Researchers at the Salk Institute combined genomic and epidemiological data to reveal that some widespread beliefs about cancer-causing genes are incorrect. For example, KRAS is found to be involved in only about 11% of all cancers, not 25% as previously thought. This study could help guide genetic research for more effective treatments.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a metasurface using ultra-deep holes to focus light to a single spot, achieving a record-breaking aspect ratio of nearly 30:1. This breakthrough enables the creation of large achromatic metalenses with diverse color control capabilities.
A multicenter study found that oxytocin, a hormone used as an autism treatment, had no significant impact on social skills among children with autism. The study of 290 children aged 3-17 showed that oxytocin was safe but ineffective in boosting social abilities.
A large Swedish cohort study found that obese patients (BMI >35 kg/m2) were twice as likely to experience a prolonged ICU stay or die from COVID-19. The study also showed that obesity is an independent risk factor for severe outcomes, suggesting closer monitoring for individuals with obesity hospitalized for COVID-19.
Researchers at Arizona State University have refined cryogenic electron microscopy to produce more accurate structures of biological samples. The new method uses a statistical approach to model transitory structures, which can play a vital role in biological processes.
Researchers identified five genes mutated in people with liver disease, affecting insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism. These mutations reduce the liver's ability to respond to dietary sugars and fats.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women are underrepresented in stroke clinical trials, with a participation-to-prevalence ratio of 0.84. This disparity may limit the applicability of trial results to the general population and affect access to new therapies.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 30% decline in patients seeking treatment for kidney failure, with Black patients experiencing significantly worse kidney function. The decline was attributed to changes in healthcare delivery and may reflect delays in treatment due to fear of infection or logistical barriers.
A new study found that scientists who present their own work in science videos are perceived as having more expertise and being more trustworthy than third-party presenters. The study also showed that first-person accounts can humanize the science and make it more relatable to a wider audience.
Researchers found that combining zinc oxide with small-molecule UV filter ingredients reduced UVA protection by 84.3-91.8% compared to non-mineral sunscreens. The study also showed toxic effects on zebra fish embryos when exposed to sunscreen mixtures containing zinc oxide.
A Tanzanian study found that laser treatment (SLT) successfully reduced eye pressure to normal levels in 61% of patients after one year, compared to 31% with daily eye drops. SLT may be an affordable alternative for glaucoma care in Africa.
A new center will address individual, familial, societal and environmental factors contributing to health disparities in the Latino/a/x community. The center will support research projects and interventions aimed at reducing obesity and chronic disease risk in Latino/a/x families.
Researchers discovered that mutant clones in the normal human oesophagus outcompete and eliminate emerging tumours, preventing them from growing. This study sheds light on how cancer develops and could lead to new ways to prevent early tumours from becoming cancers.
A recent study suggests that primates and marsupials were among the few tree-dwelling mammals that survived an asteroid impact 66 million years ago. The researchers used computer models and fossil records to find that most surviving mammals did not rely on trees, but some arboreal species may have been versatile enough to adapt.
A research team from Göttingen University observed magnetic forces arranging gas particles in solar prominences, with charged particles moving at speeds of up to 42 km/s. This phenomenon is significant for understanding astrophysical processes, including star and planet formation.
Volcanic eruptions impact monsoon rainfall differently globally, dominated by pre-eruption ENSO phases according to a study. Regional responses are varied and can be explained by the underlying mechanism of SST anomalies triggered by volcanic eruptions.
A research team led by Associate Professor Akira Kakugo of Hokkaido University has provided direct evidence that microtubules function as mechanosensors, slowing down kinesin movement when bent. This phenomenon is attributed to enhanced interaction energy between kinesin and deformed microtubule structural units.
A team led by Prof. LI Di and Dr. WANG Pei detected 1,652 independent bursts of Fast Radio Burst (FRB) 121102 within 47 days using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). The characteristic energy and energy distribution of FRBs were determined for the first time.
A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology reveals that increasing coral richness improves coral growth and survivorship. By 'outplanting' diverse coral species, researchers found a potential solution to restore climate-damaged reefs and support fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.
Researchers have identified a new method for clearing senescent cells using an antibody treatment, which could transform treatments for ageing and related conditions. The treatment targets specific membrane markers on senescent cells, effectively eliminating them and slowing age-related degeneration.
