A team of scientists, including French researchers, uncovers the operating mechanisms of FAP (Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase), an enzyme that converts fatty acids into hydrocarbons using light energy. The discovery opens up new opportunities for sustainable biofuel production and fine chemistry applications.
Acoustica Bio, a Cambridge-based company, has won the top prize in the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center's $200K Challenge for its innovative reformulation of intravenous medications. The startup will receive $50,000 in seed funding to advance its invention.
A team of scientists simulated the task of piercing an egg to understand how host birds defend against brood parasites. They found that nests and tool shape significantly affect the mechanics and energy requirements of avian eggshell puncture.
Researchers have identified four potent antiviral compounds targeting the PF74 binding site, exhibiting improved metabolic stability compared to PF74. One compound, analog 20, shows similar submicromolar potency and significantly longer half-life in human liver microsomes.
A group of scientists, led by Teruaki Enoto, have discovered that the 'giant radio pulses' emitted by the Crab pulsar include an increase in x-ray emissions, making them hundreds of times more energetic. This finding provides new insights into the mysterious phenomenon of fast radio bursts and puts constraints on models of these events.
Researchers have developed a novel approach for injection molding transparent fused silica glass at lower temperatures. This innovative process enables the production of high-quality glass components using conventional injection molding techniques, offering improved industrial efficiency.
Researchers identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis' use of rubredoxin B to survive in iron-deficient conditions, helping the bacterium evade the immune system. The study provides new insights into the development of drug resistance and potential targets for therapeutic agents.
An observational study found that areas with higher levels of UVA rays had a lower risk of Covid-19-related deaths. The researchers suggest sunlight exposure could act as a simple public health intervention to reduce mortality rates, although the exact mechanism is still unclear.
A study by RIFS researchers highlights the need for digital innovation to be guided by a systemic perspective acknowledging environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts. This includes professional technology assessments and inclusive decision-making processes to foster sustainable development.
A recent study published in Radiology found that 3D-mammography reduces the number of breast cancer cases diagnosed between routine screenings. The study included almost 15,000 women who received both 3D-mammography and traditional mammography, and compared cancers detected in between screenings.
The University of Maryland examined green infrastructure adoption in Tucson, Arizona, revealing the role of policy entrepreneurship and interest groups in its trajectory. The study found that a culture of water ethics, known as One Water, drives sustainability efforts in the city.
Researchers analyzed anonymized smartphone data to predict COVID-19 outbreaks, finding a 10% increase in mobility outside the home correlated with a 25% increase in weekly SARS-CoV-2 growth rates. The study provides insights into estimating restrictions needed to control the pandemic.
Researchers developed a digital twin environment that mirrors physical welding setups to train new users and protect physical systems. The system tracks welders' behavior patterns, enabling efficient novice training and safe practice without risk of damage.
Climate change will drive droughts, heat waves, floods, and low river flows in the Colorado River basin. The study found an average temperature rise of 5.5 degrees Celsius and a significant increase in concurrent extreme hydroclimate events.
A newly released position paper from ESMO and SIOPE defines a common vision for improving outcomes for AYAs with cancer in Europe. The paper highlights the key challenges of AYA care, including limited awareness of cancer biology, availability of specialist centres, and access to clinical trials.
A study on ants found that social isolation alters their behavior, reducing interest in adult colony mates and increasing time spent on brood care. The isolated ants also exhibit downregulated immune system genes, similar to humans experiencing stress and weakened immunity during the pandemic.
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that South Korea's effective public health interventions and prompt measures helped decrease COVID-19 cases, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
The University of South Florida has received a five-year, $44.4 million NIH grant to conduct the largest primary prevention trial of computer-based cognitive training for preventing mild cognitive impairment and dementias like Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The study aims to test whether this type of training can reduce the risk ...
Scientists have developed a new technology that uses chaos to create unique digital fingerprints for electronic devices, making it virtually impossible for hackers to crack. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize cybersecurity and provide an unprecedented level of security against even state-sponsored attacks.
Researchers at Rice University have optimized artificial intelligence software to run on commodity processors and train deep neural networks up to 15 times faster than top GPU trainers. The 'sub-linear deep learning engine' (SLIDE) uses hash tables to solve the search problem of matrix multiplication, reducing training time for AI models.
