Researchers discovered SARS-CoV-2 mutates by deleting small bits of its sequence, evading neutralizing antibodies. This pattern repeats itself in emerging variants like B.1.1.7, highlighting the need for multiple approaches to combat the virus.
Sanjeev Bhalla, MD, has been recognized as the 2021 ARRS Distinguished Educator for his proven record of improving radiological education. He is a dedicated teacher and innovator in medical imaging.
Researchers found that deactivating the autism-linked FoxP1 gene in young songbirds prevents them from forming memories of their fathers' songs. This finding may shed light on speech development in humans and potentially lead to new treatments for children with autism.
A new universal screening tool, CASSY, helps caregivers predict an adolescent's suicide risk by identifying risk factors such as suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbance, and family issues. The tool has been shown to be accurate in predicting future suicide attempts with over 88% accuracy.
Researchers studied how modern immunotherapeutic anti-cancer drugs interact with the immune system, finding that tiny molecular motions are key to their effectiveness. The study, published in Cancers, reveals how these drugs bind to specific receptors on killer cells without activating them.
Researchers found that MB66, a vaginal film product containing monoclonal antibodies, is safe and effective in preventing HIV-1 and HSV-2. The product provided excellent antiviral protection for up to 24 hours after use, with high acceptability among women.
A new piezoelectric material developed by Penn State researchers remained effective at elevated temperatures, allowing for the creation of self-powering sensors and energy harvesters. The material performed well beyond 482 F (250 C), enabling potential applications in aerospace, automotive, and wearable devices.
Researchers uncover the reason behind reduced oil production in genetically modified plants producing specialty fatty acids. They found that feeding these plants additional endogenous fatty acids triggers a shutdown mechanism, slowing down oil synthesis.
Researchers from Hiroshima University have identified a mechanism that allows some mutant cells to recover from a displaced nucleus during mitosis, potentially leading to cell death. The study found that microfilaments play a role in pushing the nucleus to safety.
A new study published in Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory suggests that environmental pressures played a key role in the evolution of human tolerance. The research found that populations which shared resources were more likely to succeed and survive harsh environments, leading to long-term benefits for everyone involved.
A new study found consensus among Americans for arming school resource officers but division on arming teachers and nonteaching staff. Researchers suggest that support may wane as younger generations become more influential in voting decisions.
Researchers used synthetic biology to develop a genetic design that reproduces key processes in natural systems, such as symmetry breakage observed in embryos. The new platform can generate spatial patterns seen in more complex animals like Drosophila melanogaster and humans.
A 13-year analysis of wheat rust outbreaks in Ethiopia reveals long-term trends and hotspots, potentially leading to improved surveillance and control efforts. The study found a 'boom-and-bust' outbreak cycle due to genetic resistance breakdowns, emphasizing the importance of sustained pest management for food security.
Researchers have identified a spinal cord circuit responsible for opioid-related itch and found a drug that can relieve the sensation. Nalfurafine, clinically approved in Japan to treat itching caused by liver disease, relieved spinal morphine-induced itch in both mice and monkeys.
A comprehensive epigenome map has been created, revealing genetic control elements linked to hundreds of human traits. The researchers identified 300 modules controlling specific biological processes and predicted links between control elements and target genes.
Researchers found that European greater mouse-eared bats have sufficient baseline levels of key immune parameters to tolerate infection throughout hibernation. In contrast, North American bats frequently arouse from hibernation to trigger an immune response, leading to starvation and death.
The Biden-Harris administration aims to create research and development opportunities in clean energy and switch the US to cleaner sources. Climate change policies and updates to regulations will also be prioritized to protect public health from toxic substances. Immigration reform may lead to more scientific collaboration and access f...
The sequencing of plant genomes has accelerated significantly, with over 181 horticultural species now sequenced. These advancements have provided new insights into the inheritance of traits and evolutionary aspects of various plant species, including fruit development and ripening. The data will benefit future research projects and pr...
A senior editor at The BMJ argues that politicians' inaction during the pandemic amounts to 'social murder' and demands accountability through legal and electoral means. The BMJ editorial calls for citizens to lobby their representatives for a public inquiry and for professionals to speak out against negligent leaders.
A three-year study will examine how being a firefighter affects women's stress levels and their risk of cancer and reproductive toxicity. The study aims to identify potential differences between incumbent and new recruits to help make jobs safer.
