Researchers found that vampire bats with activated immune systems and feeling sick interacted with fewer bats, spent less time near others, and were less well-connected to the social network. This behavior helps reduce the spread of disease in highly social animals like vampire bats.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London discovers that certain small molecules in patients' blood can predict response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Up to 50% of RA patients are unresponsive to treatment, and the research provides potential solutions for predicting patient responsiveness.
Researchers determined the crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease, revealing novel packing and solvent content. The findings provide valuable insight into inhibition mechanisms and may aid optimization of promising inhibitors for therapeutic development.
The sequencing of the cauliflower coral genome provides a resource for studying genetic adaptation to different environmental conditions. The analysis revealed approximately 27,500 genes, with a higher percentage of repetitive elements than closely related corals.
Research identifies commonalities in COVID-19 patients' brain activity, highlighting potential long-term effects on older males. Abnormal EEG readings suggest permanent brain damage, prompting the need for comprehensive care including brain imaging.
Researchers at TalTech have created a mechanochemical synthesis method that produces chemicals faster and with fewer environmental impacts. The technique replaces solvent-based processes, reducing toxic waste and speeding up production time.
Researchers identified VEXAS, a severe inflammatory disease caused by UBA1 gene mutations, revealing devastating consequences. The genome-first approach helped uncover the link between disparate diagnoses in patients with undiagnosed inflammatory conditions.
A new model predicts the photovoltaic industry can meet Paris Agreement targets with 70-80 terawatts of cumulative capacity from solar cells by 2055. The industry needs to increase production rate by a factor of 30 within 10 years, driven by productivity improvements and material sustainability.
Researchers found a significant disparity in fatal police shootings between Black and white individuals, with Black victims experiencing lethal encounters at a rate three times higher than their white counterparts. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of police violence on marginalized communities.
A new technology makes it possible to analyze all the tissue removed from a tumor in 3D without cutting, significantly increasing the reliability of diagnosis. This revolutionizes pathology and provides new insights into cancer development, potentially leading to improved treatment options.
Fossils found in Antarctica reveal the largest individuals of an extinct group of seabirds, which lived for up to 60 million years, dwarfing today's largest bird. The discovery sheds light on bird evolution and highlights the diversity of Antarctic birds during a warmer climate 50 million years ago.
A recent NIH study found that approximately 1 in 4 women experience high levels of depressive symptoms at some point in the three years post-childbirth. Women with underlying conditions like mood disorders and gestational diabetes are more likely to have persistent symptoms.
Researchers at Stockholm University found that Baltic Sea blue mussels are getting smaller due to changes in phytoplankton availability, which is linked to climate change. The study also discovered an increase in tiny mussels, which may compensate for the reduction in size but could lead to reduced water filtration rates.
A survey of nearly 400 cancer survivors found that 87% experienced sexual side effects, but most were not formally asked by their oncologist. Female patients were particularly unlikely to be discussed with. Researchers recommend using a standard questionnaire to initiate conversations and improve patient experience.
Researchers at USTC have designed a simple method to synthesize single crystalline wurtzite CZIS and CZGS nanobelts with exposed (0001) facets, showing excellent photocatalytic performances under visible-light irradiation. This work demonstrates the significance of surface engineering in quaternary sulfide photocatalysts.
A joint research group has developed a way to simulate the quantum physical properties of complex solid state systems using real systems of atoms. The team's approach uses mathematical and numerical methods to investigate which quantum systems are suitable for simulations, paving the way for progress in robust quantum computing.
A recent study published in Cell reveals that microglia, a type of immune cell, promote breast cancer metastasis to the brain by suppressing T-cells. The activation of VISTA checkpoint suppresses immune response, allowing cancer cells to spread and form secondary tumors.
For the first time, astronomers have surveyed over 250 million stars in the Milky Way's bulge, measuring their chemical composition and gaining new insights into the galaxy's formation. The data will help scientists understand how the Milky Way formed its central bulge and gain a better understanding of other galaxies.
A study published in STEM CELLS revealed that fibulin 5 plays a crucial role in the development of Schwann cells, which produce the myelin sheath surrounding neuronal axons. The research suggests that fibulin 5 may be used to treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other demyelinating disorders.
Researchers developed feasible approaches for durable perovskite photovoltaics by addressing internal instability, chemical degradation, and environmental factors. Compositional engineering and bonding passivation are promising methods to improve device durability.
