A new research tool allows biologists to watch in real time the cell renewal process that keeps gut tissue healthy, as well as the interactions between bacterial species that make up the microbiome. Researchers discovered regional differences in microbiome stability that mimic the regionality of stem cell activity.
A team of researchers has shown that fish school by copying each other and changing directions randomly, rather than calculating and adapting to an average direction of the group. This new model proposes that noise-induced ordering is responsible for schooling behavior, contradicting previous theories.
A systematic evidence review by OHSU researchers found that new direct-acting antiviral therapies are highly effective in eliminating the Hepatitis C virus infection. The review informed a new recommendation for universal screening of Hepatitis C, with the therapy being more than 95% effective even in young people.
Research found a short-term drop in the proportion of boys born in Ontario, Canada's most populated province, following the 2016 US presidential election. This effect was observed only in politically liberal areas, not in conservative ones, suggesting a potential impact of societal stressors on birth ratios.
A new study estimates the monetary value of wetlands' property-protecting services, with one square kilometer valued at $1.8 million annually. Coastal counties with more wetlands experience less property damage from hurricanes and tropical storms.
A recent study by Tufts University found that federally protected lands in the US significantly reduced habitat loss and protected endangered species. Compared to private lands, protected federal lands lost only 3.6% of their habitat over a 30-year period.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that exposure to 'fake news' during the 2016 US presidential election has been overstated. Untrustworthy websites accounted for less than half of all Americans' visits and only six percent of their news diets on average.
A study published in Diabetologia found that frequent tooth brushing is linked to a lower risk of developing diabetes, with an 8% reduced risk for those brushing three times a day or more. In contrast, dental disease and missing teeth are associated with a higher risk of diabetes, with increases of 9% and 21% respectively.
A study by UTSA researchers found a significant link between cultural values and how individuals express illness. Participants who identified as stoics or had lower household incomes were more likely to claim being sick. The study's findings have implications for understanding sickness behavior and its relationship with social norms.
Innovative, Indigenous-led health care partnerships are showing improved health outcomes and access to care for Indigenous patients. These partnerships incorporate traditional Indigenous knowledge and cultural healing practices, addressing the holistic needs of patients.
The Quantum-Si ecosystem enables sensitive and accurate research tools and diagnostics through digital proteomics, transforming the study of proteins on a large scale. The company's platform offers a complete solution for sample preparation, sequencing, and data analysis, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
A study published in Nature Plants reveals that three genes are shared exclusively by plants forming intracellular symbiosis with different microbial partners. This finding demonstrates a conserved genetic program underlying diverse types of symbioses, allowing plants to access additional nutrients.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a mathematical theory that takes into account evolutionary changes in pathogens or information. This theory was tested against thousands of computer-simulated epidemics and found to be more accurate than traditional models.
Scientists have found that 'silent' genetic variations in DNA sequences can significantly impact protein folding, impairing cell function. The study, conducted by the University of Notre Dame, used a bacterium to test this hypothesis, finding that synonymous mutations can alter protein synthesis rates.
Research reviewing 29 studies found no clear association between whole-fat dairy consumption and weight gain, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure in children. Full-fat dairy may actually play a role in a balanced diet for growing children due to its nutrient content.
Computational simulations show that azotosomes, a proposed alternative to cell membranes, cannot form under Titan's extreme conditions. This challenges the possibility of life on Saturn's largest moon, which has liquid methane and ethane lakes and seas.
A new study by the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Japan found that biotic and abiotic factors affecting radionuclide accumulation in fish are dependent on the ecosystem and differ between lakes and rivers. The study analyzed 30 species of fish from five rivers and three lakes in Fukushima, revealing significant differe...
Geologists from Wits University have found a mechanism that generates melts saturated in plagioclase alone, leading to the formation of monomineralic layers. These unique rock formations are common in layered intrusions worldwide and hold significant value for glass fibre manufacturing.
Researchers from JMU have successfully demonstrated the existence of spin centers in boron nitride crystals, exhibiting magnetic dipole moments and optical properties. This discovery paves the way for developing artificial two-dimensional crystals with tailored properties.
Researchers have created a single-molecule magnet that can store and access data using laser pulses, enabling hard drives to process data up to 100 times faster than current technologies. This development could improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from cloud computing systems.
