A new pre-clinical study identified genes linked with the development of brain folds in the grey matter of the brain. The research found differences in genetic expression and neuron shape during the folding process, which can lead to cognitive deficits and neurological conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
Scientists develop a strategy to synthesize biomolecule-metalorganic frameworks with high bioactivity by adding peptides as modulators. These biohybrids can mimic cellular cascades and function as optical glucose sensors, offering potential for industrial applications.
A study found that local authorities' spending cuts on alcohol services are associated with increased hospital admissions. The research, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from 2012 to 2019 and found a link between reduced funding for specialist treatment and higher rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations.
Researchers have discovered that charcoal nanoparticles can effectively combat damaging levels of superoxides, which are toxic at high concentrations. The nanozymes could aid in the treatment of COVID-19 patients by reducing radical oxygen ions produced in response to an injury or stroke.
A Berkeley Lab-led team has gained insight into bacterial DNA packing, enabling potential control over microbial behavior. Researchers at JBEI have developed synthetic biology tools unlocking complex plant engineering, allowing for more sophisticated traits in plants. High-performance windows with reduced energy consumption will be ins...
Before state-level stay-at-home policies were implemented, individuals in the US reduced their movement, which was strongly correlated with a decline in COVID-19 case growth. This suggests that social distancing played a crucial role in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Materials scientists at Northwestern University have discovered a small number of impurity atoms that contribute to the strength but also make human enamel more soluble. The study, using atomic-scale resolution, sheds light on the spatial distribution of these impurities in the enamel's core-shell structure.
A checklist for health communicators has been outlined to tackle risk communication challenges related to COVID-19, focusing on proactive approaches and people-centered strategies. The five-objective framework aims to enhance global health communication during a crisis.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have created a new thermoplastic biomaterial with shape memory properties, enabling it to be stretched and molded but reforming into its original shape when heated. The material offers a stable, long-lasting option for medical devices such as bone replacements.
A new hybrid prevention program aims to prevent prescription drug abuse among high school students by providing valuable life skills and resiliency training. The program, developed by Dr. Kenneth W. Griffin, uses a combination of online e-learning modules and interactive sessions to promote pro-health attitudes and behaviors.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a new test strip that can detect adulterated food with high accuracy, solving the problem of people paying more for their food than it's worth. The technology aims to replace current tests that are expensive, complicated or less effective, and is scheduled for completion in 2023.
A new study has dissected the unique phenomenon of fertility-sterility transition at molecular level using systems biology approach in a single environment-sensitive genic male sterile (EGMS) line of pigeonpea. The research identified key transcription factor REVEILLE1 regulating auxin levels to explain fertility transition.
A NIH-funded study has revealed unprecedented atomic details of human tooth enamel structure and composition, including the presence of minor elements such as magnesium and sodium. The findings suggest that these irregularities may introduce areas of strain in the crystallite, potentially making enamel stronger overall.
Scientists have discovered a new approach to treating Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease by targeting toxic proteins that prevent myelin production. The treatment, which uses antisense oligonucleotides, reduced symptoms and extended lifespan in laboratory studies.
A novel wearable device tracks key COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, and coughing. The device, which sits at the base of the throat, measures vibrations and temperature to identify potential infections earlier.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a novel sperm selection technology that uses microfluidic chip technology to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates. The technique successfully collects and selects fertile sperm with high viability, resulting in higher fertilization rates.
A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that TMAO, a compound produced in the gut from red meat metabolism, impairs artery function and hastens aging. Adults with higher blood levels of TMAO had significantly worse artery function and greater signs of oxidative stress.
Researchers from WRAIR and partners discuss the need for controlled human infection models (CHIMs) to study SARS-CoV-2, but note they won't advance current vaccines. CHIMs could provide valuable insights into vaccine efficacy and the virus's progression within the body.
Scientists have discovered an exoplanet with an exposed core, similar in size to Neptune, orbiting a star about 730 light years away. The researchers believe the planet may be a gas giant that lost its atmosphere or failed to form one due to special circumstances.
