A global research team led by the University of Göttingen explains how plant genetic engineering can combat micronutrient malnutrition. Biofortification using conventional breeding methods has already been successful in improving nutrition and health, but genetic engineering offers a way to further enhance benefits.
A study by University of Zurich's Brain Research Institute found that early childhood trauma can lead to changes in lipid metabolism and glucose levels in offspring and grand-offspring. The researchers discovered a molecular mechanism involving the PPAR receptor, which is activated by fatty acids and regulates gene expression.
A record-breaking spring temperature event occurred in eastern China in 2018, with over 900 stations reaching their highest spring mean temperature on record. The analysis suggests that both human-induced global warming and anomalous circulation increased the chance of this extreme high-temperature event.
A 30-year global study reveals that chronic illness and related risk factors like obesity, high blood sugar, and outdoor air pollution have fueled coronavirus deaths. People are living more years in poor health, despite treatment advancements, with stagnant life expectancy in many countries.
Researchers at MIT developed a machine-learning algorithm that can predict the effectiveness of drug compounds against tuberculosis and other diseases. The algorithm, which incorporates uncertainty values to account for data variability, identified promising compounds targeting a critical protein required by the bacteria.
Researchers mapped host interactions of MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 to identify potential drug targets. Studying patient data showed that COVID-19 patients treated with drugs targeting specific host factors fared better.
Researchers found that direct measures of smell ability reveal a higher prevalence of COVID-19-related smell loss, estimated at 77%, compared to self-report methods, which underestimate the true prevalence. The study suggests that measuring people's sense of smell may become as routine as measuring body temperature for fever.
A study published in Science Advances confirms that the Moon's localized strong magnetic fields are remnants of an ancient core dynamo. The researchers used complex simulations to disprove the asteroid impact theory, showing that the resulting magnetic field is a thousand times weaker than necessary to explain the observations.
Researchers found that small RNA molecule NikS regulates critical virulence factors in H. pylori, allowing it to colonize the stomach and develop disease. NikS influences bacterial internalization and helps overcome epithelial barriers.
Researchers found that astrocytes play a critical role in forming synapses in response to cocaine exposure, which can contribute to addiction. Blocking these synapses may help prevent relapse, suggesting a new therapeutic target for substance use disorder.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed an organic redox flow battery with a water-based electrolyte, increasing the energy density. The battery uses conducting polymer PEDOT electrodes and quinone molecules, making it safe, cheap, and recyclable.
Researchers found that supplementing people with HIV with GlyNAC, a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine, improves multiple deficits associated with premature aging. The supplement boosts glutathione levels, a natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps maintain cellular function.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how volcanoes experience stress, which can lead to collapse and eruptions. By studying a dormant volcano on La Palma, the team found that repeated movement of magma inside the volcano causes it to become 'stressed' and potentially unstable.
Researchers have identified a novel immune defence mechanism orchestrated by lipid droplets that attracts and eliminates invading pathogens, providing a broad-spectrum response. This strategy could be used to develop new therapeutic approaches in the era of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have developed a new technology to diagnose sickle cell disease with increased sensitivity and speed, using only a small droplet of blood and costing less than traditional methods. The Acousto Thermal Shift Assay (ATSA) measures protein interactions and mutations in under one minute.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that more than two-thirds of heart disease deaths worldwide can be prevented through healthier diets. The analysis of global data from 195 countries revealed that unhealthy eating, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are major contributors to ischaemic heart disease.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that cows are more relaxed when spoken to directly by a live human than when listening to a recorded voice. The researchers observed higher heart rate variability and lower heart rates after the live interaction, indicating improved mood.
The COVID-19 virus may become endemic if immunity wanes within a year, allowing for yearly outbreaks. Reinfections are common, even within a year of prior infection, and the risk of severe clinical outcomes changes with subsequent infection.
A microbiology laboratory in Edinburgh reduces its plastic waste by 43kg per year using re-useable equipment and decontaminating plastic tubes. The team develops a new approach to reduce single-use plastics, saving over £400 and promoting sustainable practices in research labs.
Researchers found that mammalian lipid droplets play a crucial role in organizing and supporting intracellular immune responses against microbial pathogens. The structures help drive metabolic shifts within cells toward an environment more conducive to host defense.
