A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that delaying radiation therapy for men with unfavorable intermediate-risk or high-risk localized prostate cancer, who are receiving radiation and hormone therapy, is unlikely to impact survival. This flexibility in radiation timing could help patients minimize exposure to COVID-19 by s...
Researchers used nationwide cancer mapping statistics to develop a mathematical model that reveals patterns of cancer incidence by remoteness. The study found cancers having higher incidence in remote areas include head and neck, liver, lung, oesophageal, cervical, and uterine cancers.
A team of researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown found that the ovipositor, a temporary tube-like structure protruding from the female's abdomen, stimulates the male to attempt mating. The study reveals a sequence of steps in male-female communication that resolves contradictory reports on courtship and copulation.
Researchers at Lund University found that a strict six-week low-calorie diet had the greatest positive effect on health markers after bariatric surgery. The operation itself caused minor changes, and most effects disappeared after six weeks.
Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University propose using plant-based hydrogels to grow tissues and organs, and as a delivery vehicle for highly toxic drugs. The hydrogels can suppress cell proliferation in malignant brain tumors and preserve neural stem cells' potential.
Researchers have assembled a comprehensive checklist of Panama's tree species, including their estimated geographic ranges, providing a quantitative basis for assessing extinction risk and guiding conservation efforts. The study found that 16.2% of Panama's tree species had ranges less than 20,000 km2, signaling endangered status.
A new study by John Innes Centre researchers sheds light on the evolution and function of diverse shapes in nature, using Capsella seed pods as a model. The discovery reveals a post-translational effect beyond gene expression, controlling organ-shape formation through protein modification.
Researchers at the University of Delaware used supercomputing resources to gain insights into the hepatitis B virus's genetic blueprint and how its protein shell assembles itself. They found that a mutation impairs this assembly process, revealing communication between different regions of the protein.
The large-scale production of COVID-19 vaccines will necessitate the sharing of manufacturing knowledge to ensure rapid and effective scale-up. This includes disclosure of necessary information from patents, which can facilitate international collaboration and standardization.
A task force review of mobile health technologies found that wearable sensors and electronic patient-reported data can monitor COVID-19 patients at home and predict those who need medical intervention. The technologies also show promise for monitoring and predicting coronavirus exposure in people presumed to be free of infection.
The study highlights Guadalquivir and Guadiana estuaries as breeding areas due to specific water conditions, including salinity gradient and turbidity. These factors enable high densities of early stages fish and macro-zooplankton, crucial for fish growth.
Scientists have observed interaction between therapeutic antibodies and target protein for first time, describing molecular mechanisms. This discovery opens way to development of new synthetic antibodies controlling patient's immune response.
Researchers used ancestral sequencing to study the translational machinery in bacteria, finding that evolution prioritizes fixing problems over completing them. The team discovered that natural selection favors mutations with the largest fitness advantage, leading to a myopic approach that neglects other cellular modules.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh developed a sustainable method to produce adipic acid, a key component of nylon, using genetically modified bacteria grown in liquid solutions containing guaiacol. This approach produces adipic acid without emitting nitrous oxide greenhouse gases.
Researchers found treponematoses in ancient human remains from Finland, Estonia, and the Netherlands, dating back to the 15th-18th century. This suggests that syphilis may have originated or developed in Europe before Columbus' voyages to America.
Researchers at EPFL uncover key role of Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor (BAF) in preventing cGAS-STING pathway activation, which stops cells from attacking their own DNA. This discovery sheds new light on complex processes involved in the body's inflammatory response.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin created a new tool to help Facebook users discern real from fake news. The study found that combining two simple interventions, including a stop sign icon and a strong statement, had a significant effect on helping people think critically. The researchers suggest that Facebook can improv...
Scientists discovered human monoclonal antibodies specific to HBV surface antigens in natural controllers, which showed neutralizing ability and capabilities of blocking viral infection. The findings highlight a promising therapeutic tool for treating chronic HBV infection and may provide an alternative to existing treatments.
Two types of solar cells, perovskite and organic, were tested in space as part of the MAPHEUS 8 program, achieving efficiency levels of 25% and generating power under exceptional conditions. The results show promise for future aerospace applications, particularly for missions to the outer solar system.