A recent poll shows New Yorkers are growing more hesitant about resuming normal activities due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. Employment and housing worries remain a significant concern for many respondents. Meanwhile, less than a third of those who received food assistance report it is meeting their needs.
Between 2007 and 2016, approximately 40% of U.S. adults screened positive for depression and received treatment, representing an increase from around 32% in the early 2000s. This trend is likely due to increased awareness and reduced stigma surrounding mental health issues.
A new study found that mothers who receive help from their congregation have higher fertility rates and better child cognitive development. The research suggests that religion supports cooperative breeding strategies, allowing women to have more children without sacrificing their children's success.
Researchers found that only 65% of excess deaths were attributed to COVID-19, with over a third linked to other causes. Deaths from heart disease, diabetes, and stroke spiked in states hardest hit by the virus.
Research from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that light pollution can significantly increase the number of insects consumed by invasive cane toads. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used outdoor enclosures with artificial lights to test the impact on the toad's diet.
A new study published in Neurology found no difference in developmental and behavioral outcomes for children who had febrile seizures after vaccination, compared to those with febrile seizures not associated with vaccination or never having a seizure. This reassuring news supports the safety of vaccines.
Researchers have created a new process for depositing ultra-thin layers of zinc oxide, which can be used to produce high-quality gas sensors and barrier layers. The non-pyrophoric precursor allows for safe handling and low-temperature processing, enabling the coating of plastics.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease does not significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that factors such as age, hallucinations, and cerebral hemorrhage during surgery were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
The NIH ACTIV working group assesses practical considerations for using controlled human infection models to support SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. The authors conclude that large, randomized trials are the fastest path forward for establishing vaccine safety and efficacy.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic shares similarities with global heating and species extinction, highlighting the need for early intervention and collective action. Researchers argue that delays in addressing these crises have devastating consequences, including loss of life and economic damage.
New research suggests a link between lifetime discrimination and the development of hypertension in African Americans. The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, found that greater lifetime discrimination was associated with an increased risk for hypertension.
Researchers at Mainz University have developed a technique that can halve the energy required to write data to servers by utilizing piezoelectric crystals. This innovation enables complex server architectures and reduces energy consumption, which is projected to increase significantly in the IT sector.
Researchers discovered a protein called Pdap1 that supports B cells in producing effective antibodies while protecting them from cell death. The protein helps B cells cope with stress and promotes antibody gene diversification, ensuring a strong humoral immune response.
Two new studies reveal individual cells maintain internal clocks through a combination of genetic and random mechanisms. These findings suggest that cellular periodicity is influenced by epigenetic control and may hold insights into aging and cancer.
New research from Saarland University suggests that low levels of the stress hormone cortisol and protein GILZ can trigger chronic inflammatory responses in the body. This leads to macrophage ageing, which impairs immune cells' ability to control inflammation, resulting in increased pro-inflammatory signalling molecules.
The discovery of two underwater archaeological sites off northwest Australia dates back to when the current seabed was dry land. Hundreds of stone tools made by Aboriginal peoples have been found at these sites, providing new evidence of their ways of life.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified hundreds of new information exchange points between plant proteins, revealing that most proteins function in multiple signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to new strategies for biotechnological development or breeding of plants to address climate change challenges.
A new study suggests that exercise can reduce the development of macular degeneration by up to 45% in lab mice. The research also implies that regular physical activity may benefit other causes of vision loss, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
A University of Göttingen research team found that black soldier fly larvae meal and spirulina can be included in poultry feed without negatively impacting quality. Microalgae are also a potential alternative to soybean meal, but remain more expensive due to production costs.
A significant loss of intestinal goblet cells following allogeneic stem cell transplantation leads to bacterial invasion and poor prognosis. Administering IL-25 prior to transplantation can significantly reduce bacterial invasion by maintaining the mucus layer.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a system that combines iPhone videos to create 4D visualizations, allowing viewers to watch action from various angles. The method uses convolutional neural nets and can be applied to a wide range of scenes, including those shot independently from different vantage points.
The American Journal of Roentgenology is implementing an author-centered peer-review system to streamline the submission process and provide rapid initial decisions. The journal is also rapidly publishing accepted manuscripts as Online First, expediting timely research for radiologists and allied scientists.
