Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a protein called Meis1 that works with Hoxb13 to stop heart cell division, but deleting both genes can help heart cells regenerate. This finding could lead to new treatments for heart failure and other conditions.
Researchers analyzed 14 corridors in 6 cities, finding bike lanes had either positive or non-significant impacts on sales and employment. The study boosted business and employment in the retail and food service sectors, with the food industry benefiting most often.
Global efforts to combat COVID-19 involve leveraging computing power and collaboration across disciplines. Researchers worldwide have access to free computing resources through consortia such as Google's cloud services and Oak Ridge National Laboratory's supercomputers.
Researchers analyzed data from Chinese men who recently had COVID-19 and found no evidence of the virus in semen or testes. However, the study's limitations mean it cannot fully rule out the possibility of sexual transmission.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a key receptor for dopamine called D2R that intervenes in cocaine's modifying functions in the striatum. Disrupting D2R signaling may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers at ORNL successfully demonstrated a 20-kilowatt bi-directional wireless charging system on a UPS truck, transferring power across an 11-inch air gap with over 92% efficiency. The technology also supports energy storage and expands possibilities for fleets to utilize vehicle battery storage.
Researchers found that rapid-acting antidepressants share the ability to regulate both synaptic potentiation and reciprocal homeostatic mechanisms, which weaken synaptic strength during sleep. This suggests that slow-wave responses could be a useful measure for determining treatment efficacy and developing novel treatments.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a tin dioxide semiconductor with the highest mobility ever reported, enabling more efficient solar panels and touch-sensitive displays. This breakthrough could lead to improved transparency and conductivity in materials, benefiting various industries.
University of Oregon researchers conclude that many Americans can be classified as dehumanizers, with views on social harms predicting attitudes towards immigrants. The study found that those who endorse harsh policies on gun rights and the death penalty are more likely to dehumanize immigrants.
Researchers created an artificial nonstick surface inspired by spider combs, reducing adhesive forces and handling synthetic nanomaterials. The nanostructure, patterned onto a foil surface, performed almost as well as the natural version in tests against spider silk.
A new systematic review highlights the importance of emotional and psychological support, community involvement, and personal growth for new mothers during the postnatal period. The study identified four recurring themes that shape a positive post-birth experience, providing insights for caregivers to improve maternal care.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism for Mycobacterium tuberculosis to import vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for the pathogen's growth. The Rv1819c protein was found to be capable of importing B12 and transporting other molecules, making it an attractive target for developing anti-TB drugs.
Researchers at the University of Miami found that prolonged and extreme rainfall in Hawaii's Big Island triggered the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption. The team suggests local rainfall patterns contribute to timing and frequency of eruptions, with potential implications for other volcanoes.
The team's microsensors can measure inputs like voltage and temperature in hard-to-reach environments, such as inside living tissue. They successfully embedded a sensor in brain tissue and wirelessly relayed the results, paving the way for generations of microsensors that use less power while tracking more complicated phenomena.
A team of researchers is using artificial intelligence to screen small molecules against SARS-CoV-2 proteins, reducing the number from a billion to just a few thousand promising candidates. The approach uses deep learning and physics-based simulations to identify effective treatments, accelerating the discovery process.
Researchers discovered that nociceptin neurons in the hypothalamus of mice promote consumption of high-fat food. Removing these neurons from the brain eliminated overeating in mice.
Researchers found that a social marketing program, Fish Forever, increased community support for sustainable fishing practices. The program's customizable approach and community-led initiatives helped shift social norms and improve perception of management interventions.
A new protocol using highly sensitive blood tests can quickly determine whether someone is having a heart attack, allowing for efficient evaluation of patients with possible heart attacks. The study found that the process can 'rule out' heart attacks within one hour in over half of patients.
Researchers found that New Zealand blue whales forage more in areas with dense and shallow krill patches. The study also revealed the importance of drone footage in understanding surface feeding behavior, providing insights into decision-making processes and prey response.
Researchers at Ohio State University will investigate the short- and long-term effects of e-cigarettes on youth, including their impact on brain, lungs, and heart. The project aims to provide answers on effective regulations and cessation methods to help youth quit vaping.