The new tools, based on MRI principles, allow scientists to observe how next-generation batteries work and fail, enabling strategies to extend battery lifetimes. By charging batteries at lower voltages, they can significantly slow degradation, extending lifespan.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that so-called egg stem cells do not exist in the human ovary, contrary to previous reports. The study's comprehensive map of ovarian cells will contribute to the development of new methods for treating female infertility.
A UBCO professor has developed an online platform to help people living with spinal cord injury lead a more active life. The new guideline provides clear and accessible information on the amount and type of activity needed to achieve health benefits, helping to overcome a major barrier to physical activity.
Researchers at KAUST developed a practical method to visualize the magnitude and direction of current flow through magnetic thin films. By using skyrmions and magneto-optical Kerr microscopy, they directly mapped nonuniform electrical current distribution in layered platinum, cobalt, and tantalum materials.
Recent advancements in quantum mechanical computation enable precise predictions of complex minerals' stability, elasticity, and transport properties. These calculations reveal new insights into the Earth's deep interior, including post-perovskite phase boundaries and potential hydrous compounds.
Researchers analyzed 30 infants' brain networks and found domain-specific organization in facial recognition (by 6 days) and scene recognition (by 27 days). These findings indicate that innate connectivity plays a crucial role in shaping the developing cortex.
The study found that prefrontal corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons regulate behavioral style selection during stress. Activating these neurons promotes stress-resistant behaviors, while inhibiting them increases immobility and social avoidance.
A new study reveals a neural circuit that underlies sensory hypersensitivity in mice with autism-like traits. The research suggests that reestablishing normal levels of neuron activity could reverse this kind of hypersensitivity, providing a potential target for developing treatments.
A recent review article reveals that marine cyanobacteria, such as Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, can thrive on organic compounds from their environment. These findings are crucial for understanding cycles of essential elements like carbon, iron, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
Researchers evaluated association between state firearm laws and pediatric firearm fatalities from 1991 to 2016. The study found that certain laws may be effective in reducing child access-related deaths.
A smartphone app detecting jaundice in newborns may prevent deaths and disabilities due to its accuracy and low cost. The app uses images captured on a smartphone camera to quantify the yellowness of the eye, similar to expensive hand-held devices.
Research on Chinese porcelain has uncovered evidence of international trade in cobalt-based blue pigment, suggesting a globalized industrial chain by the 15th century. The study found that blue-and-white porcelain from the Xuande Period exhibited a mixture of domestic and imported pigment particles.
Researchers analyzed dental calculus from ancient Mongolians and found evidence of dairy consumption dating back to around 3000 BCE. The study suggests that migration played a key role in the introduction of dairy pastoralism to East Asia, with multiple animal species being used for milk production.
Rice University researchers developed a cost-saving alternative to GPU acceleration called SLIDE, which uses general-purpose CPUs without specialized hardware. The algorithm outperforms traditional back-propagation training with hash tables, reducing computational overhead and enabling faster deep learning on CPUs.
A new study found that ocean changes in the early Neoproterozoic era limited phytoplankton growth and oxygen release, maintaining an oxidizing atmosphere. The study suggests that phosphorus levels remained 'just sufficient' to support life.
Researchers have discovered that newborns' brains show a strong connection between face and place processing networks just six days after birth. The findings suggest that babies are born with a specialized visual cortex, with patterns of brain activity similar to those of adults.
Researchers from RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science have successfully measured the spin of an electron in a silicon quantum dot without altering its state. This breakthrough enables the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers, which can perform complex calculations efficiently.
A new compound has been discovered that targets a pathway causing brain swelling after stroke, potentially reducing cases of brain injury and death. The compound, called ZT-1a, was tested on mice and rats with stroke or hydrocephalus and showed promise in effectively reducing brain swelling.
Researchers confirm swamp wallabies ovulate and mate while carrying a full-term fetus, creating a unique reproductive strategy that supports continuous embryo development. This phenomenon allows the female to be pregnant throughout her reproductive life, exceeding the duration of the oestrous cycle.
Most clinical trial participants are not informed about the results of studies they participated in, despite wanting this information. Researchers want to share findings but lack effective communication skills to reach lay public. The study highlights the need for better training on communicating research results to study participants.