Associate Professor Toya Frank at George Mason University has received funding from the National Science Foundation for the IPA Program. She is responsible for long-range planning and budget development for various areas of science represented by the program.
Researchers at University College London have used laser technology to measure the volume and biomass of giant Californian redwood trees for the first time. The technique offers new insights into carbon storage and ecosystem structure, with estimates suggesting these large trees are up to 30% heavier than previous indirect methods.
Researchers at UCI will examine molecular 4D nucleome changes in the human hippocampus during aging, with a focus on physical activity's effects. The team aims to produce multi-omics cell atlases to understand chromatin organization and function in brain aging.
The study provides new data on health in 204 countries and territories, revealing a perfect storm of rising chronic diseases and public health failures. Key findings include low life expectancy in the USA, high rates of cardiovascular deaths and obesity, and increasing mortality rates among adults aged 25-34 years.
The 38th Annual Meeting of The Obesity Society will present innovative scientific research results through oral and poster abstracts. These communications highlight new anti-obesity medication clinical trials and comparisons of weight loss diets.
Researchers from The University of Hong Kong studied fossil corals and created the first palaeoecological baseline for coral communities in the Greater Bay Area. They found a 40% decrease in coral species, particularly staghorn corals (Acropora), which now occupy only 50% of their historic range.
Researchers have found a globular star cluster with 800 times less iron than the Sun and is three times more iron-poor than the previous record-holder. The study contradicts the standard picture of how these old star clusters formed in the early universe.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can identify patients at high risk of intentional self-harm using unstructured clinical notes. The model achieved an accuracy of 98.5% in identifying current at-risk patients, but struggled with predicting future self-harm due to the presence of irrelevant information.
Researchers identified genetic markers outside of FLT3-ITD mutations that affect midostaurin response in leukemia patients. These findings suggest therapeutic benefits of midostaurin in patients with specific expression profiles, and may lead to more effective combination therapies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that about 1/3 of young women in 43 LMIC have lost at least one sibling before the age of 25. Sibling loss was relatively more common in countries affected by conflict and war, while bereaved respondents in many studied countries still had a comparable number of remaining living siblings.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a non-invasive liquid biopsy test that can detect genetic mutations in brain tumor patients. The test, which improved detection sensitivity by tenfold, has the potential to revolutionize glioma diagnosis and monitoring.
Researchers sequenced and analyzed coral genomes, discovering genes that may help corals adapt to ocean warming. The study found that Acropora corals diversified when the world's oceans were warmer, suggesting they could handle temperature changes.
A five-year study aims to explain the microbial, clinical, and antimicrobial resistance factors of three major multidrug-resistant pathogens. The research will utilize state-of-the-art analysis of genomes and microbiome analyses using stool samples and blood samples.
Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) used artificial intelligence to create novel materials for memory devices. By controlling atomic structures, they discovered a unique ferroelectricity pattern, leading to the synthesis of a new material with unprecedented properties.
Researchers discovered a new protein called cryptochrome that repairs DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, a function previously attributed to photolysis in cells. This breakthrough highlights how proteins can evolve and acquire new functions over time.
Researchers found that chronic jet lag alters the microenvironment surrounding tumor cells, making it favorable for tumor growth, while hindering the body's natural immune defenses. This study adds to the growing scientific field of circadian disruption on health and wellbeing.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science design a new quantum circuit that calculates the fast Fourier transform, a key algorithm in engineering. The QFFT circuit exploits superposition of states to greatly increase computational speed and is more versatile than traditional QFT.
The Cardiff model, a data-sharing approach between hospitals and police, is lowering violent injury rates worldwide. Cities adopting this model are seeing significant drops in violence, with the World Health Organization endorsing its impact.
Scientists use a custom robot to survey how mutations in regulatory regions of the genome affect animal development, revealing that most mutations alter gene expression in some way. The study finds that regulatory regions encode valuable information densely and that single mutations can have several different effects.
A new study by the University of Sussex Business School reveals that countries signing up to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) have seen significant reductions in carbon emissions, with an average decrease of 13% between 2000 and 2014. In contrast, the world average carbon footprint per capita grew by 23% over th...
