A collaborative study by Masonic Medical Research Institute and leading institutions reveals a comprehensive map of the human heart's cellular diversity. The findings provide valuable knowledge gaps about heart composition and function, shedding light on genetic risk factors for cardiac health.
A new species of spider, Ocrepeira klamt, has been discovered by a University of Bayreuth researcher in the highlands of Colombia. The spider differs from related species in its reproductive organs and is native to an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea-level.
Research suggests that conditions related to obesity, such as inflammation and leaky gut, leave lungs more susceptible to COVID-19. Additionally, high levels of ACE2 receptors in obese individuals can lead to a higher viral load, exacerbating disease severity.
Researchers found that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria adhere more strongly to hydrophobic surfaces, which have a high water-repelling effect. On these surfaces, the bacteria form robust biofilms that are difficult to remove, posing a significant threat to patients in hospitals.
Turbulence plays a crucial role in cloud formation, affecting the number of droplets and their size. Researchers developed a framework to explain how preexisting aerosol particles transition into droplets.
An international team of astronomers has reported the discovery of a planet, WD 1856 b, orbiting a white dwarf star, which is about seven times larger than the star. The planet's unusual orbit has confirmed previous theories of planetary migration from outer to inner solar systems.
A study found that a significant drop in US overdose deaths in 2018 was attributed to a decrease in the availability of potent opioids from China, rather than domestic policy efforts. The decline was largely driven by a reduction in carfentanil seizures, an opioid 10,000 times more powerful than morphine.
Researchers at TUM have developed a software module that analyzes and predicts events while driving, ensuring the vehicle will not cause accidents. The system determines movement options and emergency maneuvers to prevent collisions, using simplified dynamic models for swift calculations.
A $11.4 million NIH grant has funded the advancement of a novel drug candidate, SBP-9330, targeting a neuronal signaling pathway underlying addictive behaviors to treat nicotine addiction. The drug is expected to be effective in reducing nicotine self-administration and may broaden its indication to other types of addiction.
Researchers from North Carolina State University projected that quaking aspen trees will decline in visibility along three scenic national byways in the Colorado Rockies by 2120 under climate warming scenarios. The study found consistent decreases across all three scenarios, with the greatest declines predicted at lower elevations.
Researchers estimate 5.6 million metric tonnes of synthetic microfibers emitted from apparel washing between 1950 and 2016, with half generated in the last decade alone. The fibers accumulate in wastewater treatment sludge, posing a terrestrial pollution issue.
Researchers have created a new material that induces topological superconductivity in the absence of an applied magnetic field, opening up new possibilities for quantum computing. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding and applications in medicine, catalysts, or materials.
A commercial-scale farm trial found that slower growing broiler chickens have better health and more positive behaviors than conventional fast-growing breeds. The study suggests that a shift towards slower growing breeds could improve the lives of 142 million chickens produced in Europe every week.
A team of scientists has developed a novel method for measuring ultra-cold temperatures using a single, super-cooled atom as a thermometer. This technique allows for the detection of minute changes in temperature, essential for harnessing quantum technologies and reducing noise in quantum experiments.
Researchers pinpoint a specific protein and brain region responsible for dissociation, a phenomenon affecting up to 10% of the population. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for conditions like PTSD and borderline personality disorder.
A new UMass Amherst program, Elevating Equity Values in the Transition of the Energy system (ELEVATE), brings together experts in energy technology and social justice to develop pathways for a sustainable energy transition that promotes socioeconomic equity. The program aims to create technological and policy solutions that reimagine t...
Undergraduate students perceive e-cigarette secondhand emissions as harmful when labeled 'chemicals' or 'aerosols', but not 'vapor'. The study recommends accurately labeling e-cigarette emissions to build support for tobacco-free campus policies.
On average, four and a half people are killed annually in Australian coastal rescues, with victims often being male beachgoers trying to help minors. The study highlights the risks of bystander rescues and emphasizes the need for caution when intervening in water emergencies.
A research team has developed nanoscale copper wires with specially shaped surfaces to catalyze the conversion of carbon dioxide into ethylene, producing a conversion rate of over 70%. The new system is more efficient than previous designs and can run for extended periods without losing efficiency.