Scientists have developed a novel naturally derived cyan blue colorant from red cabbage anthocyanin pigments, which shows high stability over time. The new compound, Peak 2, can produce both blue and green colors in food products, offering an alternative to synthetic blue dye.
A study by UNSW found that areas with high misogynistic tweeting had higher rates of domestic and family violence, even after controlling for other factors. The researchers used big data from Twitter and local law enforcement records to examine the relationship between online hate speech and real-world violence.
Researchers from Uppsala University discovered a new species of bumblebee, Bombus incognitus, through genetic analysis of Rocky Mountains samples. The study reveals potential for speciation in arctic and alpine environments due to climate change.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that an outdoor science program improved fifth-grade girls' science grades and knowledge, while also addressing gender gaps in science. The program, Muddy Sneakers, used hands-on activities, hikes, and reflections to teach science in a natural environment.
Archaeologists have found evidence of a kosher diet in pottery fragments from Oxford's early medieval Jewish community. The findings, published recently, reveal that the inhabitants of two houses used only meats from cattle, sheep and goat, with no pig bones present.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered the HMCES enzyme to be a Achilles heel of some lung tumours with high mutations caused by the APOBEC system. Blocking HMCES is damaging to cancer cells but less so for healthy cells, making it a promising target for future treatments.
Osaka University researchers have developed an air-stable and highly active single-crystal cobalt phosphide nanorod catalyst for the reductive amination of carbonyl compounds. The catalyst overcomes limitations of conventional cobalt catalysts, retaining high activity after multiple uses.
A recent study published in Nutrients investigated the influence of exercise on food intake. The results showed that physical activity increased the amount and urgency of food consumption, particularly after exercise. This finding highlights the importance of considering post-exercise eating habits for optimal weight loss.
Researchers compared four main bird species lists worldwide, finding that they agree on most birds but disagree in some regions. The lists differ by application, and some regions are understudied, leading to missed species. This highlights the need for true diversity recognition to conserve biodiversity.
The Muon g-2 Collaboration has published the first result of its measurement, revealing a discrepancy of 4.2 standard deviations between experiment and theory. The result strengthens evidence for the existence of new physics, potentially indicating previously unknown particles or forces.
A new Heidelberg-based computerized approach recognizes motor impairments and provides information about underlying diseases through artificial intelligence. The uBAM algorithm uses machine learning to analyze movement patterns, highlighting pathological deviations and aiding in diagnosis and treatment.
Scientists have found that the parkin protein acts as a powerful antioxidant and storage site for dopamine radicals in brain cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for early-onset Parkinson's disease by delivering antioxidants or a healthy copy of the parkin gene.
The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) 2021 Annual Meeting brought together over 1,300 authors from 30 countries to share their research and discoveries on autism spectrum disorder. Keynote speakers included Dr. Stormy J. Chamberlain, Dr. Tony Charman, Dr. Petrus J de Vries, and Dr. Lucina Q. Uddin.
A University of Alabama at Birmingham study found that cytosine-p-guanine, or CpG, methylation of the DNA in the heart is associated with differences in heart-failure outcomes. The researchers also discovered that African American patients had higher rates of death from heart failure compared to Caucasian patients, suggesting a link be...
A study published in Nature Genetics found that a specific histone modification, H2AK119ub1, acts as a marker for inherited DNA functional modifications from the mother. The researchers discovered that without this modification, fertilized embryos can experience miscarriages and enlarged placentas.
Researchers discovered a link between the mutated enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and increased oxidative stress in mouse models of Folling Disease. This finding may explain some comorbidities found in adult PKU patients and has implications for understanding the disease.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an approach to generate a broad palette of colours by adjusting the chemical structure of molecules themselves. By varying the chain length of fluorescent organic polymers, they can produce polymers with different colours, including yellow, green, and blue.
The Muon g-2 experiment has shown fundamental particles behaving in a way not predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics. Researchers have confirmed discrepancies that have been gnawing at scientists for decades.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are conducting a nationwide trial to investigate allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The study aims to identify molecular markers of allergic reactions, with results expected in late summer 2021.
