A rare PLD3 mutation in Alzheimer's patients disrupts lysosomal recycling, leading to fewer β-amyloid plaques and less cognitive decline. Boosting PLD3 may have a protective effect against the disease.
The full assembly of human chromosome 8 has been completed, revealing novel genes and potential disease risks. The sequence fills in gaps missing from the current reference genome and provides new insights into immune disorders, brain development, and heart defects.
A new decision support system (DSS) simulates electric power system emergencies in real-time, allowing dispatchers to test actions and evaluate consequences quickly. The system outperforms traditional simulations by five folds, enabling more accurate decision-making.
A new study reveals that domesticated sheep first reached Central Asia around 6000 BCE, challenging the long-held notion of their late arrival to the region. The discovery was made through interdisciplinary analysis of fossil remains and ancient DNA.
A new study found that modern human-like brains evolved comparatively late in the genus Homo and after their first African dispersal. The research analyzed fossilized skulls to discover that early humans retained primitive brain organization until later innovations allowed for unique behaviors and abilities.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new technique to approximate neuron counts in individual animal brains, providing a more meaningful metric than traditional studies measuring brain size or weight. The study reveals that certain species of bees have a higher density of brain cells than even some species of birds.
After Hurricane Maria, rhesus macaques in Puerto Rico expanded their social networks and became more tolerant of other individuals. The animals formed new connections, resulting in a more tolerant society as a whole.
Scientists have constructed a semiconductor component that allows for efficient information exchange between electron spin and light at room temperature. The new method uses an opto-spintronic nanostructure with quantum dots to control the electron spin of the nanoscale regions, achieving higher spin polarization than previous research.
A University of Tennessee project received two awards for excellence in risk management education, providing financial and marketing strategies to Tennessee farmers. The project was evaluated on outcomes, audiences reached, impacts, and quality of communications.
Researchers aim to create diamond windows that can withstand high levels of radiation, a crucial step towards building safer fusion reactors. The University of Tartu's three-year project involves partnerships with German and Latvian institutions to develop materials and technologies necessary for the DEMO reactor.
Researchers analyzed death records of over 22,000 Holocaust survivors and found a significant increase in cancer and heart disease mortality rates among women and men. The study supports theories that survivors experience general health resilience combined with vulnerabilities to specific diseases.
Researchers discovered novel diarylamides with excellent in vitro UT inhibitory activity, leading to the identification of a promising preclinical candidate. Oral administration of the compound showed a superior diuretic effect in vivo without causing electrolyte imbalance or toxicity.
Researchers found altered brain activity in individuals with chronic sinusitis, affecting neural networks that modulate cognition and response to external stimuli. Despite no significant clinical impairment, participants showed subtle brain region communication changes associated with attention decline and sleep disturbances.
Infants from deaf families exposed to American Sign Language at home looked primarily at the face while watching a signer, whereas those with hearing parents who spoke English barely looked at the hands. The study suggests that sign-language exposure impacts infant gaze patterns and may support later language learning.
Researchers have developed an algorithm to identify features of male zebra finch songs underpinning the distinction between courtship and non-courtship contexts. The study suggests a potential for 'bottom-up' approaches to drive discovery in vocal communication, uncovering previously unidentified features.
The study analyzed in-hospital mortality rates among US patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection over time, highlighting the impact of aging and pre-existing health conditions on patient outcomes. The analysis revealed a significant increase in mortality rates among older adults and those with comorbidities.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed guidelines to use wood-based pulp mill fly ash as an economically sustainable low-carbon binder for road construction. The use of untreated PFA reduces energy consumption and produces low-carbon emissions, making it a safe raw material for environmental applications.
A study in Taiwan found that mountain growth influences the greenhouse effect, with high erosion rates releasing more CO2 than sequestering it. Low erosion rates, on the other hand, lead to greater CO2 sequestration due to weathering processes that bind carbon dioxide.
A University of Gothenburg study found a significant increase in heart failure and stroke cases among men under 40 in Sweden, attributed to rising obesity rates and declining physical fitness. The study monitored over 1.2 million men for 20 years, revealing a sharp decline in heart attacks despite increasing obesity.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed a blood test that can distinguish between severe depression and bipolar disorder, as well as predict future episodes. The test uses RNA biomarkers to inform tailored medication choices, offering a promising precision medicine approach to treatment.