Researchers developed a point-of-care GFAP assay that delivers results in minutes, outperforming the current FDA-cleared assay. The assay's diagnostic performance was significantly better than that of the S100B biomarker, validating its utility as a diagnostic marker for CT-detected lesions.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered the intricate details of the Origin Recognition Complex (ORC), a crucial protein in human genome replication. ORC changes shape dramatically as it assembles around DNA, with parts twisting and pinching to interact with the molecule.
Permafrost erosion in Siberia's Lena Delta has increased by nearly 16 metres since the 1960s, with 15-20 metre annual losses reported. The thawing releases significant amounts of carbon and nitrogen, intensifying the greenhouse effect.
New research from Queen Mary University of London reveals that tortoise hatchlings are attracted to face-like shapes from birth. The study suggests this early behavior may have evolved for reasons other than parental care, as tortoises do not form social groups and typically ignore members of the same species in early life.
Scientific research predicts large increases in mercury concentrations in Yukon River fish and water under high carbon emissions scenarios. For the low-emissions scenario, mercury concentrations are expected to increase by only about 14%.
Scientists studied the Deepwater Horizon spill's environmental and public health impacts, learning about dispersant effectiveness, oil degradation and marine life harm. Dispersants' benefits include reducing coastal ecosystem damage, but their chemical effects on marine life remain a concern.
New research suggests neural implants need to filter out correlated noise in retinal cells to achieve accurate signals, improving performance by 20-100% depending on light conditions
Researchers at University of California San Diego discovered SARS-CoV-2 uses heparan sulfate to bind to cells. The team found two approaches to reduce virus infection by 80-90%: removing heparan sulfate with enzymes or using heparin as bait, repurposing a widely used medication.
Researchers predict COVID-19 will follow seasonal patterns in temperate regions when herd immunity is attained. The virus will continue to circulate year-round until then.
Researchers at Cornell University found that acidic fluids may have destroyed biological evidence hidden within Mars' iron-rich clays, making it difficult to search for life on the red planet. The study's lead author suggests that searching for organic compounds on Mars is a challenging task due to the degradation of biological material.
Researchers have developed an accelerated platform to identify and test potential treatments for early-stage lung cancer using 'organoids' created from lung cells. The studies revealed reduced expression of genes that are markers of mature lung alveolar cells, and increased expression of genes involved in early lung development.
Researchers found that human activity such as habitat change and overhunting are responsible for the overwhelming loss of mammal diversity across Latin America. More than half of species in medium and large mammals have died out since European colonization.
A recent study found that installing cameras in HGV cabs significantly reduces risky driving behaviors, with coaching further improving results. The analysis of 669 vehicles over two years revealed a 31% reduction in harsh cornering and a 34% decrease in speeding incidents.
Researchers at the University of Utah found that measuring magnetic particles on evergreen needles can provide a high-resolution, year-round picture of air quality. The study correlated needle magnetism to general air quality, suggesting a new method for mapping particulate matter distributions at a high resolution and low cost.
Common medications can cause arrhythmias, which can lead to symptoms like tachycardia or bradycardia. Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for risk factors and adjust medication dosages accordingly.
A new biomarker has been identified that reliably predicts the aggressiveness of biliary tract cancer in patients, which could help doctors make informed decisions about chemotherapy. The biomarker, IL-6, has been shown to provide prognostic information not captured by other inflammatory markers already in use.
Researchers found that the typically 'bad' APOE ε4 variant can also protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes, while the 'good' ε2 variant increases risk of certain conditions. The study's findings provide valuable insights into how the APOE gene impacts health and disease.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers connects specific hormones present before and after birth with immune response and lifelong immunological disease development. Females are at increased risk for common diseases like asthma, allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome due to their perinatal hormone levels.
Bacteria use a tiny rotary motor powered by a stator unit to swim and change direction. The stator unit is also a rotary motor that powers the large flagellar motor, contradicting existing theories. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for bacterial-based diseases.
Primary-care physicians and rural clinic staff improve their ability to diagnose and treat common mental health disorders using a collaborative care model with telepsychiatry. The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, found that this approach enhances primary-care doctors' skills in treating behavioral health disorders.
A team of researchers suggests using two thin films of different materials to create affordable and efficient solar cells. The proposed configuration achieves a 34% efficiency rate, surpassing the efficiency of individual components.
