A new study published in PLOS ONE warns that Kenya's Tana River Basin species will be unable to survive if global temperatures continue to rise. However, remaining within the goals of the Paris Agreement could save many species by protecting refugia from climate change.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a bio-based coating for wood using lignin, a natural polymer abundant in wood and other plant sources. The coating retains the natural structure of wood, making it more water repellent and resistant to stains and sunlight.
A novel therapeutic agent, MS21, has been developed to disrupt a biological pathway that helps cancer survive. The therapy shows high effectiveness in vitro by causing the degradation of AKT, an enzyme overly active in many cancers.
Flinders University researchers have successfully manipulated Beta-lactoglobulin, a major whey protein in cow's, sheep's, and other mammal's milk, using an Australian-made thin film microfluidic device. The device combines with a new form of biosensor to control and monitor protein denaturation and renaturation.
Researchers used beetroot pigments to visually track soil fungi colonizing plant roots in real-time. The technique enables selection of fungi that provide the biggest benefits in agricultural scenarios, enhancing crop production while reducing artificial fertiliser needs.
Researchers from the University of Otago debunked a long-held belief about Paranthropus' eating habits, finding no evidence to support regular consumption of hard foods. Instead, they found similar tooth fracture patterns in fossil humans and living primates that eat soft fruits or leaves.
A Yale study found that US methadone clinics were slower to accept new patients and longer in providing treatment compared to Canadian clinics during the pandemic. Clinics with open access models provided timelier treatment access, but only a fraction of US clinics offered this option.
Researchers found that Pseudomonas bacteria use a network of proteins to regulate twitching and respond to mechanical forces, allowing them to navigate based on what they feel in front of them. This 'sense of touch' helps the microbes move forward in the same direction when moving as a group.
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that brain activity associated with aesthetically appealing natural landscapes is not limited to the reward system, but also involves early visual areas. This suggests an early form of beauty perception that can be triggered by surprise and unexpected stimuli
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed an organ-on-a-chip that models the interaction between platelets and ovarian cancer tumors, revealing a crucial genetic signaling pathway. This breakthrough technology has potential applications in observing how cancer cells interact with blood vessels and testing novel treatments.
A Chinese satellite has reported a global carbon net of six gigatons, indicating an increase in carbon emissions that contributes to climate change. The TanSat satellite's data will be used to independently verify national emission inventories and help ensure transparency across the globe.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital demonstrates the power of comprehensive whole genome, whole exome and RNA sequencing to better understand and treat each patient's unique cancer. The research found that 86% of patients had at least one clinically significant variation in tumor or germline DNA.
Researchers developed a general framework for dynamic control of THz wavefronts using cascaded metasurfaces. By varying the polarization of a light beam with rotating multilayer metasurfaces, they demonstrated efficient redirection and manipulation of THz beams, overcoming limitations in local tuning.
Scientists have developed a novel indicator to monitor danger to the world's rainforests, which are losing their capacity to cycle carbon and water. The unique tropical rainforest index (TFVI) provides a snapshot of long-term observations, revealing that rainforests are more vulnerable than previously predicted.
Researchers found that severe COVID-19 patients have muted interferon responses, leading to a failed early immune response. The study suggests that building on type I interferon may be key to developing treatments for severe COVID-19.
University of Virginia researchers identified a potential avenue for treating seizure-related brain injuries by harnessing the brain's natural immune response. Microglia cells were found to form pouches that tend to swollen dendrites, suggesting a 'healing' process.
Studies investigate how ideological differences impact attitudes towards diverse community features and what 'diversity' means to conservatives and liberals. Researchers find that demographics, viewpoints, and consumer features are perceived as relevant aspects of diversity.
Researchers used mass cytometry and machine learning to discover 'immune signatures' that differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic Plasmodium vivax malaria infections. The study found a previously unrecognised role for immune CD4 T cells in preventing serious disease and controlling asymptomatic infection.
A study by Michigan State University found that horseweed's growth type is influenced by environmental cues, with rosette plants emerging in response to temperature and photoperiod variations. Upright plants, resistant to glyphosate, are three- to four-fold less sensitive than their rosette siblings, making them harder to control.
Researchers found thiopurine-induced mutations in leukemia cells, inactivating a DNA repair process and making the cancer resistant to multiple chemotherapy drugs. This study provides direct genomic evidence of chemotherapy-induced drug resistance mutations in pediatric cancer.
