A Cornell-led collaboration has developed a new electrochemical reaction that enables the creation of chiral molecules, crucial for drug synthesis. The breakthrough could lead to the manufacture of a host of new, low-cost drugs with improved efficacy and reduced production costs.
Scientists developed a new experimental approach to study chemistry at very low temperatures, revealing specific molecular properties and providing more accurate theories. The approach uses laser-excited molecules in the same direction, allowing for a better understanding of molecular interactions.
Scientists at TU Wien have developed a new method for simulating wear and friction on an atomic scale using supercomputers. This allows them to study the behavior of materials on a microscopic level, enabling the prediction of durability and safety in industrial applications.
A Northwestern University team uncovered a common mechanism regulating gene expression during development, linking stochasticity to physical constraints. The researchers found that bursts of natural randomness impact protein levels and developmental outcomes.
The Merage Foundation has granted Ben-Gurion University $100,000 to develop smart autism day care centers throughout Israel. The project aims to improve outcomes for children with autism using audiovisual technology and software to remotely track behavior and quantify symptoms.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to understand the early phases of COVID-19-like pandemics using respiratory droplet motion and evaporation characteristics. The model estimates how long droplets can survive, how far they can travel, and which size of droplet survives for how long.
Lactating emergency physicians face challenges in emergency departments due to lack of support and policies. Implementing strategies like time management, flexible scheduling and adequate lactation spaces can improve their ability to meet lactation goals.
The study reveals that low levels of MBNL1 protein are associated with poor overall survival in various common cancers. Blocking the JNK protein can reverse this mechanism, providing a potential biomarker for selecting patients for treatment. Researchers plan to investigate MBNL1's role in colorectal cancer and explore anti-JNK therapies.
Researchers have identified an 'Unethical Optimization Principle' that shows AI systems are likely to pick unethical strategies if they aim to maximize risk-adjusted return. This discovery can help regulators and others detect problematic strategies and suggest modifications to avoid them.
Researchers introduce fluorescence protein sensors into live plants to visualize dynamic changes in NADPH level and NADH/NAD+ ratio in different cell types. This allows for the study of photosynthesis and photorespiration, revealing the close connection between subcellular compartments for efficient metabolism.
Researchers discovered a novel potassium channel activator, GiGA1, that selectively opens GIRK channels and reduces neuronal excitability. Systemic administration of GiGA1 exhibits anti-seizure properties in an acute epilepsy animal model.
Researchers at DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have gained new insights into the sawtooth instability, a cooling phenomenon that interferes with fusion reactions. The discovery, rooted in abstract mathematics, suggests an alternative explanation for the phenomenon when the safety factor drops to around 0.7.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have discovered that pupillary responses can objectively estimate English language processing abilities, including distinguishing sounds like L and R. This method shows promise for efficient studying and may become a new indicator of language ability.
A new study will test a training model for primary care nurses to improve the lives of dementia patients by enhancing assessment, management, and coordination of care. The researchers aim to reduce emergency room visits, health care costs, and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.
A pilot study found that providing cardiac patients with in-home portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduces their personal-level exposure to fine-particle pollutants, a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The study showed a 40% reduction in PM2.5 air pollution exposure and potentially lower cardiovascular event rates.
Researchers tested various face masks to determine their ability to contain respiratory droplets. Loosely folded and bandanna-style coverings reduced droplet distance by half, but well-fitted homemade masks with multiple layers were the most effective.
Research reveals that seabirds produce efficient propulsive wakes when flying and swimming, allowing them to move with minimal metabolic energy in both environments. However, the birds' wing movements indicate a cost to using their wings for movement in air and water.
A new study published in Radiology found that 3D color-flow ultrasound is an effective, noninvasive method for measuring blood flow with high accuracy and reproducibility. The technique overcomes limitations of current methods such as blood pressure and 2D ultrasound, which provide only surrogate metrics or are prone to errors.
Researchers developed a vaccine targeting aged immune cells, which accumulated in fat tissues of obese individuals and caused chronic inflammation. Vaccination improved glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and overall organ function in obese mice by removing senescent T cells.
A custom light-sheet microscope enables gentle observation of corals and their polyps for eight hours at high resolution. This technology sheds light on coral bleaching and symbiotic relationships.
