Researchers have developed a new approach to prevent toxicity seen in sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia after gene therapy to treat neurological disorders. The approach involves modifying a transgene with a microRNA target, which reduces transgene expression and eliminates toxicity.
A UT Southwestern study found that retired football players with a history of concussions and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) scored similarly to non-athletes on verbal memory and learning tests. However, they showed lower scores on naming tests, which may be related to age-related decline rather than concussion effects.
Scientists from UNIGE and HUG identified the essential role of circadian clocks in beta cell regeneration. The study found that regeneration is significantly greater at night, when mice are active, and that the BMAL1 gene plays a crucial role in this process.
A high-sugar diet in fruit flies reprograms sweet taste receptors, reducing sensitivity to sweetness and promoting unhealthy eating habits. The study suggests that this epigenetic change may contribute to obesity and chronic diseases.
A new protein marker, neurofilament light protein (NFL), has been found to predict stroke severity and long-term outcomes. The levels of NFL in blood correlate with more severe brain damage and poorer survival rates after stroke.
The Zoonomia Project has released a vast dataset of over 80% of all mammalian families, spanning 110 million years of evolution. This dataset captures mammalian diversity and includes genomes from endangered species.
A team of researchers has discovered a new way to produce hydrogen using microwaves, with great potential for the automotive sector, chemical industry, and process industry. The technology enables the transformation of renewable electricity into hydrogen or chemical products without cables or contact with electrodes.
Postmenopausal women who participate in regular floorball training experience significant improvements in blood pressure and vascular function, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study demonstrates that team sport exercise can counteract the negative effects of estrogen loss on health.
Researchers have developed a special type of cotton fabric that releases reactive oxygen species when exposed to daylight, killing microbes attached to its surface while being washable and reusable. The fabric showed promise in reducing the spread of diseases like COVID-19 by killing 99.9999% of bacteria and viruses within 60 minutes.
Researchers discovered that 'bad metals' transform into quasiparticles, allowing them to pair up and superconduct current without resistance. This explains their unusual behavior in low-temperature superconductors.
A new study will investigate the safety of proton therapy for children with brain cancer compared to conventional x-ray radiation. The researchers aim to assess the risk of developmental disorders in children as a result of using proton beams to treat paediatric brain tumours.
Researchers demonstrate graphene heterogeneous fiber micro resonator, generating dissipative soliton mode-locked laser combs with dynamic tunability. The graphene device provides opto-electric stabilization, reducing phase noise to instrument-limited floor, -130 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset.
Researchers have identified isolated lymphoid structures (ILSs) as novel prognostic markers for metastatic colorectal cancer. ILSs, which are integral to the immune system, orchestrate multifaceted immune responses and can predict improved clinical outcomes in patients.
Researchers observed wrinkle-faced bats displaying unique courtship behavior, including ultrasonic echolocation calls and trill song sequences. The species' face masks were found to be crucial in attracting females, with males using them to seduce potential mates.
Scientists propose genetically engineered organisms to remove CO2 from the atmosphere irreversibly. Bioengineered plants can be designed to increase crop productivity, fix nitrogen, and process energy more efficiently.
The LHCb collaboration observes two structures in proton-proton collisions, suggesting the existence of four-charm tetraquark states. The narrower structure is described as a hadron state of mass about 6900 MeV/c2, denoted as X(6900). Understanding the internal structure of hadrons remains a challenge, with QCD models unable to explain...
Researchers have developed two novel targeted therapies to slow down or stop fibrosis progression in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). These treatments aim to deliver potent drugs specifically to diseased cells, minimizing harm to healthy ones. The therapies will soon enter human clinical trials.
Researchers describe the rapid deployment of a virtual hospital program during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding potential benefits in providing additional inpatient capacity. Meanwhile, a study on 60-day postdischarge outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 reveals ongoing morbidity and financial loss for most survivors.
Researchers found that C-section birth doubles asthma and allergy risk, but recovery of gut microbiota by age 1 may prevent this. The study suggests restoring the perturbed microbiome could prevent asthma development in high-risk children.
A researcher at Indiana University School of Medicine has received a $2.9 million grant to develop a drug that could make radiation therapy more effective in treating lung cancer and other solid tumors.
