Plant cells must balance trade-offs between communication, resource exchange, and protection against pathogens like fungi and bacteria. Researchers discovered that chitin perception in plasmodesmata triggers specific signaling pathways that allow cells to isolate themselves, regulating vital processes independently of immune responses.
Research reveals that organic carbon particles in cookstove emissions are equally potent agents of atmospheric warming as black carbon, with potential health risks from high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The study's findings have significant implications for regional climate change and Paris Agreement targets.
A new Australian study uses sound waves to probe the unique properties of an ultracold quantum gas, a model system for certain superconductors and nuclear matter. The research reveals strong variations in sound wave behavior as a function of temperature.
Research reveals China and South Korea are closing the gap on US schools in international college rankings by investing heavily in STEM programs. However, this approach may limit growth for Asian universities, as it prioritizes ranking over innovation and autonomy.
A study of 166 Australian estuaries found they're warming at twice the rate of oceans and the atmosphere, threatening global aquaculture and wild fisheries worth $152 billion annually. This accelerated impact on estuaries could adversely affect economic activity and ecological biodiversity worldwide.
Research led by Dr. Si-Qiong June Liu found that stress changes the structure of the brain and affects communication between nerve cells. A single stressful event can produce quick and long-lasting changes in astrocytes, which may lead to new pharmacological targets for preventing or reversing stress-induced changes.
A team of biomedical engineers developed novel fibre-reinforced hydrogel scaffolds with improved stress resistance and water volume similar to real tendons and ligaments. The synthetic scaffolds aim to fast-track tendon and ligament regeneration, reducing implant failure and improving tissue integration.
Researchers at University of California - Santa Barbara develop ultraviolet LEDs that can decontaminate surfaces, floors, and HVAC systems. The technology has the potential to sanitize personal protective equipment, medical settings, and public spaces without causing burns or eye damage.
A new study reveals that transposable elements contribute to cell-specific chromatin looping, gene regulation, and species divergence. The researchers developed software MapGL to track physical gain and loss of genetic sequences across species, shedding light on the evolutionary influences of structural variations.
Researchers identified bacterial exchange of genes allowing resistance to antibiotics, highlighting the complex process and potential for frequent sharing in hospital settings. The study's findings have implications for designing new strategies to prevent and control multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
Recent advances in the synthesis of hierarchically mesoporous TiO2 materials are reported, highlighting their potential applications in energy storage and environmental protection. The review covers various synthetic strategies and discusses the challenges and future directions of research in this area.
Quantum mechanical simulations show that the Earth's inner core is not as rigid as thought, with a lower iron viscosity than previously predicted. This suggests that plastic flow of iron might contribute to seismic anisotropy and the inner core's alignment.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a new tandem solar cell made of CIGS and perovskite, achieving an efficiency of 24.16 percent. This innovation has created a new branch on the NREL chart for two-terminal tandem cells.
University of Wyoming economists find that aggressive social distancing policies are economically justified as lives saved substantially outweigh projected losses. The analysis suggests the benefits of social distancing will outweigh economic costs by $5.2 trillion.
A study published by The Endocrine Society highlights shared disease pathways between COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes, requiring new approaches in treatment for hospitalized patients. Commonly used diabetes medications may pose risks in severe coronavirus infections.
Research finds that farming-intensive societies prefer harder work and longer hours, with cultural transmission playing a key role in perpetuating preferences. High labor returns for crops like potatoes contribute to this phenomenon.
A research team at the University of Bonn has discovered that the TLR8 immune sensor plays a crucial role in defending human cells against bacteria and other pathogens. The enzymes RNaseT2 and RNase2 break down bacterial RNA into characteristic fragments, allowing TLR8 to recognize and respond to the invasion.
A new data-processing approach developed by researchers at the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute offers a simpler path to analyzing cryo-electron microscopy data. The pipeline uses machine learning and connects various tools to streamline the process, making it more accessible to researchers from diverse backgrounds.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute identified an experimental drug that prevents cancer from returning in mice. The drug, Quisinostat, works by increasing a protein called histone H1.0 within tumour cells, stopping them from replicating and growing.
A new scoring system, Medically Necessary Time-Sensitive (MeNTS) Prioritization, helps surgeons prioritize medically necessary operations. The system assesses the risk of viral transmission to healthcare professionals and utilization of scarce hospital resources. It guides decision-making for surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers discovered a synthetic gold-based compound that inhibits adipogenesis and reduces key metabolites, potentially treating obesity. The D-AuNPs showed nontoxicity to cells at high concentrations, offering a new avenue for obesity medicine.