A recent study in the quarantined Italian town of Vò found that nearly 40% of COVID-19 cases showed no symptoms, emphasizing the role of asymptomatic transmission. The study suggests that widespread testing, isolating infected people, and community lockdowns effectively controlled the outbreak.
A University of Kansas study found that Kansans tend to rely on multiple sources for reliable COVID-19 information, with a preference for local authorities and distrust of social media. Information from government briefings, search engines, and national newspapers were among the most trusted sources.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a protein used by the malaria parasite to protect itself from toxic compounds in red blood cells. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that block this process, potentially providing valuable insights for treating malaria.
Researchers found that symptoms like nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day, not just morning. A significant number of women experience these symptoms throughout the waking day.
Researchers estimate that a food tax on saturated fat, salt, and sugar would save the health system NZ$14.7 billion over time. This scheme would also lead to notable reductions in chronic disease rates, including a one quarter to one third reduction in diabetes incidence.
Tropical Depression Four-E formed on June 29 and is forecast to weaken as it moves northwestward. The depression's maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 30 mph with higher gusts.
A recent study reveals a new magnetic state called skyrmion, which can be manipulated using electric fields to create more compact and efficient nanomagnetic devices. This breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in computer performance and reduce energy consumption.
New findings reveal that infant marsupials and monotremes use a connection between their ear and jaw bones to drink milk, suggesting an early evolutionary link. This discovery sheds light on the development of middle ear and jaw bones in mammals.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have developed a comprehensive region-specific atlas of regulatory regions linked to human embryonic brain development. The study identified 19,000 potential genetic variants critical to brain development, providing a valuable tool for probing underlying biology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used a glowing dye to illuminate cancerous tissue during surgery, which helped identify spread to lymph nodes. The technique could improve outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery.
Researchers have identified a critical step in how brain cells function in people with one of the most common forms of epilepsy, which could lead to new treatment approaches. Changes in gene activity and polyadenylation processes were found to be dramatically altered in people with epilepsy, changing protein production in the brain.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a novel protein pathway in several human neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease. Abnormal expression of SAFB1 was found to be associated with spinocerebellar ataxias and polyglutamine expansion, offering new potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
UTEP research reveals a new target for tuberculosis drug development by investigating the mechanisms of Mtb pathogenesis and discovering that Nα-acetylation of EsxA drastically affects the course of infection. The study provides a beautiful story in the prestigious Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Research highlights risk of ecological change as wildfires flare up across West, driving changes in forest vegetation and threatening wildlife habitats and local economies. Scientists explore strategies to adapt forests to emerging climatic conditions, including 'assisted migration' and managing wildfire for resource objectives.
Researchers examine how walking backward on a treadmill impacts sensory signaling in the brain and body to improve walking in stroke survivors. The study aims to develop more effective walking rehabilitation strategies for those with remaining walking impairment.
Researchers found that a single change in the GRP94 protein causes it to behave abnormally, leading to widespread dysfunction in cells. A new small molecule PU-WS13 has been identified as a potential treatment for cancer and Alzheimer's disease by repairing defects in the defective protein.
A nationwide study led by Rutgers researchers presents clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of multiple inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children. The study found that symptoms typically appear two to four weeks after COVID-19 exposure and affect the heart and digestive system more frequently.
Researchers have created biocompatible lenses using spider silk, enabling large-area imaging of biological areas with high resolution. The lenses use dragline silk's unique properties to generate a photonic nanojet, suitable for biomedical applications.
Researchers have developed novel APOBEC-Cas9 fusion-induced deletion systems (AFIDs) that induce precise, predictable multi-nucleotide deletions in rice and wheat genomes. The AFID system has been shown to confer enhanced resistance to rice bacterial blight.
A four-week study found that traditional strength training (TRT) and plyometric jump training (PJT) are equally effective in improving muscular fitness among sedentary young adults. No significant differences were observed between the two groups, suggesting these exercises can be used interchangeably for physical fitness.
Research by the University of Göttingen found that wild bees depend on landscape structure, with small fields and organic areas providing benefits for bumblebee colonies. Flower strips in conventional cereal fields also attract pollinators, highlighting the importance of agri-environmental schemes that consider landscape structure.