Researchers developed a time-lapse system to measure membrane tension and recorded the dynamic responsiveness of the KcsA ion channel. Their experiments revealed hysteresis, where channels activate only at high membrane tension and remain active for a short period even after returning to low tension.
Researchers designed and synthesized acrylamide-based DHODH inhibitors for treating rheumatoid arthritis. The lead compound showed encouraging in vivo anti-arthritic effects in a dose-dependent manner.
A Rutgers-led study found that structural racism and anti-LGBTQ policies compound to negatively impact the psychological and behavioral health of Black gay, bisexual men. These oppressive policies must be changed to support their human rights and improve mental and physical health.
A new metric, STAR, measures the impact of human activities on biodiversity, revealing that conserving 9% of land could reduce global extinction risk by half. By abating threats in key areas, companies and countries can report reductions in species loss and contribute to the global biodiversity target.
A study of 940 children found nearly a quarter wanted stronger pain treatment after appendectomies and tonsillectomies, associated with sleep impairments and movement pain. Precautionary administration of non-opioid analgesics may reduce opioid use after surgery.
Researchers at Florida State University have visualized the motion of vortices in superfluid helium-4, a quantum fluid that exists at extremely low temperatures. The study revealed that as vortex tubes appeared, they moved randomly and rapidly away from their starting point, exhibiting superdiffusion.
Researchers found that patients with colorectal cancer had a 57-93% decreased risk of death from their cancer depending on the presence and type of mitochondrial DNA mutations. Mitochondrial DNA mutations were present in almost 60% of tumour samples, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.
Three rapidly rotating brown dwarfs were discovered spinning around their axes once every hour, reaching speeds of about 350,000 kilometers per hour. This extreme rotation rate is ten times faster than Jupiter and poses a risk to the stability of these objects.
Researchers have found that standard definition infrared spectroscopy can be sufficient for accurate diagnosis in urgent situations, challenging the notion that high-definition imaging is always superior. The study provides guidelines for choosing the optimal technology and instrument configuration for clinical work.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center shares five key lessons on health equity from its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, including obtaining reliable patient data and addressing structural inequalities. The health system's approach aims to reach marginalized communities with trust-building strategies.
New research reveals how the immune system influences SARS-CoV-2 evolution, with potential implications for COVID-19 treatment and vaccines. Studies show that immune responses can lead to the emergence of new virus strains, highlighting the need for periodic updates to remain effective.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a novel protein transport system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, allowing the release of its toxin, tuberculosis necrotizing toxin (TNT), into human macrophages. The study reveals that two small Esx proteins form pores in membranes to facilitate TNT secretion.
Researchers identified how Wnt proteins orchestrate cell communication and patterning of body axis, revealing the role of Vangl2 in regulating cytoneme formation. Long and branched cytonemes reinforce distant Wnt signalling, leading to altered body axis patterning.
A study by University of Córdoba researchers found that an atmosphere of intrafamily trust reduces the risk of schoolchildren engaging in problematic internet use. Family communication, particularly 'filial disclosure', is crucial in preventing cyberbullying and excessive social media involvement.
New research reveals sex-specific differences in brain stem cell activity and blood vessel density with age. Female mice show more efficient neurogenesis and better neuron migration compared to male mice, suggesting hormonal or genetic influences may play a role.
A medical records study revealed that infant cardiac surgery may be associated with increased hypertension in adulthood. Despite restored healthy heart function post-surgery within 10 years of birth, the study found a potential link between childhood CHD repair and high blood pressure later in life.
A new open-access paper calls for archaeologists and history professionals to collaborate with marginalized communities to redress the harm perpetuated by colonialism. The authors suggest preserving damaged monuments alongside contextual exhibits highlighting acts of resistance against white supremacy, shifting attention from preservat...
Researchers found that a specific gene called MPP8 suppresses the activity of 'jumping' genes, which can protect against certain blood cancers. This discovery may lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for acute myeloid leukemia, the deadliest type of blood cancer.
Researchers discovered a biochemical pathway triggered by SARS-CoV-2 in lung cells, which may explain the disease's difficulty to treat. The pairing of antiviral drugs with inhibitors of this process showed promise in inhibiting the immune response.
A global science collaboration using NICER data discovered X-ray surges accompanying giant radio pulses from the Crab Nebula's pulsar. The finding shows that these bursts release dozens to hundreds of times higher total emitted energy than previously estimated.
