Researchers found that deleting a key gene in mice just their fat tissue made them insulin resistant and had other effects. The findings shed light on Type 2 diabetes and could have implications for human disease.
A new study by Bocconi University predicts a decline in fertility rates worldwide due to economic uncertainty and increased childcare burdens. In high-income countries, lockdowns, school closures, and deteriorating economic outlooks are likely to postpone childbearing, accelerating population aging.
Researchers have designed a graded index waveguide that allows the width of a frequency comb to be more than doubled, compensating for material dispersion in silicon. This breakthrough enables the creation of chip-based frequency combs for high-precision spectroscopy and compact spectrometers.
Researchers have engineered a more stable SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that generates higher yields in the lab, accelerating vaccine development. The new design, called HexaPro, enables industrial production of subunit vaccines and improves DNA or mRNA-based vaccines.
A study analyzing 35 years of US agriculture data reveals a steady shift towards consolidation, with production moving to larger farms that cover almost all crop and livestock commodities. Smaller farms are becoming unsustainable, while family businesses still dominate the industry.
A team of researchers argues that investing $30 billion annually could pay for itself quickly by preventing the emergence of new viral pathogens. The proposed strategy focuses on monitoring and regulating the wildlife trade and reducing tropical deforestation, which are linked to two-thirds of emerging diseases in the past 50 years.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus finds that peer mentorship groups are better suited for fostering success among underrepresented groups. These groups provide flexible support and can be established online, making them an ideal option during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cancer researchers identified a previously unseen cell state that enables tumors to develop resistance to chemotherapy, and found this adaptable cell type in every tumor they examined. This discovery offers hope for developing targeted therapies to combat cancer's adaptability and provide longer-lasting remissions.
A comprehensive study found that the master's degree loan scheme in England substantially broadened socioeconomic class access to further education. The research shows increased master's enrollment rates and narrowing socioeconomic gaps among BME students.
A team of researchers found that 73 boreal bird species experienced a contraction in their breeding periods over a 43-year period, with most species starting to breed earlier and ending earlier. The study suggests that warmer temperatures may be causing this shift, allowing birds to take advantage of earlier food availability.
Hurricane Douglas rapidly intensified into a category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph, surrounded by powerful bands of thunderstorms. The storm's eye showed development of an eye and powerful thunderstorms circling it.
Researchers developed a novel three-dimensional imaging system that uses near-infrared light to diagnose cervical cancer faster and non-invasively than conventional methods. The system analyzes tissue biopsies in real-time without histopathological preparation, improving diagnosis accuracy and turnaround time.
Research reveals that lightning damages approximately 832 million tropical trees each year, with a quarter of them dying from injuries. The study found that lightning strikes are more frequent in forests, savannas, and urban areas, altering ecosystem dynamics.
Astronomers have spotted a spectacular UV flash accompanying a type Ia supernova, providing clues to understanding how white dwarfs explode and creating iron. The event may also shed light on dark energy and the universe's formation.
Researchers measure neurological responses to light pollution in wildlife, finding both magpies and pigeons' sleep disrupted by artificial white and amber lighting. The study suggests that using short-term solutions like switching off porch lights and installing sensor lights can help mitigate the impact of light pollution on bird sleep.
Researchers from UMD and international partners highlight the urgent issue of African vulture poisoning, which threatens global disease and biodiversity. A coordinated approach leveraging community engagement and pre-existing resources is recommended to maximize conservation impacts.
Researchers used the MADM technique to investigate how cells respond to changes in genomic imprinting. They found that cells activate certain gene groups involved in cell death, growth, and synapse development, particularly in astrocytes.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered a key role for an adaptor protein in forming the outer structure of vesicles, which are essential for transporting molecules within cells. This finding sheds new light on how cells move resources and could potentially lead to breakthroughs in drug delivery and virus entry prevention.
A new CT scan method splits a full X-ray beam into thin beamlets to deliver the same quality of image at a significantly reduced radiation dose. The technique has been shown to reduce exposure by up to 90% while maintaining image resolution, offering potential benefits for medical research and patient safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social isolation and distress among cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of human connection in their care. Clinicians can support these patients by fostering connections through non-clinical interventions.
Research by Professor Ami Citri and PhD student Anna Terem at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that the claustrum plays a significant role in creating associations between rewards and contexts. The study used conditioned-place preference tests on lab mice to demonstrate the claustrum's involvement in incentive salience.