Research finds global land monsoon summer precipitation increased by 2.54% and 5.75% in lowest and highest emission scenarios respectively, driven by thermodynamic responses to increased moisture. Model spread in projection was larger for higher emission scenarios, emphasizing importance of circulation change prediction.
Researchers from the University of Otago have discovered that viruses can use a 'decoy' strategy to evade the immune system. By acquiring a membrane inside the nucleus of infected cells, these viruses can travel through different environments and avoid detection by the immune system.
Obesity, as measured by body mass index and abdominal fat content, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and progression of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Lower physical fitness levels are also linked to a higher cardiovascular risk.
A team of researchers has identified four subtypes of cells in triple negative breast cancer that contain promising new therapeutic targets. The study found that one subtype produces molecules that suppress immune cells, which may help cancer cells evade the immune system.
Interplanting native tree species like rosewood and amarillo with teak in Central America's nutrient-poor soils improves soil health, increases water management, and boosts biodiversity. These findings suggest a more sustainable approach to reforestation and may protect the Panama Canal from flooding and drought.
Researchers discovered that the unexpected dimming of supergiant star Betelgeuse was most likely caused by an immense amount of hot material ejected into space, forming a dust cloud that blocked light from about a quarter of the star's surface. The resulting dust cloud led to the star returning to normal brightness in April 2020.
A Linköping University study found that employers in Sweden reject transgender people for jobs more often, with 18% more likelihood of cis person getting positive response. Discrimination varies by occupation type, with greater differences in male-dominated fields.
Researchers have designed an off-grid, low-cost modular energy source that can efficiently produce power at night. The rooftop radiative cooling system uses commercially available technology and can generate up to 2.2 Watts per square meter, enough to power sensors in security or environmental applications.
A Georgetown University Medical Center-developed online COVID-19 symptom tracking tool enables individuals to monitor their symptoms while maintaining confidentiality. The system assigns a unique identifier and provides actionable reports on symptoms requiring medical attention.
A University of Georgia study found a strong correlation between antibiotic resistance and heavy metal contamination in the environment. Soils contaminated with heavy metals had higher levels of specific bacterial hosts carrying antibiotic-resistant genes.
NASA's Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) has observed unusual dimming in Betelgeuse, a star experiencing an early minimum brightness cycle. The observations, made between late June and early August, show that the star is dimming unexpectedly again, adding to ongoing questions about its behavior.
A long-term study in Southeast Asian rainforests found that active restoration accelerates forest recovery, with areas recovering up to 50% faster than those left to regenerate naturally. However, the high cost of restoration currently limits its impact on mitigating climate change.
Houston Methodist reports a significant increase in Hispanic COVID-19 patients from 26% to 43%, with a demographic shift toward a younger patient population, according to a peer-reviewed study published in JAMA.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsens existing health disparities in cancer patients, with marginalized communities facing poorer treatment outcomes. Healthcare providers must acknowledge these disparities to deliver equitable care.
A recent study at University of Cambridge found that placing vegetarian options in a prominent location increases sales of plant-based dishes. The researchers experimented with different arrangements and gaps between meat and veggie options, finding that a significant gap was necessary to boost green eating.
Researchers sequenced ancient DNA from 14 woolly rhinoceroses and found that the species remained stable and diverse until temperatures rose too high for them, leading to extinction around 18,500 years ago. Genetic mutations helped the animals adapt to colder weather, but climate change ultimately contributed to their demise.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have identified the structure of blue whirls, which produce almost no soot when burning. The team discovered that vortex breakdown enables the blue-whirl structure to emerge, comprising three flames meeting in a triple flame ring.
Researchers found an association between recent weight loss and increased pancreatic cancer risk among individuals with diabetes, especially those with a longer duration of diabetes. The study suggests that maintaining weight loss may be crucial in reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer in people with diabetes.
A study examined the association between radiotherapy timing and overall survival in patients with prostate cancer. The analysis of National Cancer Database data found that delaying radiotherapy relative to androgen deprivation therapy was associated with improved overall survival.
Researchers compared tear composition in birds, reptiles, and humans, discovering similar electrolyte levels but distinct crystal structures. The study's findings may lead to new insights into the evolution of tears across species and improved treatments for eye health.
Chemists at Scripps Research have created three families of complex, oxygen-containing molecules that are normally obtainable only from plants. The key to this new method is harnessing natural enzymes--from bacteria--to assist in complex chemical transformations.
