A new study has found that chronic opioid use changes gene expression in the brains of people with opioid use disorder (OUD), suggesting proinflammatory signaling and synaptic remodeling. The affected genes involved in immune response and neuronal connections were also identified, offering new targets for treatment.
A new platform can quickly identify common mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, allowing for the development of stronger COVID-19 boosters and universal vaccines. The tool uses genetically modified baker's yeast to map resulting mutations that form and escape neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers created the first detailed cell-by-cell description of how the coronal suture develops, identifying new genes and cell types involved in generating stem cells that grow skull bones. The study aims to advance new interventions for patients with craniosynostosis.
A study found that vaccination alone cannot stop the pandemic in some scenarios, and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are necessary to complement vaccination. The model predicts that the pandemic will end between January 20, 2022, and October 19, 2024, assuming immunity persists for 180 days to 365 days.
A new study found that ultraprocessed foods have become a major source of calories for children and teens, increasing from 61% to 67% between 1999 and 2018. This shift is concerning due to the negative health effects associated with these foods, such as obesity and diabetes.
Researchers found that pituitary hormone ß-endorphin and Arg-vasopressin contribute to movement impairments on the opposite side of the body after a brain injury. Blocking these hormones may help treat movement problems following stroke or injury, targeting left and right sides differently.
Researchers at MIT have created an algorithm that enables drones to navigate complex obstacle courses at high speeds without crashing. The new approach combines simulations with real-world experiments, allowing drones to adapt to challenging aerodynamics and find the fastest routes.
Researchers measure increased vertical translation of dune toe along Holland coast, finding it outpaces sea level rise. The study's findings suggest other locations may experience similar changes due to global warming, highlighting the need for climate change adaptation measures.
A recent study led by Flinders University Professor Nick Spencer explains how the enteric nervous system (ENS) causes propulsion along the gut. The ENS is considered the 'first brain' and has evolved long before the human brain.
Researchers found that epilepsy surgery is associated with improved overall brain health, reducing brain-predicted age by at least seven years in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. The study used advanced MRI techniques to inform its findings and suggests earlier surgery may benefit these patients.
Researchers propose widespread cultural diffusion of fire use and stone tool technology occurred around 400,000 years ago. This finding suggests that hominin populations were exchanging genes and engaging in cultural interactions, contradicting independent invention theories.
Consumers are seeking products with local origin, traditional designs, and reminders of their childhood and family. Groundedness increases product attractiveness and consumers' willingness to pay. Products providing a sense of groundedness improve self-perceptions related to resilience and feelings of strength and stability.
The Dragonfly mission will investigate Titan's surface and atmosphere, searching for chemical biosignatures and exploring the moon's active methane cycle. By analyzing the prebiotic chemistry currently taking place in Titan's atmosphere and on its surface, scientists hope to gain insights into the potential for life on the moon.
Research reveals that exposure to airborne or waterborne particulate matter can disrupt the body's mucosal system, leading to health conditions such as respiratory and heart diseases. The study highlights the importance of understanding how particles affect mucus structure and function to mitigate negative health outcomes.
Researchers at TUM developed an enzyme-based method to selectively target and remove non-target DNA from skin samples, allowing for a more accurate analysis of the skin microbiome. This approach has shown promise in identifying microbial biomarkers for certain dermatological illnesses and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers at Skoltech developed a mathematical model for thermoplastic composite materials, reducing conservatism in strength calculations. The model allows for virtual testing of structures, minimizing manufacturing costs while ensuring safety and quality requirements.
A HKU team has developed a framework to determine the diet of fossil birds, allowing scientists to better understand ancient avian behavior. By combining various techniques, including medicine and materials science, the researchers identified previously unrecognized agreements on the diet of certain species.
Researchers have modelled how drugs are delivered to the respiratory tract via an inhaler to better treat lung diseases. Finer drug particles of around one micron are better able to travel further into the lungs.
A new study finds that Scotland's tougher drink drive limit since 2014 has not led to a decrease in alcohol-related road accidents. The researchers argue that policymakers need to back up stricter limits with tougher enforcement and alternative transport options.
A new study reveals that just 42% of nations have expanded their scientific understanding of bird species distributions in the last decade. The researchers developed two new metrics to assess biodiversity data coverage and effectiveness, finding that regions like Asia and South America are closing knowledge gaps.
The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing will increase the number of trained and certified SANES in rural and underserved communities in Louisiana with a $1.4 million grant. The program aims to address the high prevalence of sexual assault cases in southeast Louisiana, where 456 reported offenses were recorded in 2019.
Researchers discover that a slightly acidic environment is conducive to the formation of Alzheimer's disease-causing toxic protein aggregates, known as Aβ oligomers. The study also reveals that endosomes and lysosomes play a crucial role in their development.
The study analyzed 444 cancer treatment trials and found that 8.4% of patients enrolled were in the 15-39 age range, more than double the national average. AYA patients were also found to be more racially and ethnically diverse than older patients.
Researchers at Cornell University propose a new way to modulate metamaterials' absorptive and refractive qualities in real-time, increasing their effectiveness. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new metamaterials with improved wave absorption and scattering properties.