A Stanford University study found higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells, likely worsening negative health outcomes for nearby residents. The research reveals that wells emit toxic particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, posing a risk to residents' health.
Researchers found that selecting the embryo with the lowest predicted risk score reduces disease risk more effectively than eliminating high-scoring embryos. However, polygenic embryo screening offers no guarantees about a baby's health and has limited effectiveness depending on factors like ancestry and age.
A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists identifies 42,000 potential sources of PFAS pollution in US surface and drinking water. The analysis highlights the need for widespread testing to identify areas with higher health risks from contaminated water.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown species of ground sloth, Parocnus dominicanus, from fossils found in the Dominican Republic. The species was smaller than its tree-dwelling cousins and had anatomical differences that may have allowed it to occupy lowland areas.
Two independent research groups unveil new measurements to explain the birth of half the universe's elements. One group uses laboratory techniques to hunt for 'astromers,' while the other compares heavy elements in stars to better understand their origin.
Researchers have proved the existence of universal adversarial examples that can deceive multiple quantum classifiers. The study also reveals the universality aspect of adversarial attacks for quantum machine learning systems, providing valuable insights for future applications.
A Texas A&M University study found that physics outreach programs have a positive effect on both students and their audiences, boosting confidence, skills, and career readiness in STEM fields. The programs provide experiential learning opportunities beyond classrooms, promoting deeper understanding and enhanced job prospects.
A University of Warwick study explains Kenya's first three Covid-19 waves through socio-economic differences and variant introductions. Lower socio-economic groups were more vulnerable due to high population density, reduced access to sanitation, and daily mobility requirements.
Researchers discovered that RSV's NS1 protein alters immune gene expression to evade the immune response. The study provides crucial data for targeting NS1 in drug or vaccine development and may shed light on the link between RSV and asthma.
A study published in Oncotarget identified four genetic variants linked to an increased risk of sporadic colorectal adenocarcinoma in the Kazakhstani population. The findings suggest that these variants, including rs10506868, may contribute to CRC development and highlight the importance of understanding genetic factors in this disease.
Researchers found that conservative tweets are more effective at reaching moderates than liberal tweets, thanks to their network connections and linguistic similarities. The study suggests that liberals need to consciously connect with moderates to compete on Twitter.
Researchers found that TAK1-inhibitors NG25 and 5Z-7 reduce the viability of multiple myeloma cell lines and primary cells, inducing apoptosis through various mechanisms. The combination of TAK1 inhibitors with DNA-damaging agents increases cytotoxicity in a synergistic or additive manner.
Researchers developed PocketView, a display technology that shows basic information like notifications and time through fabrics, offering versatility and ease of use. The technology is relatively inexpensive and can be incorporated into existing devices, making it a potential game-changer in wearable tech.
Researchers found that protein lactylation occurs in brain neurons and is positively correlated with lactate levels. The study showed that neural excitation and social stress enhance lysine lactylation of histone H1 proteins, leading to increased anxiety-like behaviors.
Researchers have identified a quantum phase transition in ferropericlase, a mineral abundant in the lower mantle. The study, published in Nature Communications, confirms earlier predictions and suggests this phenomenon may increase tectonic events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
A research team has developed a universal route with fine kinetic control to synthesize a family of penta-twinned gold nanocrystals. The method, which uses tailored atom deposition sites and rates, allows for the fabrication of seven types of penta-twin nanocrystals with tunable sizes and high purity.
Researchers have developed Mass-Sensitive Particle Tracking (MSPT) to analyze proteins on biological membranes in real-time. The method enables the determination of protein location and size changes without labeling, providing valuable insights into dynamic processes at the membrane.
The study found that non-native mangroves on Moloka'i Island support a diverse range of zooplankton communities, rivaling those found in open coastal areas. This suggests that non-native mangroves may provide suitable habitats for rare and important species, altering the way invasive species are managed.
A geologist from the University of Texas at Arlington is investigating the origin and climate importance of loess, a sediment formed by wind-blown dust, in Montana, Wyoming, and northeast Colorado. Her research aims to identify the sediment's source, when it appeared, and the climate changes that caused it to form.
Medical personnel trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) showed a 21% reduction in patient sick leave, primarily related to anxiety and depression. The study suggests that ACT training can empower healthcare staff to take a comprehensive view of patients' needs, promoting sustainable change and reducing reliance on sick leave.