A team of researchers at The University of Tokyo and Fudan University studied crystallization processes when multiple structural arrangements are possible. They found that transient precursors of various crystalline orderings coexist and compete with each other, leading to complex crystal engineering methods.
The Center for Applied Genomics at CHOP will focus on five areas of research, including generating polygenic risk scores for common diseases and returning genomic risk assessments to children and their families. The study aims to identify disease risks faced by African American children and improve health outcomes.
Stanford researchers developed a new ultrafast insulin formulation that stabilizes monomeric insulin for over 24 hours, allowing it to take effect almost immediately upon injection. The formulation could potentially reduce the time it takes for insulin to reach peak activity by four-fold.
Researchers analyzed groundwater level changes around Kumamoto City after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, finding a significant increase in groundwater levels due to increased permeability of the mountain aquifer. The study suggests that earthquakes can alter hydrological environments and release water from mountains.
A recent study found that 15.8% of spinal surgery authors had payments reported, but only 78% were accurately disclosed. The study suggests standardizing COI reporting and actively querying public databases to improve transparency.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that women with gestational hypertension are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and heart failure. Women who experienced high blood pressure during their first pregnancy were 45% more likely to develop overall cardiovascular disease.
Chronic exposure to thiamethoxam has negative impacts on black garden ants, compromising colony survivorship. The study highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to prevent damage to natural ecosystems.
Researchers from Innovation Center of NanoMedicine and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science are developing an mRNA vaccine with immunostimulatory adjuvant functionality. The technology uses smart nanomachines to produce vaccines efficiently and at a low cost, tackling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and potential future new co...
Researchers found a statistically significant difference in storm structure between those producing tornadoes and non-tornadic supercells, which could lead to more accurate warnings. The study suggests using polarimetric radar data to identify the orientation of raindrop shapes, potentially improving tornado warning times.
Research by Binghamton University faculty highlights Spanish language's growing impact on US politics, with key findings including increased use of Spanish in campaign speeches and debates. The study suggests a divide between Democratic and Republican parties on the role of Spanish in election discourse.
Researchers used structured illumination microscopy and expansion microscopy to visualize the three-dimensional ultrastructure of the synaptonemal complex in mouse cells. The study revealed a far more complex structure than previously assumed, with details of molecular organization that were previously hidden.
A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison found that showing people how their peers feel about diversity can increase tolerance, reduce exclusion, and close racial achievement gaps. The intervention, which used social marketing strategies, resulted in enhanced sense of belonging among marginalized groups and reduced intergroup a...
Researchers have developed a low-cost and reliable method to synthesize functional silica beads using a Teflon pipe. The new approach enables efficient mixing of precursor fluids and produces uniform-sized particles with improved homogeneity.
Academics urge government to introduce statutory levy to deliver reductions in gambling harms, citing industry influence and current lack of regulation. They also highlight the need for independent research funding to prevent gambling harms.
A Japanese task force aims to identify genetic factors contributing to COVID-19 severity and develop an effective mucosal vaccine. By analyzing patient samples, the team hopes to uncover unique genetic susceptibilities associated with Japanese populations.
Adults who meet recommended weekly physical activity levels have a significantly lower risk of death. Engaging in sufficient muscle strengthening and aerobic activities provides greater survival benefits, with those fully meeting guidelines experiencing a 40% lower risk of death from any cause.
Researchers have identified two submerged archaeological sites off the Australian coast, dating back at least 7,000 and 8,500 years. The findings demonstrate the potential of new exploratory techniques for locating ancient cultural artefacts on the continental shelf.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that commercially available fireworks emit toxic metals such as lead, copper, and titanium, which can damage human cells and animal lungs. Exposure to these particles was also linked to increased oxidation in the body, a chemical process that can cause cell damage.
Researchers at MIT's LIGO Laboratory measure quantum noise affecting 40-kilogram mirrors, displacing them by 10-20 meters, a confirmed prediction by quantum mechanics. The team uses a novel instrument called a quantum squeezer to isolate and quantify the quantum effect.