PTSD patients, which could serve as a blood-based biomarker for diagnosis and treatment. A developed peptide has been shown to prevent recall or encoding of fear memories, suggesting potential for symptom prevention or treatment.
Researchers discovered that two-dimensional liquids exhibit collective motion and long-wavelength fluctuations, which differ from the random Brownian motion seen in three-dimensional liquids. This finding helps explain puzzling differences in liquid dynamics and opens avenues for understanding complex fluid behavior.
A new study suggests that luxury brands can overcome the clash between self-enhancement values and social responsibility by showcasing philanthropic activities of celebrities like Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie. This approach helps consumers reconcile their desire for status with a sense of altruism, leading to more favorable responses ...
The Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccination (PREVAC) has received additional funding to evaluate three Ebola vaccine regimens for long-term safety and durability. The PREVAC-UP project will assess these factors over 5 years after vaccination, as well as the impact of co-infections like malaria and helminths on immune responses.
A recent study published in Nature Human Behavior reveals that the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) activity during motivated control reflects the calculation of surprise. Researchers found that a single mechanism of surprise best accounts for dACC activity, suggesting a unified explanation for cognitive control research.
A recent investigation by Science found that companies, universities, and institutions are often non-compliant with the requirement to report clinical trial results in a federal database. More than 55% of trials violated this law, yet regulatory agencies have failed to enforce penalties or actions against violators.
Experts argue against switching from Truvada to Tenofovir Alafenamide for PrEP, citing limited data on the newer drug's effectiveness in diverse populations. The current medication, Truvada, has been shown to be safe and effective with ample evidence of its safety and effectiveness.
Researchers have developed a new cobalt-based catalyst that enables an eightfold increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, a major electronic cleaning chemical. The catalyst, Co1-NG(O), is highly stable and efficient, producing up to 8 times more H2O2 than existing noble metal-based electrocatalysts.
A team of scientists has developed a method to rapidly evolve endogenous genes in plants, enabling accelerated breeding via molecular design. The technology, called STEME, uses CRISPR-like enzymes to introduce precise mutations into plant genes, leading to improved agronomic traits.
Researchers identified a rare genetic syndrome, CATIFA, caused by mutation of the RIC1 gene, characterized by cleft palate, intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism, and ADHD. The study combined zebrafish models, pediatric genetic diseases, and electronic health records to define the underlying mechanism.
Research led by University of Arizona found simultaneous droughts in Southern California's main water sources occurred six times per century on average. Perfect droughts lasting two or more years coincide with high pressure off the northwest Pacific Coast and storm tracks shifted north.
Scientists identified a new biological pathway (RICTOR/mTORC2) as a potential therapeutic target for colon cancer. Targeting this pathway could enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments. The study also highlights the importance of SMAD4 gene mutations in colon cancer progression.
Research in fruit flies found that environmental light exposure activates light-sensitive neurons, triggering the production of memory maintenance proteins. This study suggests that long-term memories require active maintenance through natural lighting conditions.
The TRUE Project will prepare 36 diverse professionals as K-12 STEM teachers over 18 months, integrating culturally responsive education and trauma-informed learning. The project aims to fill openings in science and math classrooms with a diverse pool of teachers.
Researchers have identified a mechanism that contributes to clot formation in mechanical heart valves. By modifying the valve's design, turbulent vortices can be eliminated, reducing the risk of blood clots and strokes. This breakthrough could lead to life without blood thinners for thousands of people with artificial heart valves.
A team of scientists has identified a network of interaction partners for the juxtamembrane segment of the EGF receptor, which can influence cell growth and development. This breakthrough may lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancers that have become resistant to current active ingredients.
Researchers created a biocompatible material by engineering E. coli to overproduce an enzyme that makes extremely long polymer brushes. These bristles are virtually impenetrable to bacteria, hindering the spread of biofilms and potentially improving medical applications.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found a molecule produced by the brain that reduces anxiety-causing connections between two brain regions. This discovery could lead to pharmacologic treatments regulating anxiety and depressive symptoms in people with stress-related anxiety disorders.
A study from Scripps Research reveals that memories are stored in two forms: intermediate-term memory and protein-synthesis dependent long-term memory. Silencing specific genes, Ras and Raf, enhances intermediate-term memories while eliminating long-term memory performance.
New research found that after recovery from a respiratory infection, particular cells in the innate immune system in the lung are more effective, offering extra protection against new infections. This heightened immunity is due to the production of cytokines by lung macrophages, which cause inflammation and help fight pathogens.