A study of roundworms found that older parents can produce larger, faster-developing offspring with better reproductive success, challenging the notion that old parental age is detrimental. The research showed that older parents invest more nutrients in eggs, resulting in larger offspring.
Researchers conducted a functional test to identify effective therapies for advanced hematological cancers, achieving significant positive outcomes with 56 patients receiving individually tailored treatment. The study demonstrates the clinical feasibility and efficacy of personalized medicine in breaking resistance to prior therapies.
A study found that people with an Alzheimer's gene mutation have disrupted white matter integrity, which may predict the onset of dementia. The researchers used advanced MRI techniques to compare carriers and non-carriers, finding lower structural connectivity in the frontoparietal control network.
Developers have created a mathematical model to calibrate rotary encoders, used in precise rotations like antennas and telescopes, with high accuracy. The approach uses a dynamic goniometer as a reference sensor to process data and provide a versatile calibration method for various encoder types.
Two small-scale experiments, a quantum dark matter detector and a particle accelerator, aim to detect sterile neutrinos. If successful, they could improve cancer treatment by producing radioactive isotopes.
The new system, using over-current driven LED lights, improves image brightness and color consistency, reducing motion blur and variability caused by sunlight. The prototype showed an average decrease of 85% in standard deviation for hue-saturation-value channels compared to auto-exposure settings.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a computationally quick approach to predict molten droplet solidification on a solid surface. The model simulates the solidification process by considering the droplet behavior and heat transfer between the hotter droplet and cooler surface, replicating experiments with high accuracy.
A novel therapy concept allows tumor cells to produce a protein that blocks CD47 and activates immune cells. This approach eradicates tumors by macrophage and NK cell activation in a highly malignant human breast cancer model.
As sea levels rise, lakes expand laterally, drawing water from below and contaminating the freshwater lens. This process reduces available freshwater resources for drinking and other needs on small tropical islands.
A new study maps opioid-related incidents and discards to identify high-risk neighborhoods and support targeted interventions. The research team used GIS data to highlight areas with the highest concentrations of discarded syringes and fatal overdoses.
A survey of breast cancer patients found that nearly half use cannabis to alleviate pain, fatigue, and other symptoms while undergoing treatment. Physicians are often unaware of patients' cannabis use, highlighting the need for informed conversations about its potential benefits and risks.
A new trial has found that vaginal laser therapy treatments claim to reduce negative vaginal symptoms of menopause – experienced by about half of all women – by up to 100 per cent. However, the study shows they might not work at all, with no difference found between the laser treatment and a placebo.
High BRCA1 mRNA levels in breast cancer correlate with better survival, while LMNB2's role in CRC reveals conflicting results. Young CRC patients exhibit low p21 expression, suggesting a link between BRCA1 mRNA and tumor progression.
A simple form of talking therapy, delivered by trained support workers over the telephone, reduced loneliness in older people left isolated during the pandemic. The intervention was found to improve mental health and reduce rates of loneliness substantially in the first three months.
The University of Michigan's Injury Prevention Center has developed a free online course on pediatric injury prevention, which has gained significant popularity. The course offers tailored learning pathways and covers dozens of injury topics, making it accessible to learners worldwide.
A nationwide survey of Australian medical oncologists found that most were confident consenting patients for genomic profiling, but less confident discussing secondary germline findings. The study suggests that understanding oncologists' perspectives is crucial to integrating genomic profiling into routine care.
Researchers at the University of Surrey used satellite imagery to assess habitat suitability for five species in the Surrey Hills, identifying potential improvements to land management. The study demonstrates the value of Earth Observation data in supporting environmental protection and improvement in the UK and globally.
Scientists have made the second-ever measurement of the free neutron lifetime from space, reducing uncertainty by an order of magnitude. This method could bring to an end a decades-long puzzle in fundamental physics and potentially reveal new physics beyond the standard model.
Liquid marbles' unique hydrophobic outer layer allows for faster evaporation than bare water droplets due to particle-particle and liquid-particle interactions. The team's mathematical model accurately predicts evaporation behavior, providing insights into these tiny biological structures.
New research finds that Airbnb's smart-pricing tool has done little to solve the problem of racial disparities in revenue, with Black hosts being less likely to adopt the algorithm and facing suboptimal pricing. To address this issue, experts suggest incorporating host race into the pricing algorithm.