Researchers have detected the earliest effects of Huntington's disease in the first two weeks of human embryonic development. The findings suggest that the disease process starts decades earlier than previously thought, and point to new approaches for finding treatments.
Researchers have developed a new technique that allows visualization of every cell containing melanin pigment in 3D, in whole zebrafish. This breakthrough enables direct comparison of melanin content across normal and mutant fish, laying the foundation for further research on melanin-containing cancers.
A large Ontario study confirms SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern like Delta increase the risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Vaccination blunts severity, reducing risk in partially and fully vaccinated individuals by about 80-90%.
The University of California, Riverside has received a $5 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to train young scientists and physicians in stem cell research. The program, named TRANSCEND, will provide training in broad areas of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Researchers at MIT develop RFusion, a robotic system that uses data from a camera and radio frequency antenna to locate and retrieve lost items. The system relies on RFID tags and machine learning algorithms to optimize the robot's trajectory and grasp the object.
A new study found that pregnant women with kidney or liver transplants can safely undergo trial of labor without increased risk to themselves or their babies. In fact, vaginal births resulted in improved outcomes for the baby without compromising maternal health. Conversely, cesarean births were associated with higher risks of complica...
A 27-year study suggests that income inequality is linked to lower maths scores among US children, with even richer students experiencing negative effects. The study found that states with higher income gaps saw poorer maths results, while reading grades were not associated with income inequality. Policymakers may need to consider redu...
The University of Arkansas will receive funding to build a unique production facility for silicon carbide integrated circuits, filling a void in US production. The open-access facility will provide opportunities for prototyping and device design, training the next generation of semiconductor researchers and engineers.
A study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center aims to identify the origins of pulmonary fibrosis in an at-risk patient population. The research, funded by Three Lakes Foundation, focuses on single-cell tissue samples from pre-symptomatic individuals to investigate the beginning of early interstitial lung disease.
Researchers at University College London discovered that worm mothers secrete a milk-like fluid to support their offspring's growth. This unique selfless act helps explain mysteries about the biology of ageing in nematode worms, which could have far-reaching implications for understanding human ageing.
Dr. Gack's research focuses on identifying broad-spectrum antiviral drug targets and has implications for developing effective treatments against COVID-19 and other viral threats. The $5.6 million NIH grant will support her investigation into targeting human enzymes essential for virus replication.
Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and muscle tissue shrinkage, driven by the immune system's response to chronic infections and diseases. Researchers from CeMM emphasize the need for more research into cachexia, highlighting the importance of interplay between the immune system and metabolism.
The University of Kansas Chemical Biology of Infectious Disease Center has received a five-year, $11.35 NIH COBRE grant to expand research on next-generation drug therapies for infectious disease. The center will build on previous accomplishments to push forward biological research and foster a collaborative research network.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have identified a gene that plays a central role in the evolution of limb development in vertebrates. By manipulating this gene in mice, they were able to activate an ancestral form of limb development seen in early tetrapods.
A new study published in Current Biology found that active genes do not form clusters and share resources during early fruit fly development. The researchers used high-resolution microscopy to visualize the physical position of active genes within the nucleus, observing that each gene has its own pool of transcriptional machinery.
Psychological interventions are essential for chronic pain treatment in adults, addressing mental health and coping mechanisms that impact pain management. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating psychology into pain treatment protocols to enhance patient well-being.
Researchers investigated whether hospital admission and discharge are associated with increased risk of fatal drug overdoses. The study found that the first two days after hospital discharge is a critical moment for people who use illicit opioids.
Researchers at Georgia State University have been awarded a $3.3 million grant to study a novel behavioral intervention targeting binge drinking and sexual assault among college students, tailored by gender and sexual orientation. The program, Positive Change (+Change), has shown promising preliminary efficacy in pilot studies and aims...
A recent scoping review found that subsidized housing residents with dementia or cognitive impairment face complex physical, mental, social, and behavioral struggles. These challenges can lead to premature institutionalization and exacerbate health deterioration if not addressed.
Researchers from KIT and TU Darmstadt developed a novel sensor for gas molecules by combining a graphene transistor with a customized metal-organic coating. The sensor selectively detects ethanol and responds to neither other alcohols nor humidity.
