Researchers have successfully developed a MERS vaccine that fully protects mice against the deadly virus, and it may hold promise for developing vaccines against COVID-19. The vaccine uses a harmless virus to deliver a MERS coronavirus protein into cells, generating an immune response.
A team of Clemson University researchers has detected a relativistic jet emerging from two colliding galaxies, providing the first photographic proof of this phenomenon. The discovery was made using advanced telescopes and offers insights into the formation of jets in galaxy collisions.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that genetic variations can trigger functional changes in the brain before birth, during early childhood, and later in life. The study analyzed DNA and RNA data from 176 tissue samples across various developmental stages, revealing age-specific effects of genetic variants on brain function.
Tropical Cyclone Harold brought heavy rains and hurricane-force winds to Vanuatu, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite tracking its movement towards Fiji. Forecasters expect the storm to make a brief landfall over Fiji on April 7, although intensity may remain steady or increase if an eye forms.
A team of international scientists has developed over 200 new genetic techniques for using marine microbes, overcoming a bottleneck in microbial oceanography. The tools enable researchers to study the cellular instructions that underpin microbial life and potentially harness beneficial applications.
A team of researchers has successfully measured the dispersion relation of complex quantum many-body states 'Bethe strings' using inelastic neutron scattering experiments. The results confirm theoretical predictions made by Hans Bethe in 1931 and provide new insights into the properties of these excitations.
Researchers at Kobe University have demonstrated that 222nm UVC is safe for human skin and eyes, contrary to previous concerns about its carcinogenic effects. The study used xeroderma pigmentosum model mice to test the safety of repeated exposure to 222nm UVC, finding no adverse effects on their eyes or skin.
A new study published in Technology and Health Care reveals that four leading electric car brands do not trigger electromagnetic interference with cardiac implantable electronic devices. The research, which tested over 100 CIED patients driving and charging four e-cars, provides reassuring evidence for pacemaker users.
A 29-million-year-old coquí frog fossil discovered in Puerto Rico has been identified as the oldest record of frogs in the Caribbean. The ancient species displaces an amber frog fossil previously thought to be the oldest, shedding new light on the origins of Caribbean wildlife.
A new method detects trace proteins secreted by embryos using microfluidic droplets and multicolor fluorescence, predicting developmental potential with high accuracy. The technique improves upon conventional morphological scoring, reducing variability among embryologists.
Scientists discover how wild tomatoes resist bacterial canker by colonizing protoxylem vessels. The pathogen's inability to spread through the xylem in wild tomatoes holds promise for future breeding efforts.
Research by Mark Long and Nicole Bateman found that underrepresentation of minority students in public universities has worsened since affirmative action bans took effect. Alternative policies have not fully replaced raced-based affirmative action, with the gap growing in subsequent years.
Researchers have found that fault segments connected at depth can influence earthquake risk and magnitude. A study suggests that a rapid decay in slip at the edge of a fault segment indicates a connection below the surface.
A recent study by the University of Exeter and Marine Conservation Society found no difference in litter levels inside and outside England's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with plastic being the main form of litter. The research highlights the need for locally appropriate management to tackle specific sources of litter in different areas.
A new form of magnetic brain stimulation, SAINT, rapidly relieved symptoms of severe depression in 90% of participants. The treatment targets the brain's neurocircuitry and has shown promising results in treating people with treatment-resistant depression.
A new study reveals a direct link between virus spillover and environmental change, which threatens wildlife populations. The research highlights how human activities such as hunting, trade, and urbanization increase the risk of virus transmission to humans.
A study of 13,000 urgent GP referrals found that higher early warning scores are associated with quicker ambulance transfers and faster hospital reviews. Patients with the highest scores were nearly five times more likely to have sepsis and eight times more likely to die within two days of admission.
The NHS could save up to £89 million annually by implementing widely available diagnostic tests, reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The study found that 80-90% accurate point-of-care tests can help distinguish between bacterial and viral infections.
The 2018 Saddleworth Moor Fire in Northern England had a significant impact on air quality, with poor conditions affecting over 4.5 million people. The fires caused substantial increases in PM2.5 pollution, resulting in up to 165% more deaths brought forward due to pollution.