Millions of children under five years old suffer from childhood malnutrition, resulting in stunted growth and cognitive impairments. The global community is working to reduce childhood stunting by 40% by 2025 through initiatives such as the World Food Programme.
A new study published in Nature Sustainability shows that irrigation of cattle feed crops is the leading driver of water shortages and fish imperilment in the Western United States. Sixty fish species are at an elevated risk of global extinction due to flow depletion, primarily caused by irrigation of cattle-feed crops.
Researchers discovered a key molecular mechanism mediating GABAergic synaptic development and function, with somatostatin peptide found to regulate synaptic transmission between nerve cells.
Researchers developed open-source software to assist in creating quantum materials, which could vastly increase computing power and reduce energy consumption. The Quantum KITE initiative uses sophisticated computer programmes to predict material properties, enabling the creation of realistic simulations with unprecedented atom numbers.
Researchers estimate that air pollution causes an extra 8.8 million premature deaths annually, shortening global life expectancy by nearly three years. Cardiovascular diseases account for the greatest proportion of shortened lives, with older people disproportionately affected.
A new initiative aims to provide affordable drinking water to Pakistan's South Punjab region, utilizing a raw nanoclay with potential health-giving applications. The project has the potential to improve economic conditions and create employment opportunities for locals.
The updated online tool provides information on infant survival and neurological impairment, incorporating hospital data to inform treatment decisions. Researchers found that hospital-specific estimates of survival are as important as gestational age in determining infant outcome.
New research suggests that some 'cotton candy' exoplanets could have rings, challenging current ideas about their low densities. The discovery proposal, led by Anthony Piro and Shreyas Vissapragada, simulates how ringed exoplanets would appear to astronomers using high-precision instruments.
Experts weigh the importance of balancing individual rights with innovation in regulating personal data. Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) aims to strike a balance between privacy protection and business interests.
Researchers identified key features and events over four phases of recovery in mice with surgically narrowed arteries, creating signposts for understanding PAD and developing treatments. By using multiple imaging methods, the study aims to facilitate more optimal approaches to treatment and improve diagnosis.
A new study identifies Plexin-B2 as a key protein in wound healing and neural repair following spinal cord injury. The finding could aid the development of therapies targeting axon guidance pathways for more effective treatment of SCI patients.
A survey of UK parliamentarians found that those with additional work roles or probable mental health issues were more likely to engage in hazardous drinking. The study suggests that the high-stress nature of MP work may contribute to increased alcohol consumption, highlighting the need for better support and resources for MPs' wellbeing.
A study predicts a rise in cancer cases in Canada in 2020, with nearly 1 in 2 Canadians expected to receive a diagnosis. Lung cancer will be the leading cause of death, responsible for about 1 in 4 deaths from cancer.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Esther has turned back into Western Australia, bringing heavy rainfall and flood warnings to the region. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Flood Watch for several areas, with widespread daily totals of 50-80 mm expected, and isolated falls of up to 150 mm possible.
Results from 46 patients who received targeted therapies alongside standard chemotherapy showed a 31-month average survival compared to 18 months for those without molecular changes. Targeted therapy has already improved survival for many forms of cancer and could be a game-changer for pancreatic cancer patients with specific alterations.
Researchers developed a multi-organ-on-a-chip to test how new drugs affect vital organs, demonstrating its effectiveness in screening FDA-recalled drugs. The system showed that 3D organoids could demonstrate toxicity at human-relevant doses, while commonly used drugs remained viable.
A study on the parasitic lancet fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum found that genetically identical brain flukes are often present in both ant brains and abdomens, suggesting kin selection plays a key role in its evolution. This manipulation of host behavior supports an altruistic strategy, where clonemates are cotransmitted into ants.
A new blood test detects abnormal tau protein accumulation, differentiating healthy participants from those with Alzheimer's pathology and predicting disease progression. The test shows promise for early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers developed CRISPR-HOT to label specific genes in human organoids, enabling the study of abnormal cell division and cancer development. By disabling the cancer gene TP53, they found that unstructured divisions of abnormal hepatocytes were more frequent, contributing to cancer development.
A study found that Chinese firms in provinces with lower GDP growth are more likely to engage in earnings management to prop up provincial GDP figures. This leads to a range of negative consequences for the firms, including high bad debt expenses, inventory write-offs, and asset impairment losses.