A VCU study found that 4 out of every 5 COVID-19 survivors regain their sense of smell and taste within six months, with younger adults more likely to recover. Those with nasal congestion are more likely to recover their sense of smell, while those with head injuries or shortness of breath have a lower likelihood.
An international team led by McGill University is developing biomarkers to identify people with REM sleep behavior disorder at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia. The team will study over 430 participants, including those with the disorder and healthy controls, to develop targeted therapies.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have identified TNK1 as an oncogenic driver in cancer, enabling the development of a new drug to target it. The discovery offers promising results for targeted therapy and potentially fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Researchers identified fundamental challenges for next-generation cathodes in improving reliability, energy density, and cost-effectiveness. The road map sets direction for research and defines benchmarks for various cathode chemistries.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have identified a soil microorganism that initiates the breakdown of carminic acid, a natural red dye extracted from insects. The discovery provides insight into the chemical reaction and its occurrence in nature.
A Texas A&M team led by Dr. Byung-Jun Yoon has received $2.4 million to develop new computational techniques for reducing the size of large scientific data sets. The goal is to preserve quantities of interest while minimizing data storage and processing needs.
A research team at TUM has discovered that the protein TIMP1 is associated with a significantly higher risk of liver metastasis and death in male patients, particularly those with pancreatic, colon, and melanoma cancers. This finding may lead to improved diagnosis and targeted therapy options for men.
A team of scientists created a uniform protein nanoparticle, TIP60, with a diameter of 22 nm, which can be modified to target specific molecules. The 3D structure of TIP60 was elucidated using cryo-electron microscopy, revealing an icosahedral 60-meric structure with porous properties.
A Dartmouth study found that individuals who experienced higher levels of stress on a given day had lower social interaction the following day. The research used mobile phone sensing data from 99 undergraduate students and showed that stress predicted less social interaction, but not the other way around.
A new study analyzing over 3,000 shark teeth reveals the importance of diet in shaping modern shark communities. The research suggests that dietary specialisation among top predatory sharks may increase their risk of extinction.
Rice chemist Julian West and graduate student Yen-Chu Lu discovered manganese as a more efficient catalyst for synthesizing fluoroketones, precursor molecules for drugs. The use of manganese reduces material costs and simplifies purification.
A study analyzing 60 US emergency departments found medication harms were a common cause of visits in 2017-2019, with variation in products and patient age. The data highlighted the need for improved safety measures and monitoring systems to mitigate such incidents.
Researchers describe a new modern-looking tardigrade fossil, Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus, found in Miocene Dominican amber. The study reveals unique foregut organization and contributes to the scant tardigrade fossil record, providing insight into the ancient superfamily Isohypsibioidea.
A public health researcher at Georgia State University has received a federal grant to develop a mental health awareness training program for adults who interact with youth. The program aims to increase community capacity to identify mental health concerns and improve access to services.
A study published in Radiology found that an AI-based system can accurately triage breast MRIs in women with dense breasts, dismissing normal cases without missing cancers. The system showed promising results, dismissing about 40% of lesion-free MRIs and considering 90.7% of MRIs with lesions to be non-normal.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital found that liquid biopsy can accurately identify patients with poor breast cancer prognosis. High integrity of circulating DNA is associated with a poor prognosis, enabling earlier and more accurate detection of breast cancer. The study's findings have si...
Researchers discovered a simple questionnaire and airflow measurement test can identify adults with undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. The Chinese symptom-based questionnaire combined with microspirometry could provide the most efficient way to identify patients needing treatment for COPD.
University of Illinois researchers discovered waterhemp's unique mechanism to detoxify the herbicide SA3, adding complexity to controlling this weed. This finding raises concerns about the potential for waterhemp to resist new herbicides before they are even commercialized.
A study analyzing 99 gay/trans panic defense cases found that most defendants were charged and convicted of murder, but the author highlights the need for further analysis and legal education to address discriminatory narratives and protect LGBTQI+ victims
Researchers at PPPL demonstrate production of high-density QED cascades, a process important for black holes, supernovas, and cosmic events. The breakthrough uses current laboratory capabilities, such as lasers and relativistic beams, to access and observe the regime.