A study of 109 deceased patients found that mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia was concentrated among patients above 65 years old, especially those with major comorbidities. Patients admitted to the ICU lived longer than those who weren
A new Stanford study finds that deforestation and agriculture expansion increase human-wild primate interactions, leading to a higher risk of zoonotic diseases. The researchers suggest creating buffer zones around biodiversity-rich forests and providing alternative resources to reduce pressure on people to venture into forested areas.
A new genome editing system has been developed to enhance the efficiency of an error-free DNA repair pathway, which could help improve agronomic traits in multiple crops. The system uses Cas9 and VirD2 to facilitate homology-directed repair, increasing the rate of precise genetic modifications.
A recent survey study published in JAMA Internal Medicine investigated public concerns about COVID-19 symptoms and individual actions taken to mitigate the pandemic. The study found that many Americans were worried about their own health, family safety, and economy amidst the pandemic.
Researchers at NIH defined a critical window for visual event detection in mice, revealing the superior colliculus plays a crucial role. Inhibiting this region impaired event perception and made mice more susceptible to distracting visuals.
A study found that 54.8% of COVID-19 cases imported to Brazil by March 5 came from Italy, while 24.9% traveled from Italy to São Paulo. The virus spread quickly in Brazil, with the first cases reported in São Paulo City, and sustained community transmission now prevails.
A team of scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that distinct serotonergic receptor types control the gain of both streams of information in a separable manner. This finding may facilitate new concepts of diagnosis and therapy for neuronal disorders related to malfunction of the serotonin system.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have created a minimally invasive technique to determine the sex of sea turtle hatchlings using small blood samples. This method is more reliable and efficient than existing methods, providing valuable insights into the impact of climate change on imperiled turtle species.
Bilaterally symmetrical flowers can restore their 'correct' orientation by moving individual flower stems or even the stalk that supports a cluster of flowers. This ability helps them attract pollinators and produce seeds. In contrast, radially symmetrical flowers lack this ability and rarely recover after an injury.
Scientists have discovered that the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects progenitor cells in the lungs and bronchi, which are responsible for producing cilia that sweep mucus and bacteria out of the lungs. The virus acts in a highly selective manner, dependent on certain human cells to spread and replicate.
Researchers have found that tuning the thickness of butterfly wing scales' bottom layer creates iridescent colors, a process known as structural coloration. The study reveals a consistent relationship between lamina thickness and scale color in various species.
The European Union Twinning project will fund the training of young researchers from Masaryk University at Mainz University's Institute of Molecular Biology. The three-year project aims to establish a leading-edge cluster for RNA research at Masaryk University.
A study found that parents and infants both experience a slowed heart rate during hugs, while younger infants also show relaxation when their back is pressed by a parent's hand. The research suggests that hugs play an important role in early bonding between parents and children.
Researchers used computer modeling to understand sources and distribution of arsenic-polluted groundwater, pinpointing the source to river muds that fuelled biogeochemical reactions. The model highlighted four key factors influencing arsenic release at surface water/groundwater interfaces.
Researchers develop vaccine candidate using RNA virus to produce S protein, triggering immune responses against coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2. The approach effectively blocks MERS virus infections in mice, suggesting potential for COVID-19 prevention.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University finds that celiac disease is associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. The study examined almost 50,000 patients with celiac disease and found a 21% increase in overall mortality compared to controls.
A Baylor University study found that college students who listened to classical music during a lecture and in their sleep performed better on a test the next day. However, over time, scores dropped to 'floor level' as performance averaged less than 25% for both groups.
Researchers created tiny biohybrid swimmers that can personalize drug delivery to treat tumors. The biohybrid swimmers, powered by genetically engineered E. coli MG1655 and red blood cell nanoerythrosomes, demonstrated a reduced immune response due to their nanoscale size.
The Great Barrier Reef has suffered its third coral bleaching event in just five years, with the most recent event being the worst. Severe bleaching has struck all three regions of the reef, causing widespread damage to coral habitats.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new microscopy technique that allows them to visualize the dynamics of protein assemblies in cells, providing insights into cellular muscle movements. The study reveals that myosin proteins exhibit different regimes of fluctuations, enabling the cell to exert forces and propagate.
Researchers found that a small presence of sulfur in the atmosphere can lead to three times more haze particles, primarily organic sulfur products. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about sulfur's role in exoplanet atmospheres and highlights the importance of caution when interpreting spectroscopic data.