Earthquakes generated by controlled fluid injection at the Rangely oil field were caused by destabilizing fault pore pressure changes, according to a new mechanistic model. The study revisits data from the decades-old project in light of increased seismicity due to fluid injection.
A team from Nagoya Institute of Technology has theoretically deciphered the ion diffusion mechanism in phosphate glasses. The study found that the morphology of the phosphate network structure greatly affects ion diffusion, with Q2 phosphate units contributing more strongly to proton diffusion.
A new study reveals that a corallimorph species is outcompeting stony corals in Palmyra Atoll's reefs, leading to a significant shift in ecosystem dominance. The invading species, closely related to one from Okinawa, Japan, can rapidly monopolize the seafloor and reach 100% cover, posing concerns about irrevocability of this phase shift.
A new machine learning tool developed by Stanford researchers can accurately predict extreme precipitation events in the Midwest, accounting for over half of all major US flood disasters. The approach uses atmospheric circulation patterns to identify factors responsible for recent increases in Midwest extreme precipitation.
Scientists have developed a paramagnetic ring that encapsulates water droplets under a magnetic field, enabling precise manipulation. The ring, made of an oil-based ferrofluid, forms spontaneously around the droplet and can be moved remotely by changing the magnetic field.
A USF Health study found that deleting a single gene, Foxo1, promotes the growth of functional lymphatic valves in both young and adult mice. This discovery offers a promising early treatment approach for hereditary lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by fluid accumulation under the skin.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that shark diversity remained relatively constant during the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period. However, some groups of apex predators suffered selective extinctions, while others increased in diversity after the K-Pg boundary.
Research from the University of South Florida found that individuals who wrote about their relationship troubles from a neutral observer's point of view had less conflict and aggression with their partner. The study surveyed 716 American adults and asked them to fill out a baseline assessment and then complete a brief writing exercise.
The Research Roadmap addresses important active transportation needs, focusing on speed management strategies, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and addressing racial and economic disparities. Funded by NCHRP, the project provides guidance for future research directions.
A team of researchers has successfully computed how atomic nuclei of Calcium behave in collisions with electrons, achieving precise theoretical predictions relevant to future neutrino experiments. The new ab initio method allows for the description of scattering on nuclei and leptons, even for heavy elements like Calcium.
Researchers developed subthreshold electrical stimulation to aid brain recovery after a stroke. The technique uses less energy and has fewer side effects than existing methods, showing promise for improving motor function and strengthening connections between brain regions.
Researchers found that when a weevil eats before an aphid, it enhances plant anti-pathogen defense responses, but reduces nutritional quality. In contrast, if the aphid eats first, it reduces anti-pathogen defenses and increases virus spread.
A new study found Black liver transplant recipients have lower survival rates than white or Hispanic patients, despite interventions aimed at narrowing the gap. The biggest factors contributing to this disparity are alcohol-associated liver disease and insurance type, with Black recipients being more likely to have Medicaid coverage.
Researchers have detected the birth and growth phases of high-energy runaway electrons in tokamaks, which can cause damage to the machines. The new diagnostic tool enables scientists to understand the energy content of the plasma and potentially prevent the electrons' damage.
Researchers from Osaka University have demonstrated a rapid and robust chemical method for preparing highly pure glycoproteins. The new synthetic route uses an unprecedented amide bond formation reaction to form a junction between two functional peptides, resulting in a reliable means of synthesizing glycoproteins with little waste of ...
Researchers identified two lectins, Clec4g and CD209c, that strongly bind to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, blocking viral entry into cells. These findings hold promise for developing robust therapeutic interventions against circulating variants.
The NIH has launched a pilot study to assess the antibody response of kidney transplant recipients to a third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The trial aims to determine if a third dose can overcome the immune suppression caused by lifelong immunosuppressive therapy in this population.
A study at Tampere University identified a link between foetal DNA methylation and adult health, particularly glucose and lipid metabolism. The research found that individuals with specific genetic expressions had lower insulin levels and higher cholesterol levels in adolescence.
A large cross-sectional study in Canada found no association between loud noise exposure and changes in biomarkers for cardiovascular disease or outcomes. However, there were associations found between noise and several biomarkers, but these remained statistically insignificant after adjusting for important variables.
Weizhi Xiong's PhD thesis on PRad experiment helped advance the understanding of the proton by measuring its charge radius with precision. The results agreed more closely with the new muonic measurement, but the puzzle persists due to slight differences between electron scattering results.
Researchers have developed a method to bond human skin to rubber-like polymeric materials without an adhesive, revealing cracks propagate in a very weird way along microchannels. This discovery can explain the variability in macroscale tensometer measurements of skin and has implications for other human tissues.
Scientists discovered beige fat cells mediate subcutaneous fat's brain protection and provide anti-inflammatory effects. Beige fat transplantation restored cognitive function in obese mice with dementia-like behavior.
Researchers found individuals with well-controlled asthma have significantly lower odds of hospitalization and ICU admission compared to those with uncontrolled asthma. Asthma patients using their medications showed a decrease in worsened COVID-19 outcomes.