The development of alveoli in mammary-gland organoids follows the same principles as droplet formation in a water jet. The researchers used time-lapse microscopy to track the growth dynamics of the mini-organs and found that cell rotation drives the formation of spherical protrusions.
Research suggests that concentrate farming allows for more natural habitats while meeting future food targets, resulting in better biodiversity outcomes compared to wildlife-friendly agriculture. This approach also sequesters more carbon and may benefit marine life.
A survey conducted by Michigan Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced difficulty with pet care during hospitalization or knew someone who did. This stress can impact a patient's decision about staying in the hospital. Researchers aim to develop better resources and formalized services to address this need.
Researchers develop VICE biosensor to assess toxicity of substances on human cells, providing a non-invasive method for early detection. The technology aims to address limitations of current toxicological assessments, which often fail to detect long-term side effects.
Researchers found that a cancer chemotherapy drug can restore memory and cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting blood vessel growth. The study suggests repurposing approved anti-cancer drugs as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, potentially shortening clinical development time.
Researchers developed a new system to measure and stimulate the entire ventricular surface of mouse hearts, allowing for simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity. The POEMS system provides accurate measurements of action potential propagation with minimal differences between modalities.
A new study reveals that THC can cause birth defects in genetically predisposed mice, highlighting the risks of cannabis consumption during pregnancy. Pups with a mutation in Hedgehog signalling developed brain and face defects, emphasizing the need for further research into human health implications.
A study by University of South Florida Health researchers suggests that fenchol, a natural compound in basil, can help reduce neurotoxic amyloid-beta in the brain. Fenchol stimulates FFAR2 signaling, reducing senescent neuronal cells and increasing Aβ degradation.
The WSU-led DEEP VZN project aims to detect and characterize unknown viruses that can spill over from wildlife to human populations. The project plans to collect over 800,000 samples and screen the genomes of novel viruses with high zoonotic potential.
A new analysis of 134 studies found that color-coded nutrition labels and warnings encourage more healthful purchases. The study suggests that these labeling systems are beneficial in nudging consumers towards foods with lower levels of energy, sodium, fat, and saturated fat.
A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that intelligent bird species such as parrots and great apes are at risk of poor welfare in captivity. The researchers recommend providing naturalistic diets, enrichment items, and stimulating environments to improve care and reduce psychological problems.
Scientists from Kanazawa University and the University of British Columbia have developed a comprehensive overview of synthesizing polymetallic complexes via macrocycle routes. This approach enables precise control over structure and function, leading to promising applications in catalysts, sensors, and single-molecule magnets.
Researchers have unveiled a new form of magnetism in Sr2RuO4, which can coexist with superconductivity and exists independently. The discovery was made using muons to detect tiny magnetic fields and is expected to provide new insights for basic and applied research.
Researchers found that liver transplant recipients who contracted COVID-19 recovered faster and with less severe inflammation compared to heart or kidney recipients. The study suggests testing certain immunosuppressants to treat COVID-19 patients, regardless of their transplant status.
Researchers have observed for the first time how silicon anodes degrade in lithium-ion batteries due to swelling and electrolyte infiltration. This degradation leads to reduced battery capacity and charging speed, but scientists are exploring ways to protect silicon from these effects.
Researchers found that independent-label music and female artists benefit from appearances on Spotify's curated ranked list, which promotes underdog artists. However, the study's findings only apply to New Music Friday playlists and do not address broader industry challenges.
Researchers will investigate hidden signs of brain damage in REM behavior disorder, aiming to identify biomarkers that predict impending neurological disease. The goal is to delay the onset or prevent dementia or Parkinsonism through clinical trials.
MUSC researcher Haizhen Wang receives R37 grant to investigate CDK6's role in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a aggressive cancer. The research aims to understand how the immune system can be used to reduce leukemia progression.
A new study found increased potential for large and recurrent blooms of toxic algae Alexandrium catenella in the Alaskan Arctic, threatening marine wildlife and human health. The rapid warming of the Arctic is setting the stage for dangerous bloom events.
Large-scale solar farms have a cooling effect on surrounding land, reducing temperature by up to 2.3°C at 100m away from the park boundaries. The study highlights the need for consideration in solar park design and location to minimize negative impacts.