Blocking a cellular receptor called AHR prevents and reverses obesity in mice by inhibiting key genes involved in fat metabolism. Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center found that the drug NF, which blocks AHR, can not only prevent but also reverse obesity in study mice.
Researchers identified four ageotypes: metabolic, immune, hepatic, and nephrotic, which determine biological pathways in the body. The study also found that lifestyle changes can slow aging rates in some individuals.
Scientists created artificial organisms by combining contractile and passive tissues, achieving high-performing candidates that matched predicted behaviors. The developed method can be applied to designing living machines for various applications.
The researchers have created a robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus, producing approximately 100 times more infectious virus particles than previous models. This allows for extensive studies on the virus and its impact on human liver cells, enabling the identification of key genes involved in the infection.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that age-related changes to spinal cartilaginous tissue can lead to painful nerve growth, causing unexplained low back pain. The research found that a porous structure in the cartilage endplates can invite abnormal nerve growth, making the normal load-bearing work of the spine painful.
A new study reveals that autistic mothers experience higher rates of post-natal depression, with 60% reporting difficulties in coping with domestic responsibilities and creating social opportunities. Despite challenges, many reported prioritizing their child's needs and seeking help when needed.
Researchers predict a 2 degrees Celsius rise in temperatures could result in around 2,100 additional deaths from injuries every year in the United States. Most of these deaths would be among young men, with California, Texas, and Florida potentially seeing the highest number.
The American grasshopper's circulatory system responds dramatically to changes in body position due to gravity, affecting blood and air distribution. Physiological compensation mechanisms similar to vertebrates suggest an ancient, widespread response to gravitational forces.
School packed lunches in the UK still have low nutritional quality, with only 1.6% meeting food standards, according to a study. The analysis found that sugar levels decreased, while vitamin C content dropped significantly.
A global analysis by the University of Washington found that nearly half of the world's fish catch comes from sustainably managed stocks. Effective management is credited as the main reason for these sustainable levels or successful rebuilding.
Sex-changing fish species can recover faster and more predictably than fixed-sex species when fishing is eliminated within Marine Protected Areas. This is because they can replace lost males with females, increasing reproduction rates.
Researchers developed a model to estimate storm surge extremes by exploiting sea level dependencies, yielding good agreement with tide gauge data and reduced uncertainty. The new approach enables estimation of storm surge levels at arbitrary ungauged locations.
A new study identifies 13 non-native species most likely to invade Antarctica's Antarctic Peninsula region over the next decade. The invasion could have devastating effects on fragile polar biological communities and ecosystems. Comprehensive biosecurity checks are crucial to prevent invasive species from reaching Antarctica.
Researchers develop new framework to understand changes in brain activity and connections, with implications for modeling brain disease mechanisms. The study identifies three categories of dynamic interaction between neurons involved in cognitive function.
Researchers at NYU and partner institutions have mapped electron energies with unprecedented clarity, uncovering a quantum relationship between electrons known as hybridization. This breakthrough provides new insight into the physics of topological insulators.
Researchers at CNIC discovered a 'disarmament' mechanism in neutrophils that reduces their toxic capacity to prevent damage to healthy tissues. This innate system, driven by CXCR2 and circadian rhythms, helps regulate the immune response and could have implications for treating conditions like myocardial infarction and stroke.
Researchers develop machine that repairs injured human livers and keeps them alive for a week outside the body. The technology increases the number of available organs for transplantation, saving lives of patients with severe liver diseases or cancer.
Researchers in Dresden aim to develop chemical circuits for the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia using chemo-fluidic technology. The project seeks to create integrated systems that can analyze hundreds or thousands of individual human cells simultaneously, potentially leading to improved therapy options.
An expert review concludes that melatonin for jet lag may not be effective in relieving symptoms due to scant evidence. The review suggests that non-drug treatments like timing exposure to bright light and altering bed and mealtimes may be more complicated.
A new study has quantified small levels of iodine in the stratosphere and links it to ozone layer decline. The research suggests that air pollution from the surface can trigger ozone destruction higher in the atmosphere.
Researchers developed a platform to organize nanomaterials of different types into desired 3-D structures using DNA-programmable nanofabrication. The platform can create materials with unique optical, chemical, and other properties at the nanoscale, enabling new applications in fields like display technology and nanomanufacturing.
A new study found that 90% of patients with knee osteoarthritis are waiting too long for knee replacement surgery, losing function, while 25% of those without need get the procedure prematurely. This delays deterioration and reduces mobility, leading to additional health issues.