A new Hastings Center project aims to develop an ethics framework for scientists to anticipate and prevent biases in health data models. The framework will consider data use, bias toward white populations, and equitable interventions to address health disparities.
A new survey of 13,000 Welsh participants found that around half showed clinically significant psychological distress, with severe effects affecting 20%. The study highlights the need for public sector services to prepare for increased mental health problems in vulnerable groups.
A new genome alignment tool called Progressive Cactus has enabled major advances in understanding the evolution of birds and mammals. By aligning over 600 vertebrate genomes, researchers have gained a detailed view of how species are related to each other at the genetic level.
Researchers refine theories on protein interactions with solutions, discovering new factors influencing folding, including thermal expansion and temperature. Atom-scale models reveal complex interactions between solvents and peptides, potentially changing our understanding of hydrophobic and hydrophilic effects.
A team of healthcare providers and advocates led by Pediatric Surgeon Lorraine Kelley-Quon established the first-ever guidelines for safe opioid prescribing in children. The guidelines acknowledge the risks of opioid misuse and addiction in teens and adolescents, while promoting education and safe storage/disposal practices.
A new study from Penn Medicine researchers found that early and repeated exposures to diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and CT scans, may increase the risk of testicular cancer. The study suggests that reduced medically unnecessary testicular exposure could be considered to reduce radiation dose and optimize shielding practices.
Six entries featuring notable explanatory and investigative reporting on the global COVID-19 pandemic won the 2020 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards. Winners included Ed Yong, Kaiser Health News and The Associated Press for an investigation into state and local health programs.
A high-sugar diet reprograms taste cells in fruit flies, leaving a lasting molecular memory that affects future eating behavior. The researchers found that the molecular memory is persistent even after switching to healthy diets, leading to changes in gene expression that impact sweet taste perception.
Researchers demonstrate a solvent-assisted ligand exchange-hydrogen reduction strategy for selective encapsulation of ultrafine metal nanoparticles within the shallow layers of MOF. This approach reduces mass transfer resistance and enhances metal dispersion, promoting highly efficient hydrogenation reactions.
A new study reveals that routine pre-operative COVID-19 testing can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory complications and save lives. Researchers found that using nasal swab tests to confirm asymptomatic patients were not infected with SARS-CoV-2 led to a lower rate of post-operative complications.
A team of international chemists identified valuable fatty acids in seeds of two popular medicinal plants. The study found that these plant oils contain unsaturated conjugated fatty acids with anti-tumor properties and help combat obesity and inflammation.
Racially diverse congregations have more than tripled in the United States over the past 20 years, with approximately a quarter of evangelical and Catholic churches now multiracial. However, despite these increases, difficulties persist in achieving racial desegregation within American religion.
Experts argue that the US gray wolf population has not fully recovered and that delisting is premature. The authors propose a framework for conservation of adaptive potential to enhance the effectiveness of species recovery.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a protein called Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 (PGLYRP1) that helps protect hosts from infection with the Lyme spirochete. The study, published in PLOS Pathogens, found that mice lacking this protein had higher levels of the bacteria and showed signs of immune system dysfunction.
A recent study found that nearly 60% of young adults experienced direct or household employment loss during the pandemic, with many reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression. The researchers argue that addressing economic hardships can help mitigate mental health issues among this demographic.
Researchers estimate 4.3% of Kenyans had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 by June 2020, revealing more extensive exposure than reported case-based surveillance indicates. The findings support the idea that disease may be attenuated in Africa due to Kenya's demographic characteristics.
Cornell researchers have successfully trapped electrons in a two-dimensional semiconducting structure, forming the long-hypothesized Wigner crystal. The team achieved this by stacking two-dimensional semiconductors and using an optical sensing technique to observe the resulting electron crystals.
Researcher from Max Planck Institute applied large hydrostatic pressures to CeFeAsO, a non-superconducting compound. The study reveals a narrow superconducting phase emerging in the boundary region between spin-density-wave magnetism and Kondo-effect.
Researchers at University of Konstanz and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München develop a prototypical attosecond electron microscope (A-TEM) that enables visualization of light-matter interactions at attosecond speeds. This breakthrough can facilitate the exploration of atomic origins of light-matter interactions in complex materials...