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a novel ultrasonic imaging device that can optically display an acoustic signal on the surface of a piezoelectric transducer. This approach eliminates electrical signal processing altogether, resulting in reduced costs and increased efficiency. The technology has the potential ...
Researchers found that fingolimod inhibits multiple stages of the HIV lifecycle, blocking infection and transmission in CD4+ T cells. The study suggests that targeting Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors could be a novel strategy to inhibit HIV replication.
Researchers found that 1.1 million unique acronyms are causing confusion, ambiguity, and misunderstanding in science. The top 20 most widely used acronyms have multiple common meanings, making science less accessible.
New observations by Hubble reveal a massive dust cloud formed when superhot plasma was unleashed from an upwelling of a large convection cell on the star's surface, blocking light from about a quarter of Betelgeuse's surface.
A study investigated the association between icatibant, a bradykinin 2 receptor antagonist, and improved oxygenation in COVID-19 patients. The findings suggest that icatibant may be beneficial in treating COVID-19 by improving oxygenation, and more research is needed to confirm these results.
Researchers found that plant genetic variation influences root flavonoids and soil microbial community composition, which can be impacted by frost. The study suggests that flavonoid production and interactions with microorganisms may provide tolerance to cold and frost stress in sorghum.
Research integrates ecology, evolution and social sciences to highlight relationships between systemic racism and ecological heterogeneity. Neighborhood wealth and racial composition are found to be stronger predictors of urban socio-ecological patterns than wealth.
Researchers from NUS identified covalently closed circular RNAs (circRNAs) from the ASXL1 gene involved in leukemia development and found that circASXL1-1 regulates BAP1 deubiquitinase activity. The study provides insights into a new mechanism for H2AK119ub levels regulation, which could lead to targeted therapeutic approaches.
Researchers discovered that mitochondria regulate the key event of neural stem cells becoming nerve cells during brain development. The study found that mitochondrial dynamics are important to cell fate choice and that this influence is limited to a specific time window, twice as long in humans compared to mice.
Researchers identified a previously unknown subset of Type III cells that are broadly responsive to different tastes, revolutionizing our knowledge of taste detection. This discovery provides new insights into how taste information is sent to the brain and suggests that taste buds are more complex than initially thought.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Cefas highlights the potential risks of microplastics carrying pathogens, which could threaten food production and safety. The research found high levels of bacteria on microplastic particles, including those that can cause disease in humans and animals.
A food-based approach using clinically-proven diet interventions can significantly lower cholesterol levels and reduce healthcare costs. The study found that successfully managing hyperlipidemia with Step One Foods could lead to billions of medical savings annually for the entire Medicare privately insured population.
Researchers found that COVID-19 symptoms progress from fever, cough, and muscle pain to nausea and vomiting before potentially leading to diarrhea. This knowledge can help doctors diagnose patients earlier and reduce hospitalization time.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used single-cell analysis to uncover new details about mitochondrial diseases, including lower levels of disease-causing mutations in certain immune cells. This discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and monitoring of the diseases, as well as potential new therapeutic strategies.
Research finds strong association between smoking and reduced cancer screening services use among postmenopausal women, leading to advanced disease diagnosis. Current smokers are nearly 3 times as likely to be diagnosed with late stage breast cancer, and over twice as likely to be diagnosed with late stage bowel cancer.
A team of UChicago scientists developed a technique that allows quantum systems to stay operational for up to 22 milliseconds, four orders of magnitude higher than before. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize quantum communication, computing, and sensing by enabling new research opportunities in quantum engineering.
A new liquid biopsy test has been developed to detect cancer by analyzing protein biomarkers from tumors in the blood. The study found that this approach showed a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting different types of cancer, including breast, colon, and lung cancers.
A Brown University team has created a copper catalyst that can produce C2-plus compounds from CO2 with remarkable efficiency, surpassing other reported efficiencies. The catalyst's high selectivity is attributed to surface defects, which are crucial for carbon-carbon coupling reactions.
Researchers have identified specific bacterial species that boost T-cell immunity and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating certain cancers. The discovery may lead to new treatments by harnessing the power of the microbiome to target cancer cells.
Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) have developed an AI system that recognizes human hand gestures with high precision. The system combines skin-like electronics with computer vision and achieves accuracy even in poor environmental conditions.