A team led by Dr. Katherine L. Nathanson has been awarded $5.4 million to continue researching the genetic risk factors of testicular cancer, which affects men aged 15-45 in the US and Europe. The study aims to identify novel susceptibility genes and provide data for surveillance of high-risk individuals.
A randomized trial will evaluate a telehealth-delivered collaborative care model to motivate primary care patients with opioid dependence and depression to increase engagement in evidence-based treatments. The study aims to improve depression symptoms and provide pragmatic clinical approaches to address this unmet challenge.
Researchers identified a critical glycosylation step and a control protein that regulate flagellum assembly. The discovery sheds light on bacterial motility and provides insights into protein synthesis and cytoskeleton formation.
A lack of coordination among stakeholders hinders biodiversity monitoring, but integrating contributors can improve data collection. This is crucial for identifying factors leading to declines in biodiversity and creating sustainable conservation strategies.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered mavacamten, a molecule that suppresses excessive force generated by hyper-contractile muscle cells in the human heart. The drug reduces maximal force of contraction by nearly 20-30% compared to controls, suggesting its potential as a treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
A new study finds that Hispanic Black individuals have the worst COVID-19 outcomes, including higher hospitalization and death rates, compared to Hispanic multiracial and white individuals. The study highlights the need for more accurate demographic data collection to address these disparities.
A study aims to identify geographic and racial disparities in mammography screening rates among Black and Hispanic women. The research will inform targeted interventions to improve access to screening and reduce mortality from breast cancer.
Researchers identified a new prognostic laboratory sign for imminent postoperative thrombosis, which appears on the first postoperative day. Early detection using this sign can help prevent life-threatening thrombotic complications and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers from Binghamton University and Intel Corp. developed a tool called FakeCatcher to detect 'deepfakes,' which boast an accuracy rate above 90%. The tool analyzes the subtle differences in skin color caused by the human heartbeat, using photoplethysmography (PPG) signals.
Researchers found that aerosol microdroplets, the tiny particles lingering in the air, contain less virus than larger droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. This reduces the risk of infection in well-ventilated spaces.
Researchers from SUTD analyzed strategies employed by countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for controlled movement, containment through border controls, and efficient testing to prevent transmission. The study emphasizes the importance of a collective global strategy to contain outbreaks effectively.
Research reveals basal ganglia neurons primarily use firing rate changes to control voluntary movements, with synchronized activity having a minor role in healthy conditions. Parkinson's disease symptoms may be improved by targeting abnormally increased correlated activity in the basal ganglia.
A study by researchers at UC Santa Cruz reveals the molecular mechanisms behind the 'night owl' sleep disorder, which affects one in 75 people of European descent. The genetic mutation identified alters a key component of the biological clock, causing people to stay up late and sleep in late.
A Swiss study reveals that a certain fatalistic attitude can protect individuals from negative feelings during the Covid-19 pandemic. The researchers found that in Switzerland, fatalistic attitudes were associated with less fear and fewer negative emotions compared to Israel.
A team of West Virginia University researchers are developing a protective jacket for tank cars that haul hazardous materials to prevent spills and leaks caused by accidents. The new composite material, made up of glass and polymer, improves fatigue, puncture, and fire resistance qualities.
A study revealed that individual differences can be detected in same-shaped pottery vessels, with greater variation during the formation process than in the finished form. Researchers used video footage and hand movement analysis to identify unique patterns, shedding light on how individuals adapt traditional skills.
A multidisciplinary team of specialists at Hospital for Special Surgery successfully performed microsurgery to repair damaged nerves and restore muscle strength and movement to patients with Parsonage-Turner Syndrome. The surgery allowed 11 out of 24 patients to regain function of their arm.
A group of doctors is calling on the government to divert hundreds of millions spent on failing COVID-19 national test and trace service to local primary care, NHS labs, and public health services. This would restore and rebuild needed service capacity, avoiding fragmentation created by private companies.
A recent study from UC Davis found that people's views on empathy are complicated and depend on who is receiving it. Empathizers are liked and respected only when the character they're empathizing with is also well-liked, but not when the character is disliked. This challenges the notion that empathy is always a virtue.
A new study suggests that renewable energy targets can actually exacerbate sustainability issues, such as rolling blackouts in California. The researchers argue for a more nuanced approach, considering trade-offs between different policy instruments and long-term objectives.