A global survey of 371 coral reefs found that reef sharks are virtually absent from many ecosystems due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices. However, countries with strong governance and conservation efforts, such as Australia and the Bahamas, show promising results.
Dolphins under age 10 form close bonds with peers to develop essential skills and social savvy, reflecting future reproductive strategies. Males and females have distinct social behaviors, with males prioritizing friendly interactions and females focusing on foraging and preparing for motherhood.
Researchers at Penn Nursing and Drexel University explore how Black men articulate factors that facilitate or hinder their help-seeking for psychological symptoms after injury. The study found that severe posttraumatic symptoms create pathways to help-seeking, while financial worry and discrimination combine in a pathway toward help-se...
A new imaging technique, DEEP-Clear, developed by MDI Biological Laboratory scientist Prayag Murawala enables unprecedented insight into subcellular structures and tissues. The method expands the range of animal models that can be studied, processes that can be explored, and biological questions that can be addressed.
A new study suggests that mammalian immune cells may be less effective at detecting and responding to microorganisms from other planets, potentially posing a threat to space missions. The researchers tested the immune response of mice to peptides containing amino acids rare on Earth but common on meteorites.
A new NIH study demonstrates that kidney transplantation between people with HIV can be done safely and effectively. The study found excellent graft survival rates, comparable to those of recipients receiving kidneys from HIV-negative donors, without significant differences in infection or adverse events rates.
University of Queensland researchers have linked improvements in zebrafish's hunting skills to the development of sensory coding in their brains. The study shows that changes in neural circuitry lead to refinements in behavior and even predict individual fish's hunting success.
Research reveals that passionate and gritty players outperform others in football, with a strong correlation between player feelings and coach perceptions. While positive mindset is also important, it's not enough to guarantee success without passion and grit.
A new study models a 78% reduction in global plastic pollution by 2040 with immediate and coordinated action. However, even this best-case scenario predicts 710 million metric tons of plastic will still reach the environment.
A new optical coherence tomography (OCT) instrument has been developed to image the curved layers of the cornea with cell-level detail, enabling improved monitoring of eye diseases and general health conditions. The device provides a large viewing area, allowing for more precise counting of cells and nerves.
Researchers have developed a mouse model of pancreatic cancer that replicates two subtypes of the disease, classifying them as classical PDAC and basal PDAC. The study reveals key genes driving the aggressive nature of basal PDAC, offering potential targets for therapy.
Research finds that without immediate action, plastic flow will nearly triple by 2040, but solutions are available to reduce it by more than 80%. The study identifies measures such as reducing production and consumption, recycling, and expanding waste collection rates to achieve this goal.
A group of doctors and data scientists propose creating clinical departments devoted to artificial intelligence to harness its power in transforming patient care. The plan aims to address issues such as inconsistent implementation, poor data quality, and overdependence on AI, and would bring together diverse expertise for faster benefits.
A recent study found that over 40% of hospitalizations among older adults with dementia were for potentially preventable conditions, such as pneumonia and heart failure. The study's lead author emphasized the importance of addressing sepsis and implementing patient-centered programs to improve outpatient care.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the complex interactions between different brain areas using both electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This approach reveals linked dynamics between EEG- and fMRI-derived connectomes, providing insights into neural communication. The findings s...
A new study found the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Mexican Americans has doubled in recent years, while stabilizing for other racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Researchers also developed a gene therapy that can alleviate obstructive sleep apnea by stimulating the nerve that contracts muscles in the tongue.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a 50% global reduction in human-caused seismic noise, with the most pronounced effects seen in densely populated areas. This 'anthropause' phenomenon has provided a unique opportunity for researchers to better distinguish between human and natural seismic noise.
A new study published in Molecular Ecology reveals that the genes responsible for protecting frogs may actually be leading to their demise in the face of the invasive chytridiomycosis disease. Researchers found that frogs that died from the disease had higher expression of immune system genes than those that survived.
Scientists discovered extinct strains of smallpox in Viking skeletons, proving the killer disease plagued humanity for at least 1400 years. The ancient strains were genetically different from modern smallpox, and their presence pushes back the confirmed existence of smallpox by a thousand years.
Researchers have identified 38 excipient molecules that interact with human enzymes and receptors, highlighting the potential for previously unappreciated effects on health. The study emphasizes the need for further investigation to establish whether these substances may contribute to unwanted side effects in human patients.