A new study found that young soccer players experience more frequent head impacts during practice, while game time may result in greater magnitude impacts. Technical training activities like heading the ball were associated with an average impact rate of 13.7 head impacts per player hour.
The locus coeruleus region plays a crucial role in regulating learning from reward and punishment, optimizing behavior and mental health. The region integrates sensory inputs and internal cognitive states to precisely exert its influence.
A study by Texas A&M researchers found that silicone wristbands can be used as passive samplers to measure exposure to harmful chemicals during pregnancy. The wristbands yielded similar results to traditional testing methods, suggesting they could be a useful tool in studies of semi-volatile pollutants.
Researchers have identified five new plant species in Bolivia's Bolivian Andes, expanding the genus Jacquemontia. The study highlights the importance of classifying and conserving these species, which are highly vulnerable to threats like invasive species and habitat destruction.
Scientists have discovered a way to replace mutated osteoblasts with healthy ones, leading to improved collagen production and potentially paving the way for a cure for brittle bone disease. The breakthrough could be translated to other forms of OI and bone diseases in the future.
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) has recognized three students in each of two categories with monetary awards for their research on various dental topics. This year's SCADA winners will receive $1,000, $750, or $500 based on their placement.
Researchers developed a 3D platform to study therapeutic combinations against cancer cells, allowing for rapid optimization of personalized immunotherapies. The platform demonstrated significant differences in treatment efficacy between 2D cell cultures and the 3D spheroid design.
Researchers have developed nanobodies that target the cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a virus that can cause life-threatening complications in immunocompromised patients. These nanobodies bind to the US28 protein and interrupt signals that keep the virus dormant, enabling the immune system to detect and destroy the virus.
The study highlights the importance of dryland restoration to mitigate climate change and reverse desertification, with seeding efforts showing promising results in nearly a third of treatments. However, the process is also fraught with risks, including high failure rates and declining species populations as projects mature.
A new study found that one-third of popular cancer treatment articles on social media contain misinformation, which can negatively impact patient outcomes. The vast majority of this misinformation garners more attention and engagement than evidence-based information.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and University of Leeds successfully reversed age-related memory loss in mice by manipulating the extracellular matrix of the brain. By restoring the balance of compounds known as chondroitin sulphates, they were able to restore neuroplasticity and alleviate memory deficits.
Researchers at Houston Methodist used a helmet generating a noninvasive oscillating magnetic field to treat end-stage recurrent glioblastoma. The treatment resulted in a 31% reduction of the tumor mass, with significant shrinkage appearing to correlate with the treatment dose.
Researchers identified bioactive substances that modulate cholesterol homeostasis, a common feature among many compounds. These findings suggest potential side effects of active substances and provide new insights into targeting cholesterol homeostasis, which may also impact SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Researchers at the Center for Astrophysics have detected a clear presence of a moon-forming region around exoplanet PDS 70c, one of two giant planets orbiting a star nearly 400 light-years away. The disk surrounding PDS 70c has enough mass to form up to three satellites the size of the Moon.
A computational analysis of COVID-19 tests suggests that using less sensitive rapid antigen tests can achieve similar outcomes as more sensitive RT-PCR tests if a high number of people are tested. This approach could allow governments in lower and middle-income countries to ramp up testing and reduce the number of infections.
BioAesthetics Corp., a Tulane University spin-out company, has received a $256,000 grant to develop a novel graft for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The graft, strengthened with biodegradable polymers, will be tested in Kristin Miller's lab to compare its elasticity and strength to normal tissue.
Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia use $4 million in grants to connect with 200 middle school teachers through ECHO platform, aiming to improve student outcomes and reduce teacher stress. Prosocial education practices, including kindness, empathy and internal praise, are found to positively impact student behavior.
A research team at VIB-KU Leuven discovered the early assembly of gamma-secretase, a protein complex involved in plaque production and linked to Alzheimer's disease. The 'buckle up' mechanism prevents premature assembly and activity, allowing for precise regulation of gamma-secretase activity.
A prediction model forecasts a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years attributed to oral diseases in emerging countries by 2025. Females and older adults are expected to have the highest burden of oral diseases globally.
Researchers documented the emergence and geographic spread of innovative bin-opening behaviors in sulphur-crested cockatoos, revealing a complex social learning culture. The behavior, which emerged as a response to land-use change and urbanization, demonstrates how animal cultures can adapt to urban environments.