A comprehensive review of plant natural products reveals 459 compounds with antibacterial activity, providing promising candidates for new antibiotic discovery. The review, led by Cassandra Quave, aims to facilitate the search for effective drugs against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
The study reveals that mammal defaunation has wiped out over 40% of ecosystem services provided by mammals, such as ecotourism and disease control. Large-bodied mammals are disappearing fastest, while small-bodied species often perform the same services, with overlapping species among rodents, bats, and apex predators.
Researchers found that exercising your brain with 'neurobics' before surgery can help prevent post-surgery delirium. Patients who played brain games for at least five hours a day saw a significant reduction in delirium rates, with those playing up to 10 hours experiencing a 61% decrease.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that women who stop using some forms of contraception, such as injectable methods, may experience a temporary delay in their return to fertility. After eight months, most women are able to conceive normally again.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology discovered a method to exploit Intel processors using power side-channel attacks, even without physical access. The technique uses the RAPL interface and misuses Intel's SGX functionality to extract sensitive data.
Researchers at IBS Center for Soft and Living Matter use laser to study cage formation in colloidal glasses, finding non-monotonic length scale peaking at onset temperature. The findings reveal complex dynamics underlying glass transition, with implications for understanding other glassy systems.
A UK-based company has secured funding to develop biodegradable alternatives to plastic microbeads used in various industries. The project will explore the use of cellulose microbeads as a carrier for enzymes in industrial chemical production, aiming to reduce ocean pollution.
The University of Illinois Chicago will launch a post-secondary certificate program to prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment. The two-year Co-Op program, set to begin in fall 2021, will provide full student status, career pathways, and integration with other UIC students.
The article reviews AI-assisted chest imaging analysis methods for COVID-19 diagnosis, demonstrating the potential of deep learning-based techniques. Establishing a database for public research and extracting lesions accurately are crucial to improve performance.
Heidelberg researchers discovered that RNA synthesis and protein translation play crucial roles in shaping organ functions. The study analyzed over 100 billion gene expression fragments, revealing the importance of regulatory mechanisms at both layers of gene expression.
A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a technique for predicting the phase and properties of high-entropy alloys using AI. The technique, which uses deep learning, improves the accuracy of phase prediction and provides guidance on key design parameters.
Researchers discovered that inserting potassium atoms into amorphous silica creates a negative charge by forming a SiO5 structure, which accumulates electrons. This design guidance improves the reliability and longevity of vibrational energy harvesters.
Researchers developed novel cascade optical field modulation strategy to boost UCL by more than four orders of magnitude. The new material exhibits extremely high responsivity and detectivity, achieving selective detection in three narrow spectral bands.
A team led by Doug MacMartin will model the effects of introducing reflective aerosols into the stratosphere to reduce Earth's temperature and limit climate change impact. The research aims to better understand the benefits and risks of this approach, with the goal of informing society's decisions.
Researchers created a new type of machine learning model to predict power-conversion efficiency of materials for next-generation organic solar cells. The approach is quick and easy to use, providing important data on chemical fragments that affect performance.
A University of Arizona-led study suggests that excessive TV viewing can lead to increased stress in parents, particularly when children are exposed to more advertising messages. Collaborative communication with children is found to be a effective strategy in reducing parent stress.
Researchers used zebrafish with genetic mutations similar to those found in humans with Fragile X syndrome and autism to study sound sensitivity. The study revealed that the brains of these fish processed auditory information differently than normal fish, with more activity in the hindbrain and thalamus.
Researchers from EPFL have successfully produced a mouse heart organoid in its early embryonic stages using mouse embryonic stem cells. The study mimics the early stages of heart development in the embryo, preserving crucial interactions necessary for embryonic organogenesis.
Researchers found that Christian nationalist values among non-churchgoers were strongly tied to voting for Trump. In contrast, churchgoers' support for Trump was not influenced by their level of Christian nationalism. The study challenges the idea that the religious vote for Trump was driven by Christian leaders and institutions.
A randomized clinical trial found that e-cigarette use combined with individual counseling significantly increased quit rates compared to counseling alone. The study concluded that e-cigarette assistance can be an effective complement to traditional counseling services for smokers trying to quit.
Researchers used conductive fillers like single-walled carbon nanotubes to improve battery performance. The study found that combining NCM electrodes with as little as 0.16% by weight of SWCNT produced good electrical conductivity.