The discovery of 12 quadruply imaged quasars using machine-learning techniques will help determine the expansion rate of the universe and address mysteries like dark matter. Quasars are extremely luminous cores powered by supermassive black holes, providing a way to probe the intermediate range of the universe.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute found that blocking a specific protein, DNPH1, sensitised BRCA-defective cancer cells to treatment with PARP inhibitors. The discovery suggests a promising potential treatment combination that could lead to improved therapy for patients with inheritable breast cancers.
A group of microbes that feed on chemical reactions triggered by radioactivity have been found to be at an evolutionary standstill for millions of years. Their identical genetic makeup suggests they have not changed since their physical locations separated during the breakup of supercontinent Pangaea.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a breakthrough in understanding ferroelectric fatigue, a major cause of electronic device failure. By observing the degradation process at the nanoscale, they hope to inform the design of longer-lasting devices with better endurance.
Piping plover populations have been found to differ in their nesting habitat preferences along the Atlantic Coast, with those in New England favoring backshore habitats and Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions opting for overwash areas. These differences may be related to the availability of food, as birds in overwash areas often move tow...
A new study published in Psychological Science found that dogs display jealous behaviors when their owners interact with a potential rival, including forcefully attempting to reach the owner. The researchers tested 18 dogs using realistic artificial dogs and fleece cylinders, demonstrating three human-like signatures of jealous behavior.
Research reveals that religion can both protect mental health and constrain crisis response among certain groups, ultimately affecting public health efforts. Highly religious Americans, especially evangelicals, experienced less distress during the early days of COVID-19 but were less concerned about addressing the pandemic.
The new approach provides a powerful tool for recording cell lineage in diverse cellular systems. Researchers use intMEMOIR to reconstruct lineage histories and link cell fate, spatial structure, and tissue organization in mouse embryonic stem cells and fruit fly brain.
A new study led by Curtin University calls for immediate climate action to protect global food production and human health. The researchers estimate that world food production will need to increase by 50% by 2050 to meet growing demand.
Scientists at Institut Pasteur have successfully visualized neural stem cell activation in adult zebrafish brains, demonstrating coordinated events in time and space. This breakthrough may improve understanding of regulation processes during brain tumor formation.
The Carolina Population Center at UNC Chapel Hill has received a $38.2 million NIH grant to continue the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which tracks adolescents from adolescence to middle age. The study aims to understand how early life experiences impact adult health and well-being.
A French-US team has discovered that Mars' climate alternated between dry and wetter periods, with lake-deposited clays forming the base of Mount Sharp before drying up completely about 3 billion years ago.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a frequency-based inpainting method that enables the use of both frequency and spatial information to generate realistic missing image portions. The technique outperforms state-of-the-art methods in quality metrics such as PSNR, SSIM, and L1.
Researchers have discovered a unique area in the Novosibirsk region with a high concentration of orchid species, including some new to the territory. The area has been identified as a hotspot for these rare plants, and efforts are being made to preserve them.
Scientists discovered that the record-breaking rainfall was influenced by all three oceans, with the Atlantic playing a dominant role. The study found that positive SST anomalies in the western North Atlantic induced changes in atmospheric circulation patterns that led to the extreme rainfall.
The modern human brain is believed to have originated in Africa around 1.7 million years ago, with significant advancements in brain structure and function occurring during this time frame. The study used CT scans to analyze fossil skulls and compared them to those of great apes and humans.
A Curtin University study found that European honeybees can outcompete native bees for nectar and pollen resources in urban gardens dominated by non-native flowers. Planting more flowering plants preferred by vulnerable species and controlling honeybee density may help prevent native bee decline.
Researchers propose policies that provide assistance to farmers in poorest regions could reduce poverty while increasing environmentally friendly practices. Mobile technology improves access to these resources, helping local governments identify individuals seeking alternative livelihoods.
Xue Sherry Gao, a bioengineer at Rice University, has won an NIH grant to develop tools that can correct multiple single mutations causing cystic fibrosis. Her approach uses CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to fix the faulty CFTR gene, which is difficult to treat with traditional gene therapy.
A study of over 367,000 spinal fusion procedures found that hospital rankings based on complication rates are unreliable, as rankability is consistently low. The metric's ability to compare complication rates between hospitals varies depending on the year and volume of procedures performed.