The sweet potato microbiome research is a vital step towards increasing crop yields and disease resistance, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that the microbiome follows a two-step model of development, with variability across farms but commonalities within fields.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed an online tool that maps threats to tropical dry forests in Peru and Ecuador, advising local governments on forest restoration and conservation. The tool uses tree species traits to predict resilience and identify most-at-risk areas.
Researchers successfully reversed diabetes in mice by using genetically edited stem cells derived from patients with a rare genetic form of insulin-dependent diabetes. The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool corrected a genetic defect that caused the disease, allowing the human stem cells to normalize blood sugar levels.
Researchers have created next-gen perovskite solar cells that generate electricity while allowing light to pass through, transforming windows into active power generators. Two square meters of solar window can produce the same amount of electricity as a standard rooftop solar panel.
A UC Davis study found that promoting e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to combustible cigarettes backfired, resulting in increased social valuations of e-cigarettes as bad or worse than cigarettes. The study analyzed over 1,200 documents and conducted interviews with policymakers, public health advocates, and industry leaders.
The Asia-Pacific region has launched expedited review processes for COVID-19 treatment and vaccine trials, with South Korea offering approval in under 9 days. Novotech is a leading contract research organization (CRO) in the region, supporting vital research with its fast-track services.
Researchers have created a novel vaccine delivery technology using a finger-tip sized patch with tiny needles that penetrate the skin, releasing molecules to prompt immune responses. The technology has shown improved immunogenicity, including cellular immune responses, and potential advantages in ease of fabrication and storage.
A new deep learning model accurately localises the exact location of mandibular canals in lower jaws, making dental implant operations faster and more efficient. The model surpasses existing methods, such as statistical shape models, and performs equally fast and accurately every time.
A study found children are exposed to three times higher levels of PM2.5 during morning drop-offs due to idling cars. Researchers recommend safe parking and green hedges to reduce air pollution.
Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has been awarded a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contract to develop novel clinical outcome assessments for pediatric asthma. The project aims to create patient-focused drug development tools for children with asthma.
Chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) research reveals electrons are spin-polarized when passing through non-magnetic chiral molecules or crystals like CrNb3S6. This phenomenon is puzzling, but it may enable the creation of spin-polarized states in materials without magnets.
Research reveals TGF-β-driven reduction of cytoglobin (CYGB) in HSCs leads to oxidative DNA damage and liver fibrosis in NASH. CYGB has a protective effect on hepatic parenchymal cells by scavenging hydroxyl radicals.
A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that people aged 60-69 are at a higher risk of complications and death from COVID-19. The authors recommend stringent public health measures for this age group to reduce hospitalizations and deaths.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland developed a hybrid material combining mesoporous silicon microparticles and carbon nanotubes to improve silicon's performance in Li-ion batteries. The material was produced from barley husk ash, reducing its carbon footprint.
Two case studies highlight the use of tele-diabetes to manage new-onset type 1 diabetes in adults and infants during the pandemic. The technology showed improved outcomes with increased time-in-range, as patients received virtual management and dose adjustments.
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing a COVID-19 vaccine using a plant virus, which can be easily manufactured and distributed globally. The team plans to create slow-release microneedle patches that patients can self-administer, reducing barriers to vaccination in resource-poor areas.
Hospitalists are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, facing additional stressors including fear of illness, social distancing measures, isolation, and protracted uncertainty. The author of a commentary explains how hospitalists can manage their stress during this challenging time.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology have discovered a new microbe, Ethanoperedens thermophilum, that eats ethane and grows faster than previously known microbes. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of ethane degradation and its potential for biotechnological applications.
Researchers at CNIC discovered a biomarker, complement component 5 (C5), that detects atherosclerosis in its preclinical phase. Plasma levels of C5 can identify individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis, helping to select those who would benefit from more costly imaging analysis.
The University of Huddersfield's two-year project, ICE+, will see over 750 students from across seven schools work in inter-disciplinary teams to develop enterprise and innovation skills. The project aims to promote the benefits of employing graduate talent and boost local employment opportunities for former students.