A University of Otago survey found 64% of New Zealanders experienced positive aspects during the lockdown, including pride in the country's response and increased time for family and hobbies. The study suggests that these silver linings can help people survive and thrive under adverse circumstances.
Heavy water (D2O) is found to have a distinct sweet taste in humans, unlike ordinary water (H2O), which is mediated by the human sweet taste receptor TAS1R2/TAS1R3. The study uses molecular dynamics simulations, cell-based experiments, and mouse models to confirm this finding.
The Clean Propulsion Technologies project aims to create a common vision and sustainable business solutions for the Finnish powertrain industry. The research focuses on developing groundbreaking engines working in fuel-flexible RCCI mode and hydrogen-fueled engine concepts.
A new scientific review has found significant gaps in knowledge about how mammal populations respond to climate change, particularly in sensitive regions. The study highlights the need for more holistic approaches to understanding climate change impacts on animal populations.
Researchers in the European Diverfarming Project introduced herbaceous species and aromatic plants to Mosel vineyards, reducing soil erosion and increasing biodiversity. The results show improved wine quality without negative effects on yield, suggesting a positive relationship between soil mineral acidity and wine quality.
A new study found that family child care home providers with high diet self-efficacy can buffer the impact of stress on their diet quality. Those with low self-efficacy are negatively affected by stress and have a poorer diet quality.
Hospitalized ischemic stroke patients who received palliative or hospice care experienced improved quality of life. However, disparities persist in comfort care utilization, particularly among non-white patients. Factors associated with higher comfort care utilization included older age, female sex, and private health insurance.
A new stem cell therapy has induced regeneration of blood vessels surrounding non-healing diabetic foot ulcers, accelerating healing. The treatment uses adult stem cells harvested from fat tissue, demonstrating a novel cell injection therapy that can alleviate pain and infection.
A team of scientists has successfully genetically modified eucalyptus trees to prevent sexual reproduction, reducing the risk of invasive spreading in native ecosystems. The CRISPR Cas9 gene editing technique was used with nearly 100% efficiency to knock out LEAFY, the master gene behind flower formation.
Scientists have developed a novel sensor that makes auxin visible in living plants, providing new insights into plant development and growth. The sensor allows for real-time detection of changing environmental conditions and the influences of external stimuli.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a way to reverse the genetic cause of poor stress responses in mice by targeting specific brain cells and feedback loops. The discovery was made possible by understanding how a particular gene, Ophn1, regulates brain activity and stress tolerance.
A recent study found that unhealthy eating behaviors at night can negatively impact workplace performance and well-being. Participants who engaged in late-night snacking reported physical problems, emotional strains, and declines in helpful behavior the next day.
Experts at the University of Missouri are gathering data on extreme drinking behaviors to inform future public health interventions. The five-year grant will provide accurate information on factors influencing drinking habits, including biological and environmental factors.
Researchers identified a newly associated mucocutaneous eruption in a pediatric patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study presents the first case of this dermatologic presentation linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers at the UCO Dairy Laboratory found a link between milk pH and cheese-making capacity in Churra sheep, suggesting genetic selection can improve yield. The study analyzed over 1,000 sheep samples to identify optimal parameters for increasing cheese production efficiency.
A case series examines the association between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcomes in newborns' eyes, finding potential ocular complications. The study suggests that gestational exposure to maternal COVID-19 may lead to increased risk of eye problems in newborns.
The study created high-resolution molecular maps of coral reef organisms using 3D imaging techniques, revealing specific microbial and viral functions that are key components of the coral microbiome. The research has direct implications for coral reef restoration and management.
A study of 3,500 young people in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam found that promising but poorer students 'fall away' during school years due to socio-economic challenges. Wealthy backgrounds continue to offer a protective effect in higher education access.
A novel technique using an ancient inorganic salt-based material has been developed to pinpoint and illuminate bone damage, potentially leading to more efficient X-ray diagnostics and treatment. The new method could also be used for advanced applications such as bioimaging and optogenetics.
Scientists found that epithelial cells loosen connections at three-cell junctions, allowing yolk proteins to enter egg cells. The process involves the removal of adhesion proteins and mechanical tension in the cytoskeleton.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that transgender children and teens experience significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to their cisgender peers. The research highlights the need for better mental health support services for this vulnerable population.