A new study from the University of Surrey discovered that roadside hedges protect human health by reducing air pollution exposure, but at the cost of harming plant health. The researchers found that fine particles on leaves were more prevalent on the traffic-facing side of the hedge.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine team recommends equitable care during pandemic resource allocation by requiring bias training and assessing system inequalities. Hospitals should prioritize resource distribution based on individual patient needs rather than solely on health factors like heart failure or diabetes.
A team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University has developed an automated method for making communications more polite, using a large dataset of labeled sentences. The system can restructure nonpolite directives or add words to make them more well-mannered, while maintaining the original meaning.
Researchers recommend avoiding all per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) for nonessential uses, citing their extreme persistence and toxicity. Studied PFAS have been linked to various serious health problems, including cancer and endocrine disruption.
Researchers designed millions of protein therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2, with over 2,000 showing binding signals. The approach has shown promise in identifying highly promising leads for the spike protein binder.
A recent study published in Radiology found that prostate MRI quality is highly variable across institutions, with a significant impact on cancer detection and treatment outcomes. The study's findings suggest that improved standardization and training are needed to ensure consistent imaging results and better patient care.
Researchers found that olaparib depletes the store of immature eggs in mouse ovaries by 36%, potentially affecting a woman's fertility. Fertility preservation counselling should be considered for young female patients prior to olaparib treatment.
Researchers are using Jupiter's mass and orbit to help locate the center of gravity of the solar system, which can signal the presence of massive black holes. By analyzing changes in pulsar timing, they aim to detect gravitational waves that warp space-time.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed a non-invasive technique for measuring the thickness of single-walled carbon nanotube films, which may have applications in solar energy, smart textiles, and more. The method uses spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine film parameters with high accuracy.
Researchers found higher brain iron levels associated with cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential role for iron chelators in treatment. Iron deposition was linked to amyloid beta and neurofibrillary tangles, disruptors of cell function.
Tracking each atom in the NMDA receptor has revealed how it transmits and inhibits neural signals. The discovery could lead to better treatments for Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, stroke, or schizophrenia by controlling the receptor's activity.
Scientists discovered colorful insect specimens in 99-million-year-old amber fossils, revealing the secrets of true coloration. The study sheds light on the behavior and ecology of ancient animals, providing insights into ecosystems in the deep geological past.
Researchers found that IQGAP1 controls centrosome function and defines molecular variants of breast cancer. IQGAP1 modulates nuclear-centrosome crosstalk to regulate cell division, suggesting a common target for personalized medicine in triple-negative breast cancer.
A statewide study found that 47% of patients are using health information technology (HIT) for communication, but few have discussions about its use. Only 21% reported having a conversation with their doctor or provider about how to correspond digitally.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have developed a new vaccination strategy that targets the toxic molecules released by Staphylococcal bacteria, including MRSA, to prevent deadly infections. In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, mice vaccinated with this experimental vaccine demonstrated an immune response and ...
Scientists successfully synthesized a 17-carbon wide graphene nanoribbon with the smallest bandgap seen to date among known graphene nanoribbons. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new electronic devices.
Wild strains of salmonella have been found to reopen stomates on plants, allowing them to bypass the immune defense system and cause foodborne illnesses. This finding highlights the increasing threat of opportunistic pathogens jumping from plants to humans through contaminated foods.
Researchers fabricated a visible light-activated photocatalytic film by doping nitrogen into TiO2 on commercial ceramic membranes. The N-TiO2 coating enhances stability under solar irradiation through redox reactions and increased surface hydrophilicity.
Researchers analyzed de-identified medical claims covering 6.3 million North Carolinians, revealing significant overall spending of $50 billion per year. Key takeaways include geographic variation, cost variation by payer type, and spending variation by service category.
Researchers at Penn State suggest that supermassive black hole coronae could be the source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos, exceeding expectations. The new model predicts electromagnetic counterparts in soft gamma-rays, with next-generation detectors poised to explore this possibility.
A new review of 80 research papers reveals that microplastic pollution is concentrated in coastal habitats such as fjords and estuaries. The study found high concentrations of microplastics, up to 200,000 particles per kilogram, in these areas.
Research found a significant increase in insulin pump use and a decline in diabetic nephropathy, while pre-pregnancy obesity rose. The percentage of mothers with excess weight gain during pregnancy also increased. Despite this, the prevalence of very large babies born remained the same.