A new study sheds light on the lesser-known internet crime of sextortion, which poses a threat to adults and minors. The research highlights the importance of protecting the public from online criminals and calls for increasing awareness and changing legislation to include other forms of internet-based sexual abuse crimes.
A recent study found that the progesterone receptor gene evolved rapidly in humans, but its function was compromised, potentially leading to complications like preterm birth. The research provides insight into the evolution of human pregnancy and raises more questions about this complex process.
A new algorithm for segmenting biological objects in complex images has been developed by Skoltech researchers. The method uses a two-step neural network training algorithm that can learn from small datasets and achieve high accuracy in isolating individual cells, organisms, and parts of plants.
A recent study published in Nature Cancer has revealed a critical pathway that regulates the production of PD-L1, a protein used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. By targeting this pathway, researchers hope to develop more effective cancer immunotherapies.
NEI researchers identify 2,054 differentially methylated regions in mouse rod photoreceptors, revealing distinct shifts in gene expression that contribute to age-related disease susceptibility. The study suggests targeting the epigenome as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent leading causes of vision loss, such as AMD.
A new study uses AI to identify a specific genetic mutation in glioma tumors, achieved with over 97% accuracy. The technology could simplify the process of detecting enzyme mutations and deciding on appropriate therapy, potentially revolutionizing brain cancer treatment.
The US Army has developed an isolation chamber that captures and removes viral particles from patients with COVID-19, allowing healthcare providers to perform airway management safely. The device may also reduce the need for intubation, potentially saving lives.
Researchers analyzed ancient pottery fragments from 61 sites in the Baltic region, revealing distinct food preferences and culinary practices among different groups. The study found evidence of dairy products in some vessels, suggesting cultural fusion with early farmers.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory developed a new electrode material for an electrochemical cell that can efficiently convert excess electricity and water into hydrogen. The device operates at temperatures as low as 400-600 degrees Celsius, making it more cost-effective and sustainable.
This study found that HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) cells exhibit enhanced radiosensitivity and increased cell motility after radiation therapy. In contrast, HPV-negative OPSCC cells show decreased radiosensitivity and reduced cell motility.
A new study reveals that only a small percentage of respiratory and intestinal cells express the necessary receptors, making them susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, the virus may exploit one of the body's main defenses, interferon, to gain entry into these cells.
A study published in Evolution Letters found that dog breeds do not exhibit the expected correlation between their physical traits and behavior, contradicting earlier hypotheses. This challenges our understanding of the domestication process and highlights the need to distinguish between domestication traits and improvement traits.
A new carbon dioxide sensor developed by Purdue University researchers can help manage climate control and indoor air quality, reducing energy consumption. The sensor uses resonant sensing and resistive sensing to detect CO2 levels, allowing heating and ventilation systems to adjust accordingly.
Assistant Professor Dr. Murtuza Jadliwala is developing a new approach to protect against uncoordinated sensing and actuation in modern ubiquitous environments. His project aims to provide holistic privacy protection by efficiently sharing sensitive user-contexts across diverse devices and applications.
Experts from Philadelphia's Temple University Hospital share their contingency plans for meeting increased demand for hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes staff training, infection control measures, and protocols for triaging patients with suspected COVID-19 infection.
A new species of green pit viper was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, India, and is named Trimeresurus salazar. The species is characterized by its unique orange to reddish stripe on the head and body of males.
Researchers discovered a potential new method to detect age-related macular degeneration using tetracycline staining and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Tiny deposits of lipids, proteins, and minerals under the retina can be visualized with this technique, offering enhanced early detection.
A UMass Amherst team is studying the microbial safety risks of processing leafy greens in washing machines, aiming to develop guidelines for safe use. The researchers are examining contamination risk factors, sanitation options, and best practices for farmers.
Researchers have developed a method to use ultrasound to insert a sugar molecule called trehalose into red blood cells, allowing them to last for years. This technique could increase the shelf life of blood donations from weeks to years.
Scientists have gained new insight into the conditions that control self-assembly in viral protein shells, which could lead to a promising new approach to hindering viral infections. The study highlights factors that can cause incorrect self-assembly and suggests manipulating these factors to induce misassembly could be effective.