The FDA has awarded a grant to Critical Path Institute (C-Path) to develop real-world evidence for treatments in neonates using real-world data. This project will create a platform to standardize and integrate data from NICUs worldwide, enabling the creation of actionable reference ranges and natural history models.
Researchers studied slope failure after wildfires in Southern California's San Gabriel Mountains, finding a shift from debris flows to shallow landslides over time. The study suggests that land managers prioritize post-wildfire mitigation and planning, with debris flows being the primary concern during the next year.
Researchers have improved consistency assessment in meta-analysis by considering statistical power. This new measure can alter the interpretation of meta-analyses. Studies with high statistical power should have stronger effects on results.
Girls living in single-parent households before age two are at higher risk of starting puberty earlier than their peers. The study, published in BMC Pediatrics, found that infant attachment insecurity and socioeconomic status may contribute to this association.
Low-cost airlines proved more resilient during the pandemic due to their lower exposure to international long-haul traffic. They operated in regional markets and benefited from consolidation since 2001, increasing their market share from 5.3% to 37.3%.
Scientists developed BiteNet, a machine learning algorithm using computer vision to analyze protein structures and detect binding sites. The approach expands the array of possible pharmacological targets and improves speed and accuracy.
Researchers have discovered a general property for understanding how immune cell receptors sense and respond to microbial signals. The result led to a more effective cancer immunotherapy in mice, which could lead to more effective vaccines for existing and novel viruses.
This study identifies potential anti-COVID-19 pharmacological components of TCM's Lianhuaqingwen capsule based on human exposure and ACE2 biochromatography screening. The research demonstrates the utility of this approach for identifying pharmaceutically active components in Chinese herb medicines.
A new study examines clinical trials involving radiation therapy from 1996 to 2019 and finds that Black and Asian American patients are underrepresented, with 12% and 3% of trial participants respectively. The findings highlight the need for better inclusion of racial minorities in research studies.
A study found that antibiotic use patterns and patient transfers drive the emergence of drug-resistant microbes, highlighting the need for individualized approaches to preventing resistance. The study suggests using alternative antibiotics like piperacillin-tazobactam instead of carbapenems may be necessary.
A team of international coastal scientists disagrees with a paper predicting half the world's beaches will disappear by 2100 due to sea-level rise. They argue that beaches can migrate landward and retain their shape as long as they have space to move, but those backed by cliffs or seawalls are unlikely to survive.
Researchers from the University of Bonn and around the world propose a strategy to use soils to bind large quantities of carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a third. By increasing plant growth and crop yields through simple measures like mulching and fertilizing, farmers can effectively sequester carbon in the soil.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that individuals with disabilities overwhelmingly believe access to healthcare is a vital human right. However, they also reported feeling marginalized and stigmatized, with many facing barriers to employment and healthcare due to restrictive policies.
The study reveals that KDM5A and PHF2 positively control the expression of pro-metastatic genes in Ewing sarcoma. These genes include L1CAM, which promotes migratory and invasive properties. The researchers identified KDM5A and PHF2 as novel disease-promoting factors and potential new targets for metastasis inhibition.
Society for Neuroscience recognizes Courtney Miller for her career-long practice of mentoring women scientists, including founding Professional Women's Nexus to provide support and connections. Miller has also achieved significant scientific success, developing treatments for drug addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers at Penn State have developed new methods to enhance light emission and increase signal strength in 2D materials. By altering the atomic makeup and physical shape of these materials, they created new types of materials that can attract different molecules and induce superconductivity. These advancements have significant impl...
The number of radiation therapy facilities in the US has grown by 17% over 15 years, with a disproportionate increase in urban areas. Despite this growth, 4.5% of the population lives more than 50 miles from a treatment center, highlighting access disparities.
A Yale study shows that epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in shaping the evolution of gene networks in yeast. The research suggests that epigenetic factors can be passed on to offspring, contributing to stable and heritable gene expression states.
Researchers discovered a two-component system in the Butters prophage that blocks entry of some phages, but not others, from attacking a strain of mycobacteria. The study advances phage therapy development and may lead to engineering phage-resistant bacteria.
A new mapping tool for analyzing tissue damage seen on MRI brain scans accurately detects early signs of cognitive decline, correlating with worsening dementia and other brain-damaging conditions. The tool offers a standardized method for calculating the volume and location of white matter lesions in the brain.