Herbert Waldmann has been awarded the Richard Willstätter Prize for his groundbreaking work in chemical biology. He is recognized for developing novel approaches to create new active substances that can target specific biological processes, such as stopping cancer cell glucose uptake.
A study by City of Hope researchers found that the ApoE4 gene increases the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. The team created brain cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 and discovered that those with ApoE4 were more susceptible to infection, damage, and cell death.
A study of critically ill COVID-19 patients found that early therapeutic anticoagulation did not reduce the risk of death, but may increase the risk of major bleeding. The study analyzed data from over 3,200 patients and used simulation to estimate the effects of treatment on clinical outcomes.
Research from the Smidt Heart Institute found women are more likely to experience sudden death during nighttime hours, with a higher prevalence of lung disease and asthma. Prescribing physicians may want to be cautious when recommending brain-affecting medications to high-risk patients, especially women.
Researchers aim to understand the form and function of dry biofilms using probiotic cleansers. They hope to demonstrate how friendly bacteria interacts with bad bacteria and remove dry biofilms without harsh chemicals.
A team of Berkeley Lab chemists have characterized some properties of einsteinium, overcoming obstacles to report the first study. They measured the bond distance and discovered physical chemistry behavior different from expectations, gaining a better understanding of the actinide series.
A study by the University of Bristol found that one in every 30 children may have brain-related visual problems, which can affect learning outcomes. The research suggests that detailed vision checks could improve educational and wellbeing outcomes for affected children.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed a novel non-destructive analytical strategy to characterize Martian samples. The proposed method utilizes Raman spectroscopy to identify molecular compositions and geochemical properties of unknown samples.
A monitoring system based on smartwatches detects movement issues and tremors in Parkinson's patients, allowing for remote monitoring and adjusted medication plans. The platform showed promising results, with 94% match between clinician evaluations and patient data.
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) affects millions worldwide, causing cysts and benign tumors to form in the kidney, leading to kidney failure. Researchers led by Dr. Manoocher Soleimani found that changes in cells lining the collecting ducts are responsible for cyst formation, offering new avenues for potential treatments.
A large study found that prolonged high dose use of cyproterone acetate increases the risk of developing meningioma, a mostly non-cancerous brain tumour. The risk declines after stopping treatment, suggesting a biologically plausible causal relationship.
Scientists have created a highly sensitive graphene-based terahertz detector, outperforming commercial analogs. The device's exceptional sensitivity enables faster data transfer rates, opening up prospects for applications in wireless communications, security systems, and medical diagnostics.
Researchers analyzed 94 million tweets to detect early signs of depression and suicidal thoughts during the pandemic. The study found a significant jump in depression levels at the start of the outbreak and a notable increase in users' social media time during lockdowns.
Two studies shed light on the process of adding new fat cells, revealing a balance between existing fat cell expansion and new cell creation. A cancer drug can stimulate healthy fat cell formation, while inhibiting the development of new fat cells in one storage area can prevent diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists have developed a new generation of thermomagnetic generators that can convert waste heat into electrical power at small temperature differences. The devices, based on Heusler alloy films, increased electrical power per footprint by a factor of 3.4 and reached a maximum power of 50 microwatts per square centimeter.
Scientists develop method to increase nutrient uptake and stomatal opening in rice, resulting in over 30% increase in crop yield. The technique uses a plasma membrane proton pump gene overexpression, reducing the need for fertilizers and improving carbon capture.
A new prediction model has identified 10 preoperative characteristics that may predict persistent high-dose opioid use after knee replacement surgery. Certain patient demographics and medication history, including substance abuse and benzodiazepine use, were found to be risk factors.
Research reveals that ostriches face reproductive challenges when temperatures deviate by 5 degrees from ideal conditions, affecting up to 40% egg production and gamete release. A small proportion of females thrive in extreme temperatures, sparking hope for genetic adaptation as a potential solution.
A Wayne State University research team is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) model to help identify severe SARS-CoV-2 illness in children. The project aims to predict disease severity and risk stratify patients, enabling early detection and timely intervention.
Hiring professionals often feel compelled to discriminate against specific groups to ensure a 'good fit' with colleagues, according to research. Around 28% of clients make overt requests to avoid hiring from diverse backgrounds, revealing deep-seated biases in the hiring process.
A study by the University of Jyväskylä found that life changes significantly impact physical activity levels, particularly for women. The birth of a child reduces women's everyday steps, while employment affects aerobic steps in both men and women. Changes in residence also influence physical activity.