Researchers have identified a promising new strategy to target tumors with metabolic weaknesses, particularly in patients with IDH mutant gliomas. Combining chemotherapy and PAR glycohydrolase inhibitors has shown promise in enhancing treatment effectiveness.
A recent study found that tropical reefs are driven by bottom-up forcing, while temperate reefs are more influenced by top-down forcing. Marine reserves increased predator populations in both tropical and temperate regions.
Research found that miR-133b levels were significantly lower in FAP-associated Desmoid tumors than in sporadic Desmoid tumors. SIRT1 mRNA levels were up-regulated in FAP-associated Desmoid tumor, suggesting a novel mechanism underlying progression.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified previously unknown sections of DNA that are silenced by epigenetic regulation in plant cells. The study reveals a crucial role of these sites in suppressing the activity of disruptive 'jumping genes' called transposons, which can threaten genome integrity.
Researchers found two chemically distinct hemispheric faces, with the Pacific ring of fire being the surface expression of the boundary between them. The African domain contains continental materials brought down by subduction systems, while the Pacific domain has been protected from such infiltration.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a tissue-engineered approach to stimulate myocardial regeneration in ischemic heart disease. The therapy uses autologous atrial appendage micrografts to improve functional recovery and preserve heart pumping function.
A study from the University of Georgia found that light to moderate drinking may preserve brain function in older adults. The study examined cognitive function over time among middle-aged and older adults in the US and found a correlation between light drinking and better cognitive performance.
Researchers found that activating specific receptors can induce synaptic plasticity without structural changes, challenging the long-held assumption about spine size and strength. The study provides a potential new avenue for treating Fragile X syndrome by targeting an unidentified protein promoting synapse shrinkage.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have engineered thale cress to improve water-use efficiency and salinity tolerance, a trait that can be applied to other plants to address future food shortages and climate change impacts.
A library of molecules with unique structural and chemical features have been identified to shut down the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase reaction, a key drug target for COVID-19. Five of these molecules are already FDA-approved for use in treating other viral infections.
A team of UConn engineers has developed a scaffold that generates a controllable electrical field to encourage bone growth, providing a new approach for treating serious injuries. The device uses non-toxic poly(L-lactic acid) polymer and remotely-controlled ultrasound to stimulate bone regeneration.
Researchers developed a new set of computational tools to identify cell-type specific methylation patterns, known as molecular barcodes, in complex cell mixtures. These new methods can distinguish between different cell types in tissues made up of multiple cell types.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals the South Pole has warmed at a rate three times the global average over the past 30 years. The warming trend was mainly driven by natural tropical climate variability, with greenhouse gas increases likely intensifying the effect.
The NFL has awarded the University of Colorado Denver $491,999 for helmet safety research using 3D printing technology. The team aims to reduce concussion risk by lining football helmets with liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) materials.
A study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that women and people with insecure attachment styles tend to play hard-to-get more, while men pursue them. The researchers also discovered that avoidant individuals tend to use hard-to-get strategies as a self-protective mechanism.
A new review aims to better understand how to protect disabled children and young people from abuse, which is three to four times more likely for those with disabilities. Researchers will assess existing evidence to identify best practices in identification, involvement of families, and improving outcomes for this vulnerable group.
Researchers tracked eye movements of children aged 5, 8 and 10, and adults, finding they looked longer at faces congruent with heard voices. The study suggests a spontaneous amodal coding of emotions, enabling children to make connections between vocal emotion and facial expression from age 8.
Physicists from Max Born Institute and University of Rostock discover light-induced tunneling of electrons in dielectrics, creating a nonlinear current that dominates bright bursts of light. This finding expands fundamental understanding of optical non-linearity and its applications in information processing and material processing.
Astronomers detected a massive star in the Kinman Dwarf galaxy that vanished without producing a supernova. Theories suggest the star may have collapsed into a black hole or been transformed by dust, challenging current understanding of massive star deaths.
SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 30, 2020
Researchers study rituals as a mechanism of resilience against anxiety, finding that performing familiar rituals reduces psychological and physiological stress. This approach suggests that ritual provides the brain with a sense of control and structure, alleviating stress and potentially coping with chronic anxiety.
Researchers found an immune system cell called interleukin-6 (IL-6) triggers inflammation in times of stress, worsening health problems such as diabetes and autoimmune disease. Blocking IL-6 production protects stressed mice from inflammation and alleviates symptoms of depression.