A new study confirms that plastic pollution is a significant threat to seabirds in the South Pacific Ocean, with globally distributed impacts. The research found that seabirds ingest plastics from distant areas, highlighting the need for urgent solutions to this global problem.
Researchers at MIT have developed a more practical and efficient solar-powered system that can extract drinkable water from dry air, doubling its output compared to an earlier version. The new system uses a readily available adsorbent material, increasing scalability and feasibility for remote regions with limited access to water.
Researchers at University of South Florida have discovered a key molecule involved in regulating flexibility in animal stress responses. The study provides a novel perspective on how vertebrates cope with environmental stressors and highlights the importance of understanding stress response flexibility for both human and animal health.
Researchers at TUM have developed human intestinal organoids as a model for studying nutrient and drug transport in the intestines. These miniature intestines can accurately reflect physiological processes inside humans, paving the way for medical and pharmaceutical applications such as drug screening.
Scientists have identified the crucial role of RAD51 protein in recruiting TERRA molecules to telomeres, which helps prevent accidental loss or shortening of DNA. This mechanism is essential for maintaining healthy telomeres and preventing premature aging and age-related diseases.
A new study by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland provides novel insight into the previously unknown effects of factors regulating blood vessel formation. Bone morphogenetic factor 6, BMP6, is shown to regulate blood vessel formation via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and Hippo signalling pathway.
A study by Valeria Ramírez-Castañeda found that over 90% of articles published by Colombian researchers are in English, creating financial burdens. Many respondents reported being unable to attend scientific conferences or publish due to language barriers, disproportionately affecting those from poor backgrounds.
Researchers developed biocompatible tissue grafts that repaired both bone and cartilage in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of pigs. The study showed promising results with intact grafts after 6 months, outperforming existing designs.
A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that online horse race bettors tend to stay away from betting for a longer time after a losing day. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 individuals in Finland and found no significant differences in behavior between men and women.
A new species of small pterosaur with a long, skinny beak like that of a Kiwi has been discovered. The fossilized piece of beak revealed an incredible network of internal canals for nerves that helped detect prey underground.
The study reveals that efavirenz alters the gene expression of important factors essential for genomic stability, particularly down-regulating S-phase and DNA replication genes. This suggests that efavirenz may be used in synergy with chemo/radiotherapy to treat lung cancer.
A severe drought in East China from August to October 2019 was exacerbated by warm central equatorial Pacific sea surface temperatures and global warming. The study suggests that while natural climate variability played a role, human-induced climate change amplified the droughts likelihood.
Researchers create an artificial C-to-U conversion system using APOBEC1, allowing for the restoration of mutated genes and potentially treating genetic disorders. The system was tested on blue fluorescent protein (BFP) RNA with a 199T>C mutation, showing high editing efficiency.
Researchers studied aortic dissections in pregnant women, finding 19% associated with pregnancy and increased risk of Type A dissections. The study highlights the importance of careful monitoring of cardiac conditions during pregnancy.
Two studies suggest individuals with blood type O may have a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and reduced likelihood of severe outcomes. In contrast, those with blood groups A and AB may be more likely to experience severe clinical outcomes and organ complications.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel protocol to detect lipid production in microalgae, enabling the mass production of omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy compounds. The technique improves on traditional fluorescent probes, allowing for easy and rapid evaluation of lipid conditions within microalgae.
Only 7% of US school districts in poorer, ethnic minority populations intend to reopen fully this academic year. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on people of color and their increased likelihood of being frontline workers, leading to a lack of trust in government responses.
An international group of scientists raises concerns about a recent publication evaluating an AI system for breast cancer screening, citing restrictive data access and lack of transparency. The authors argue that protecting patient privacy should not hinder the broader research community from contributing to methodology and correcting ...
A new US study found that hospital-based waterbirths have no higher risk of NICU admission compared to control group births. Waterbirth was also associated with reduced perineal lacerations and improved patient satisfaction.
A resiliency program for brain injury survivors and their caregivers has shown clinically significant improvement in emotional distress. The program, Recovering Together, achieved measurable reductions in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress among individuals with acute neurologic illness and their caregivers.