Researchers have developed a unique immunotherapy delivery system that can turn cold tumors into 'hot' tumors, making it effective in cancers such as breast and melanoma. The system uses a protein called interleukin 12 to inflame the tumor and activate the immune system.
A team of Johns Hopkins experts has developed a comprehensive guidebook for convalescent plasma therapy, a treatment that leverages immune system components found in the plasma portion of blood from people who have recovered from COVID-19 illness. The guide outlines protocols and guidelines for hospitals to rapidly scale up their abili...
A study in Colombia and Spain found that territorial short food supply chains foster governance processes that prioritize social narratives, reflexive governance, and network governance. These mechanisms enable stakeholders to participate in decision-making and collective action, leading to more sustainable and democratic food systems.
The American Thoracic Society recommends LABA/LAMA combination therapy for COPD patients experiencing dyspnea or exercise intolerance. This guideline also suggests considering triple therapy and withdrawing inhaled corticosteroids if no exacerbations occur.
Researchers discovered that bosons can transform into fermions when constrained to a one-dimensional gas, enabling new insights for quantum devices and computers. This breakthrough could provide a method for dynamically switching between bosonic and fermionic systems to meet military needs.
Scientists observed a surprising phenomenon where electrons were sometimes ejected from nuclei in two-thirds of cases, and sometimes reflected back. The findings provide a new approach for testing quantum mechanical theories of Compton scattering.
The study demonstrates that genomic information can identify individuals with a lifetime risk of more than 60% of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Combining genetic risk data with clinical risk calculators improved the accuracy of current risk estimation approaches.
A study by Geoffrey Hoffman found that active older veterans experience 11% more noninjury falls but 28% fewer injurious falls compared to non-veterans. Despite the increased risk of falls, physically active veterans are less likely to suffer serious injuries.
A new method combines three approaches to capture information about neighboring surfaces within multi-protein complexes. This technique uses affinity tag protein purification, chemical crosslinking with high-resolution mass spectrometry, and computational molecular modeling with protein docking to provide detailed insights into the str...
A new study by Stanford researchers links the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction to ocean deoxygenation, revealing severe and prolonged anoxic conditions. The findings suggest that low oxygen levels in modern oceans will put strain on many organism types, potentially leading to extinction.
Research finds that climate change increases the risk of undernutrition and diarrheal diseases among young children in flood-prone areas of India. Interventions focused on households with pregnant women and infants can help mitigate these risks by improving access to healthcare, safe drinking water, and sanitation facilities.
A study by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that students have difficulty evaluating online sources, with most relying on irrelevant information. Critical online reasoning skills are essential for learning in the 21st century, yet few training approaches exist to foster these skills.
Researchers found that advancing glioma cells desynchronize neuronal activity and blood flow changes, affecting neurovascular coupling and potentially leading to seizures. The study provides promising targets for disrupting tumor growth and offers insights into diagnosis and surgical guidance.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a sensitive technique for delivering RNA molecules into cells, potentially opening up new avenues for treating cancer. The study uses cholesterol-linked siRNA and chloroquine to overcome the major obstacle of getting RNA molecules into the cell's cytosol.
Researchers aim to discover technology that supports home-based learning and combats social isolation in families. The study will recruit diverse families with children ages 3-13 and explore how they access and use tools to manage their lives.
A University of Illinois study finds that reducing crime near public parks can unlock significant environmental value, with estimated gains of almost $7 billion in Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York. This highlights the importance of safety in unlocking park amenities for communities, particularly in high-crime neighborhoods.
A new study from Aarhus University shows that a motivational interview with a GP can have a preventative effect on cardiovascular disease. The study found a 13% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk among patients without diabetes who talked to a GP trained in motivational interviewing.
An observational study examines the association between cumulative blood pressure levels and racial disparities in cognitive decline risk. The findings suggest that high blood pressure may contribute to these racial differences, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies.
A new study led by UT Southwestern scientists suggests that tumors can manipulate the cell death signaling pathway to evade an immune response after radiation. By blocking this pathway, researchers found that cancer cells can secrete more interferons, which triggers a tumor-fighting immune response.