A study published in Nature Plants reveals a comprehensive atlas of gene expression data from ten different species of land plants. The analysis identified novel and missing components involved in the formation of sex organs and cells, showing that many groups of genes emerged through the repurpose of existing genetic material. The tea...
Researchers found that hatchling pterosaur wings were stronger than those of many adult pterosaurs, suggesting they could fly. Their wing dimensions were also more suited for agility and quick changes in direction, possibly allowing them to escape predators and catch nimbler prey.
Göttingen University researchers have developed a new type of hydroplastic polymer called cellulose cinnamate (CCi) that can be molded using little more than water at everyday temperature and pressure. The bioplastic exhibits high quality mechanical properties, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers have proven that cockatoos learn to lift garbage bin lids through social interaction and observation. The study shows that birds adapt innovative techniques to access food resources, highlighting the emergence of regional subcultures among urban bird species.
A new study reveals that the TCF7L2 gene plays a key role in smooth muscle cell death and replenishment, potentially reducing aortic aneurysm risk. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 1,300 individuals with aortic aneurysms and found a significant genetic link to the disease.
Researchers identified a specific interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and G-quadruplexes in human cells. Using G4 ligands, they showed antiviral activity against the virus.
Before birth, neonatal mice's retinas generate spontaneous patterns of activity that simulate optic flow, training the brain to process directional information. This intrinsic mechanism prepares the visual system for motion detection at eye opening, despite the mouse not being able to see yet.
A study investigated longitudinal serological and vaccination responses to SARS-COV-2 in dental professionals. The results showed that natural infection with SARS-COV-2 leads to persistent, neutralizing and protective serological responses in over 70% of participants.
Researchers discovered that cannabidiol accelerates oral ulcer healing by inactivating the CMPK2-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome. This mechanism may lead to the development of new treatments for oral ulcers.
A new study suggests that targeted removals of lionfish combined with long-term monitoring can effectively suppress their populations in the Mediterranean. Divers and citizen scientists conducted removal events and surveys over six months, revealing that population numbers recovered within three months in some locations.
A study of 647 patients with untreated nonmetastatic prostate cancer found that Black men underwent significantly fewer prostatectomies during the pandemic compared to white patients. Prior to the pandemic, there was no difference in treatment rates between the two groups.
The new center aims to understand the causes of cardiovascular disease and cancer in Blacks, with a focus on identifying early indicators of heart problems from cancer treatment. Research will also investigate how socioeconomic disparities and obesity contribute to increased risk of both conditions.
A study of 344 volunteers reveals that remotely supervised exercise classes were more effective than in-person sessions or unsupervised online sessions in improving physical and mental health. The researchers attribute this to the increased intensity of exercises under remote supervision, which led to better outcomes for participants.
A standardized non-invasive clear cell likelihood score derived from MRI correlates with the growth rate of small renal masses. Small renal masses with higher scores are more likely to grow faster and may require earlier intervention.
A new study shows that a wearable computer vision device can reduce collisions for both people who are blind or those who are visually impaired and using a long cane and/or guide dog. The device was found to be 37 percent effective in reducing collision incidents, providing an additional travel safety measure.
A new model estimates annual energy use intensity of 209 structures in Pittsburgh with only a 7% error rate. The Urban Building Energy Model can aid policy makers in setting energy goals and efficiency regulations for commercial buildings.
Researchers from Freiburg University have developed a new resuscitation technique called CARL, which improves survival rates after cardiac arrest to over 90% in hospital settings and 10% outside hospitals. The technique involves controlled automated reperfusion of the whole body to minimize brain damage.
Researchers discovered how protective molecules like SPM are altered in COVID-19 patients, suggesting that increasing these molecules could limit inflammation and disease severity. The study also found that dexamethasone increased SPM production, improving white blood cell function and reducing inflammation.
Researchers warn that rising temperatures and drought will reduce California's natural ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, potentially limiting the state's progress toward achieving carbon neutrality. The study highlights the importance of present-day drought and wildfire in driving carbon sequestration losses.
Researchers at Osaka University have identified a protein called Rad8 as a key player in chromosomal rearrangements, which can lead to cell death and diseases like cancer. The study suggests that inhibiting the attachment of ubiquitin to PCNA at a specific amino acid position may be a promising new strategy for cancer therapies.