Researchers at TUM have developed a new method to quantify the key substances in chanterelles responsible for their distinctive kokumi effect. These natural fatty acid derivatives can be used as quality control markers and potentially improve flavor profiles in mushroom dishes and other savory foods.
An international team identified an error in the cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) gene as the cause of aromatase deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder. This discovery enables precise therapy and prevents side effects associated with steroid supplementation.
A new study found that European countries are exporting large amounts of plastic waste to Asia, where it is often not recycled and ends up in the ocean. The research estimated that between 1-7% of all exported European polyethylene ended up in the ocean, contributing to significant environmental and social impacts.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that hospitalized patients with a documented penicillin allergy were twice as likely to be prescribed alternative antibiotics. The study suggests that these substitutions may be unnecessary and could increase the risk of adverse side effects and antibiotic resistance.
Research found that COVID-19 causes platelets to become hyperactive, forming dangerous blood clots that can lead to cardiovascular problems. Understanding the underlying cause may lead to treatments to prevent this from happening in patients.
A new survey found that 53% of Americans know some or a lot about burn injuries and treatment, but many are unaware of common risks like applying ice to burns. The survey highlights the importance of being aware of fire-related hazards during summer activities like grilling and using fireworks.
Researchers developed a new method to apply anti-inflammatory substances to implants to reduce undesirable inflammatory reactions. The coatings contain heparin and hyaluronic acid, which inhibit the immune system's response to the implant.
A new study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified CD86 as a novel cell surface marker that enables accurate analysis of hematopoietic responses to biological stress. The researchers found that CD86-based analysis can detect early activation phases of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow within hours after toxin injection.
Scientists have discovered previously unrecognized structural lines 100 miles down in the earth, signaling locations of giant copper, lead, zinc deposits. The discovery could narrow search areas and reduce future mine footprints.
The 2020 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey found that college graduates with disabilities transition to work at the same rate as their peers without disabilities, 90%. The survey also revealed that students with disabilities are more likely to pursue career paths focused on helping people.
Researchers used flow visualization to test various facemask types and found that well-fitted homemade masks with multiple layers of quilting fabric were most effective in reducing droplet dispersal. Uncovered emulated coughs traveled significantly farther than the recommended 6-foot distancing guideline.
Researchers developed a computational model to analyze brain activity in different states of consciousness, from wakefulness to deep sleep. The study found that the brain's functional segregation into systems with distinct activation patterns during cognition.
A new study uses stool microbiomes to predict cirrhosis risk in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers found a unique signature that distinguishes cirrhosis from other causes of the disease, potentially leading to an accurate, non-invasive diagnostic tool.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have developed a synthetic, biocompatible liquid hydrogel that promotes tissue regeneration and treats corneal perforations without transplantation. This innovative solution has the potential to help patients retain their vision and avoid blindness.
A large-scale database of ground reaction force data from over 2,000 patients has been made publicly available for research purposes. The GAITREC database includes information on patients with joint transplants, fractures, and ligament injuries, providing a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers.
A recent editorial explores the connection between COVID-19 and a cytokine storm, which is an overactive immune response. The study suggests that this phenomenon may play a significant role in the severity of COVID-19 cases.
MIPT bioinformaticians have developed a method to tailor drug prescriptions for stomach cancer patients using RNA sequencing. By analyzing gene expression levels, researchers can predict an individual's response to ramucirumab, increasing treatment efficacy.
A major new paleoclimatology study reveals that global warming has reversed 6,500 years of natural cooling, surpassing 1°C above the mid-19th century average temperature. The study, led by Northern Arizona University researchers, compiled previously published paleoclimate data and statistical analyses to show that the millennial-scale ...
KELT-9 b experiences two summers and two winters every year due to its unique polar orbit around an extremely hot star. The planet's atmosphere streams away into space as it receives 44,000 times more energy from its star than Earth does from the Sun.
Researchers have identified a link between yield decline and soilborne disease symptoms in winter squash, including stunting and root rot. The study's findings suggest that rotating out of winter squash production for at least 3-4 years can help prevent disease symptoms.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai shows that SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect heart muscle cells, which may contribute to COVID-related heart disease. The research used stem cell technology to create heart cells susceptible to infection and found that treatment with an ACE2 antibody could blunt viral replication.