A genetic variant in the MET gene has been identified as a driver of more aggressive growth in head and neck and lung cancers in Asians. The study suggests that targeting the variant may lead to improved disease outcomes through precision medicine.
University of Groningen researchers used nanopore technology to observe a single enzyme in four different folded states, which play an active role in the reaction mechanism. The study's findings have significant implications for enzyme engineering and the development of inhibitors.
A new study led by Dr. Asta Audzijonyte found that changes in water temperature drive changes in average fish species sizes across time and spatial scales. Tropical species tend to get smaller at warmer end of their distribution ranges, while larger species tend to increase in size.
The study reveals how ancient peoples in Arabia adapted to arid conditions through mobility, water management, and economic transformation. In contrast, southeastern populations relied on coastal resources during droughts, highlighting the importance of considering regional responses to climate change.
The number of people with clinically complex health and social needs is increasing. Effective solutions require micro- and macro-level innovations that prioritize public and private investments in addressing health inequities.
Researchers have discovered a new antiviral drug called EIDD-2801 that could change the way doctors treat COVID-19. The drug has shown promise in reducing lung damage and has been found to be effective in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Physicists have successfully isolated and characterized Bethe strings in a real solid for the first time. The team used high magnetic fields to investigate SrCo2V2O8 crystals, obtaining a phase diagram that confirms their presence.
A new study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that ride-hailing trips increase the number of crashes for motorists and pedestrians at pick-up and drop-off locations. The research used data for individual ride-hailing trips and found no link between ride-hailing and cyclist or taxi crashes.
A new study from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reveals the ocean's biological carbon pump is more efficient than previously estimated, capturing twice as much carbon as thought. This discovery has significant implications for future climate assessments and policy.
Scientists have developed new methods to analyze individual proteins in marine protists, enabling studies on how these tiny organisms respond to environmental changes. The research sheds light on seasonal fluctuations and climate change impacts, providing insights into global cycles driven by phytoplankton.
Researchers discovered fossils of a group called euthycarcinoids in Scotland, which share similarities with living myriapods. These findings provide an early aquatic ancestor to land-dwelling arthropods, bridging the gap between molecular divergence dates and terrestrial fossil records
The Belle II experiment at SuperKEKB Collider has performed the first searches for low mass Z' bosons, hypothetical new particles that could connect ordinary and dark matter. Researchers aim to identify unexpected physical phenomena and develop new principles to improve understanding of the universe.
Researchers create a radiotracer labelled with the fluorine isotope 18F, enabling visualization of special transport proteins often found in cancer cells. The new compound has a relatively short half-life of 110 minutes and can be produced automatically.
A recent study used the MEDSLIK-II model to forecast the spread of an oil spill, predicting its arrival at French beaches 7 days in advance. The collaboration between CMCC Foundation and REMPEC ensured timely exchange of information, producing accurate forecasts that aided coastal preparedness.
Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize the formation of Sup35NM amyloid fibrils in real time. They discovered that oligomers and fibrils have distinct structural characteristics, challenging previous assumptions about their relationship.
Researchers found that fish and zooplankton behavior are disrupted by artificial light during the polar night, affecting stock assessments of commercial and non-commercial fish species. They also discovered that this disruption occurs as far down as the Mesopelagic Zone, where it can impact fisheries surveys.
A study from Kumamoto University predicts Alport syndrome severity by examining the causative protein genotype, providing a new tool for precision medicine. The researchers developed a system to analyze type IV collagen trimer formation and secretion, which helps identify pathogenic mutations and predict disease severity.
Researchers often overlook comorbidities in Tourette syndrome, but it is an intersection of multiple medical conditions. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for effective treatment and patient evaluation.
Biofuels have yet to reach cost parity with conventional petroleum fuels, but engineers can engineer plants to produce valuable chemical compounds as they grow. A new study defines the optimal amount of bioproducts plants need to produce for a cost-effective process, promising cheaper alternatives to petroleum fuels.
Tropical Cyclone Harold has caused severe flooding and property damage in Vanuatu, with NASA's GPM satellite detecting heavy rainfall rates of up to 48 mm per hour. The cyclone is now a Category 4 storm, forecasted to continue affecting Fiji later this week.