Research reveals that livestock and poultry farming account for 78.08% of agricultural ammonia emissions in Jiangsu Province, with nitrogen fertilizer application contributing 21.92%. The study suggests focusing on controlling ammonia emissions from these sources to mitigate haze pollution.
The evolution of pregnancy in seahorses and pipefishes is linked to modifications of the adaptive immune system. Genomic analysis reveals divergent genomic rearrangements in the MHC II pathway, which may help study immune deficiencies.
A mathematical model developed by Rutgers University scientists can help explain why many pregnancies and IVF attempts fail. The study highlights the importance of understanding errors in female cell division, which increase with age and are linked to aneuploidy, a leading cause of early miscarriage and IVF failure.
The NIH BRAIN Initiative's SCAPE microscopy technique allows researchers to observe large volumes of tissue in 3D, revealing more complex interactions between nerve cells responding to mixed odors. This breakthrough has implications for understanding how the brain perceives smells and may lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
Astronomers have identified a supernova at least twice as bright and energetic as any recorded, with calculations suggesting it may be an extremely rare 'pulsational pair-instability' supernova. The explosion was powered by a collision between the supernova and a massive shell of gas.
A team of Chinese scientists has determined the high-resolution crystal structure of the COVID-19 main protease and identified six compounds that inhibit its activity. The researchers used a combination of structure-based design, virtual screening, and high-throughput screening to identify these potential inhibitors.
Researchers developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic test that screens for cytomegalovirus, BK polyomavirus, and CXCL9 mRNA in urine samples to monitor kidney transplant patients. The assay is highly accurate even at low target concentrations, offering a promising alternative to traditional blood tests and biopsies.
A study by UC San Diego Health found that patients with COVID-19 often experience profound loss of smell and taste, which is highly specific to the virus. The majority of patients recover their sense of smell within two to four weeks of infection.
A mathematical model produced more realistic estimates of COVID-19 cases by incorporating population density, age distribution, and transmission probability. The model suggested significant underreporting in various countries, including Italy, South Korea, and Spain, highlighting the need for improved testing and data reporting.
A recent study suggests that the proportion of human-infecting viruses does not substantially vary across different taxonomic orders. The researchers found that species-rich orders tend to harbor more human-infecting viruses, but this number scales proportionately with the total number of viruses.
Researchers have found a unique connection between magnetic properties and atomic dynamics in troilite, which could enable new technologies such as spintronic computing. The material's transition into a magnet controls instabilities in its crystalline structure, causing it to change from a conductor to an insulator.
Researchers analyzed lipid residues from ceramic vessels in Kenya and Tanzania, providing direct evidence for milk consumption by ancient eastern African pastoralist societies. The findings shed light on the evolution of lactase persistence in the region, highlighting a unique dietary adaptation.
A study examined fertility preservation among transgender adolescents seeking hormonal intervention for gender identity in Australia. The research found a significant number of adolescents considered preserving their reproductive function during hormone therapy.
Research found that nitrogen-rich soil is linked to the decline of less common plant species in European forests, leading to a loss of biodiversity. In contrast, nitrogen-loving species like nettle and blackberry are on the rise.
Assistant Professor Michael Murdoch will create a computational model of human color perception in AR systems, funded by a five-year NSF CAREER grant. The project aims to enhance AR visual quality for fields like education, medicine, and transportation.
A new study suggests that heavier iron isotopes migrate towards lower temperatures and into the mantle, while lighter isotopes remain in the core. This phenomenon could be causing core material to infiltrate the lowermost mantle, enriching it in heavy iron isotopes.
A team of scientists discovered that genetic alterations in the immune system of pipefishes and seahorses allow them to tolerate paternal genetic information and develop their offspring. The study found that genes involved in female mammalian pregnancy are also activated in male pregnancy, suggesting similar molecular mechanisms.
Researchers have found that polymers filled with carbon nanotubes could potentially improve how unmanned vehicles dissipate energy. These materials are also less susceptible to corrosion, lightweight, and have higher electrical conductivity than traditional elastomers.
Annals of Internal Medicine publishes new COVID-19 research, including a review on diagnostic tests and the critical role of community pharmacists in Taiwan's mask distribution system. Researchers also investigate the inflammatory response to COVID-19, identifying specific immune cells in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Ocular scientists provide evidence-based guidance for practitioners and patients on safe use of contact lenses during COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing importance of good hand hygiene, proper lens care, and temporary lens removal when ill. Experts also debunk rumors about glasses/spectacles providing protection against COVID-19.