The Peterborough Integrated Renewables Infrastructure (PIRI) project aims to deliver a significant drop in CO2 emissions by 2030 while cutting energy bills by up to a quarter. The project combines a next-generation heat network, electricity network, and electric vehicle infrastructure under one smart holistic scheme.
Researchers found playing a simple conversation game increased African Americans' participation in end-of-life care planning, including discussing preferences with family members and completing advanced directives. The study suggests the game is a valuable tool to address disparities in end-of-life care for African Americans.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS create device that can shape near-field light into various forms using waveguide reflectors. The resulting shapes can be used for ultra-high-resolution microscopy, particle manipulation and sensing applications.
Researchers found that venomous rattlesnakes are slightly more vulnerable to threats in colder temperatures, but not significantly so. The snakes were able to strike quickly even at low temperatures, suggesting they may be using a mechanism beyond muscle contraction.
A new study led by Penn State finds that LCCBs can cause vascular remodeling, reducing blood flow and increasing pressure. This damage can lead to an increased risk of heart failure in patients taking the medication.
A new study analyzing five hundred years of floods in Europe reveals that the continent is experiencing one of its most flood-rich periods in recent history. The research found that the last three decades have been among the most significant regarding frequency and magnitude of floods, with a shift towards more frequent summer floods.
A study published in Science found that a large mutation called a 'supermutation' affects the coloration of North American stick insects, transforming continuous variation into discrete color morphs. This discovery provides insights into how genetic variation is packaged into biological diversity, such as morphs and species.
Researchers discovered that garden peas can form highly stable amyloid protein aggregates, which may aid in seed longevity. Vicilin and its domains were found to co-localize with amyloid-specific dye in pea seeds.
Researchers from Texas A&M University designed a single device called PINE that improves energy delivery between home solar-power systems and the electrical grid. The device regulates grid voltage, integrates solar energy, and manages energy flow, making homes less dependent on the external power grid during blackouts.
Scientists charted SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Brazil, revealing that non-pharmaceutical interventions were insufficient to control the spread. The study found over 100 internationally-sourced virus introductions from Europe and estimates that more than 75% of Brazilian strains fell under three clades introduced during a specific period.
Researchers create simulation scenarios using ontologies to test autonomous driving systems, uncovering weaknesses and developing adaptive compensation methods to ensure system reliability and safety. The approach enables the detection of critical test cases that may not be feasible in real-world testing.
Researchers developed a non-invasive tracking strategy using CRISPR/Cas9 editing to insert the sodium/iodide symporter gene into iPSCs. This allows long-term monitoring of cardiomyocytes after implantation, paving the way for preclinical and clinical development of cardiac cell therapies.
A new technology dubbed MorphEUS enables rapid screening of drug candidates against Mycobcterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the bacterium that causes TB. It uses high throughput imaging and machine learning to uncover patterns in how antibacterials kill, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment development.
A diagnostic startup, Amplified Sciences LLC, is seeing growing interest and support for its innovations in detecting debilitating diseases. The company has received $1.1 million in seed funding and has been accepted into the National Institutes of Health's Applicant Assistance Program.
Researchers identified 134 previously unknown activities for 38 approved excipients, demonstrating direct activity against biologically relevant molecules. Several excipients exhibit evidence predictive of tissue-level toxicity, including thimerosal and cetylpyridinium.
A new study reveals significant increases in premenopausal breast cancer rates globally, particularly in higher-income nations like Canada. The study also finds that postmenopausal breast cancer is increasing more rapidly in lower-income countries, often due to adopting Western lifestyles and lack of early screening.
A new study suggests that hotels can increase tourists' intentions to visit once the crisis ends by humanizing their brand and creating an emotional attachment. This approach emphasizes shared emotional responses to risks, rather than focusing on cognitive, rational aspects of risk perceptions.
Researchers estimate a median 21% yield reduction for impacted corn and soybean crops, resulting in minimum economic costs of $587 million USD. The actual cost range is estimated at $0-$1.76 billion USD due to potential land area expansion.
GlycoNet funds 11 collaborative research projects across Canadian institutions to develop new treatments, diagnostic tools and therapies for challenging diseases. The projects aim to improve patient care, accelerate medical innovation and mitigate healthcare burden in Canada.