A study by University of New South Wales found that kangaroo overgrazing is having a detrimental impact on soil health and vegetation biodiversity, even more so than rabbits. The research suggests that conservation reserves need to rethink their management strategies to address the issue.
A new technology developed by the University of Bristol has created a fast, reliable and cost-effective alternative for producing microfluidic devices. This breakthrough promises to democratize microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technology, benefiting resource-poor countries and settings.
Researchers have discovered that cancer progression leads to fewer skeletal muscle ribosomes, resulting in muscle wasting. The findings suggest a new mechanism for muscle loss that could be relevant not just for people with cancer but also other conditions such as aging and malnutrition.
A study of 137,130 people across 21 countries found a strong association between high refined grain intake and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Higher intakes of refined grains were associated with 27% higher mortality rates and 33% higher cardiovascular event risks compared to lower intakes.
Researchers have discovered a rare 'mud carapace' treatment on an Egyptian mummy, revealing the mummy and its coffin did not originally belong together. The analysis suggests the body is older than the coffin, with the mud carapace providing restorative and potentially elite funerary practices.
A new intranasal influenza vaccine demonstrated a durable immune response in a Phase 1 study, producing higher antibody levels compared to oral vaccination. The vaccine induced mucosal immunity and neutralizing antibodies at 26 weeks after vaccination, with sustained protection lasting up to five years.
A study found that a high diversity of flowering plants can compensate for the negative effects of insecticides on wild bee reproduction. The research team discovered that red mason bees reproduced successfully when kept in enclosures with diverse flower mixtures compared to those with only oilseed rape.
Research reveals that American adult cancer survivors often face barriers to healthy eating, with significant disparities observed across sociodemographic factors. A Mediterranean-style diet may reduce overall cancer risk for women, but not for men, highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition interventions in cancer care.
A new study by the University of Georgia found that state-funded pre-K programs can enhance math achievement in students through seventh grade. Participating students were twice as likely to meet state standards, indicating a positive trajectory for future academic success.
Scientists have identified neurons responsible for rapidly stopping behaviors and actions in patients with Parkinson's disease. These 'stop signal neurons' are critical in canceling planned movements, a skill that is lost in the condition. The discovery has the potential to improve deep brain stimulation treatment outcomes.
A study found that Canadian adults who consumed an average of two to three fiber sources daily had lower rates of PTSD. Fiber's communication network between the gut and brain via short chain fatty acids may have a mental health-related protective effect.
Researchers used thermography to measure marmosets' emotional responses to call interactions, finding they distinguish dialogues from monologues. Marmosets also prefer cooperative over competitive interactions, aligning with their natural behavior as cooperative breeders.
Researchers propose that underground salts and melting ice are responsible for Martian landslides, including the seasonal Recurring Slope Lineae features. Lab experiments suggest that thin layers of liquid-like water form near -50 °C, followed by gradual melting, which could lead to surface changes and dust storms.
A study using drone and Landsat imagery reveals a 33% increase in vegetation cover along the Kuiseb River in the Namib Desert between 1984 and 2019. The research provides new insights into the long-term change in hydrology and ecology of this system, shedding light on how ephemeral rivers in desert landscapes respond to global change.
Researchers found that juvenile fish in the North Sea and West of Scotland are getting bigger, while adult fish are getting smaller due to rising sea temperatures. This change in body size may impact commercial fisheries yields and marine ecosystems, particularly those with predator-prey relationships.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in emergency department visits for mental health concerns, suicide attempts, drug overdoses, and violent incidents. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a substantial rise in these types of visits before and during the pandemic.
Most zoombombing incidents are caused by legitimate meeting attendees who share passwords and links online, according to a new study. The research team analyzed over 200 calls from the first seven months of 2020 and found that insiders, particularly students in high school and college classes, were responsible for most attacks.
A study by University of Turku scientists reveals that ecology researchers underestimate the risks associated with unconscious cognitive biases, leading to overestimation of effects and poor reproducibility. The study found that career stage, gender, and affiliation country influence knowledge about biases and attitude towards them.
Participants in an international survey study reported greater willingness to share COVID-19 messages from a prominent expert versus a celebrity. The researchers found that endorsement by the celebrities was less likely to prompt willingness to share than endorsement by a government official, or no endorsement at all.