Scientists found that ocean viruses infect algae without killing them immediately, instead allowing cells to multiply and bloom before dying. This discovery changes how scientists view viral infections of algae and their impact on ecosystem processes like algal bloom formation and carbon cycling.
Project ENHANCE aims to improve emotional behavioral supports across the country, adaptable for virtual education. Researchers are providing tools and resources to support students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional well-being needs.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology create alloyed metal nanoparticles using the atom hybridization method, achieving superior catalytic activity and stability. The sub-nanoparticles (SNPs) exhibit high reactivity even under mild conditions, producing unique compounds and hydroperoxides.
A robotic fish helped researchers understand how individual speed affects collective behavior in animal groups. The study found that faster individuals have a stronger influence on group-level behavior.
A new study provides a global analysis of storm surge footprints, showing they are more dependent on storm track direction than intensity. This information can improve coastal risk analysis, emergency plans, and adaptation measures, highlighting the importance of inter-state and international collaboration for disaster preparedness.
Researchers develop a combination therapy using near-infrared light-induced heat and anti-CD47 antibody to enhance cancer treatment. The treatment promotes local and systemic anticancer immune responses, showing great potential for solid tumors.
Researchers analyzed Parkinson's patient skin cells to discover reduced protein synthesis due to active LRRK2 enzyme. Adding LRRK2 inhibitor drugs restored normal protein production levels. The study suggests a critical role for LRRK2 in controlling protein synthesis and may lead to biomarker development and improved treatment options.
The study tracked strains of SARS-CoV-2 in Arizona, showing that the state remained COVID-free for weeks after the first reported case. The swift action by ASU and Maricopa County public health officials likely prevented an outbreak, allowing the state valuable time for preparedness efforts.
A study published in Cell reveals a previously unknown mechanism for the heart's waste removal, highlighting the critical role of macrophages in maintaining cardiac health. The discovery suggests that cardiac dysfunction may arise from defects in immune cells rather than cardiomyocytes.
A new study suggests UK police are neglecting to recognize modern slavery in cannabis farm cases, where migrants are forced into illegal work. Researchers argue that arresting officers often lack detailed training on modern slavery and make only cursory enquiries.
A new analysis of galaxy evolution finds that neutron star collisions do not create the quantity of chemical elements previously assumed. Instead, an entirely different sort of stellar phenomenon - unusual supernovae with strong magnetic fields - is responsible for making most of the heavy elements, including gold.
A study of almost 4,000 older Singaporeans found that poor health is a significant barrier to internet use, affecting 57% of respondents. The research highlights the need for assistive technology and design to support older adults with health-related difficulties in using the internet.
Smokers have worse chemotherapy response and higher mortality rates from bladder cancer, with a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Former smokers also fare poorly in these categories.
High-performing VA primary care clinics have fully-staffed teams, clearly defined roles, and leadership responsible for implementing team-based care. These processes enhance patient engagement in care, leading to better adherence to treatment, intermediate health outcomes and mental health reports.
A 12-year study in Alabama found that rural counties with in-county obstetrical care had significantly better infant birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality rates and fewer underweight deliveries. The lack of access to obstetrical care was also associated with higher percentages of underrepresented minority residents.
Researchers from CU published a paper on ovarian cancer tumor composition changes during chemotherapy, revealing potential biomarkers for therapeutic response. The team aims to improve prediction of patient response to chemotherapy using multi-spectral immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics.
The Arizona COVID-19 Genomics Union tracked SARS-CoV-2 strains in the state, finding that no widespread community transmission occurred until mid-February. The union's efforts helped prevent an outbreak and provided valuable time for preparedness efforts.
A new bioengineering technique called CardioCluster has shown promise in improving heart function after a heart attack by reducing scar tissue. The clusters of mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and cardiac interstitial cells persist in the heart walls for up to five months.
Fossilized ostracods found in 100-million-year-old amber reveal evidence of sexual intercourse, including male clasper, sperm pumps, hemipenes, eggs, and female seminal receptacles. This discovery provides insights into ancient ostracod autoecology and reproductive behavior.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded funding to six interdisciplinary research teams to tackle some of biomedicine's toughest challenges. The teams will explore neurological mechanisms behind psychopathy, map protein complexes in Plasmodium falciparum, and investigate steroid hormones' role in Alzheimer's disease.