A team of researchers at Tokyo University of Science has developed a stable and highly active photocatalyst from gold nanoclusters. By removing the protective molecules around the nanoclusters, they were able to increase their catalytic activity and stability, opening up new possibilities for hydrogen generation and other applications.
Researchers ranked diseases based on technical, socio-political, and economic factors. COVID-19 has an average score of 1.6 for eradication feasibility, making it theoretically possible. Vaccination programs, public health measures, and global interest contribute to its possibility.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital uncover key factors that enable immune cells to survive in tumor environments, including the chemokine CXCL16. This understanding may lead to more effective immunotherapies for cancer patients.
A University of Texas at Arlington electrical engineering graduate student has been awarded a prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship to focus on developing advanced robotic control systems. The fellow will utilize the award to pursue research in mechatronics and automation.
A new PSU study found that remote work can exacerbate workplace incivility due to lack of interpersonal communication. Employees who experience or witness incivility are more likely to engage in uncivil behavior, highlighting the need for organizations to provide support and address incidents seriously.
A study of federal sentencing data found that Black and Hispanic offenders were more likely to be eligible for life sentences, but not more likely to receive them. The study analyzed data on over 366,000 non-immigration offenders from 2010 to 2017.
A new study uses viruses to induce mutations in cancer-driving proteins, shedding light on drug resistance. The LentiMutate approach could aid in developing drugs that circumvent resistance and validate new targets.
Researchers at SMU found that decreasing TIGAR protein levels in cervical cancer cells makes them more responsive to chemotherapy drugs at low doses. This discovery offers a potential new treatment approach for HPV-induced cervical cancer with fewer side effects.
Researchers developed a 'frameshifting' therapy that alters mRNA to reduce mast cell tumor size and prevent organ infiltration. The treatment, targeting the c-KIT gene, shows promise in reducing KIT protein expression, signaling, and function.
Researchers attached GPS and video cameras to black-footed albatrosses, capturing thousands of video clips across wide swathes of the north Pacific. The imaging showed that debris encountered by the birds included styrofoam, plastic sheets, and fishery netting, suggesting plastic creates a platform for invasive species to spread.
A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.
Researchers found shared clones of antibody-producing white blood cells among COVID-19 survivors and vaccinated individuals, targeting the viral surface 'spike' protein. This discovery could help design more effective vaccines and therapies against emerging variants.
Computational modeling reveals that smaller drug particles can reach the distal region of airways, improving treatment efficacy. The study aims to enhance inhaler design and reduce drug loss, benefiting patients with respiratory illnesses.
Researchers say surprise is a key factor in disastrous river floods, with improved flood warnings and protection measures contributing to declining casualties. Asia is the worst-hit region, with over 125 million people affected annually by such disasters.
Researchers investigated myocarditis cases in adolescents after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination and found a significant association. The study used comprehensive cardiac imaging and reviewed the results, highlighting the potential risk of myocarditis in this population.
A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia reveals a persistent gender pay gap among physician anesthesiologists, with women earning 56% less than men. The gap amounts to approximately $32,600 annually, representing a significant shortfall over a 30-year career.
SK bioscience's GBP510 vaccine candidate has shown promising safety and immunogenic response in Phase I/II clinical trials. IVI will partner with SK on global Phase III trials to accelerate development and WHO approval of the vaccine.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has made a recommendation to screen for gestational diabetes in asymptomatic pregnant women at 24 weeks or later. The organization concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening before this time frame.
A new study reveals that the H5N6 avian influenza virus can be transmitted between different bird species, including domestic pigeons and mandarin ducks. The virus was found to replicate successfully in both birds, with higher viral shedding levels observed in mandarin ducks.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered three different subtypes of mature fat cells in white adipose tissue, with only one subtype, Adipo PLIN, responding to insulin. The study suggests that changes in this specific subtype may contribute to metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes.
A Cornell University study found that politicians are more likely to tweet about climate change if they represent wealthy districts or have concerned constituents. In contrast, communities most at risk from climate change are less likely to see their leaders address the issue due to economic constraints and resource disparities.
Researchers develop tiny tumbling robots called MANiACs that can climb slopes and move against fluid flow in the body, delivering substances to neural tissue. The study finds these robots have potential for controlled local delivery in neural diseases, offering targeted treatment with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
Patients with Lyme disease have a 28% higher rate of mental disorders and are twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those without the diagnosis. The study reveals that having multiple episodes of Lyme disease is associated with a higher risk of mental health problems, including depression and suicidal behavior.
Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed new solvent mixtures containing positive and negative charges to break down plant cellulose for bioethanol production. These solvents are more environmentally friendly and reduce toxicity compared to current methods, enabling the conversion of unused biomass into fuel.
Naoko Sakaeda, a University of Oklahoma weather researcher, has received a $652,000 NSF CAREER award to study tropical meteorology and improve global weather forecasting. Her research aims to better understand the dynamics of tropical clouds and precipitation at various scales.
Michigan Tech researchers developed a model to calculate how particular chemicals break down in surface water using singlet oxygen, which degrades contaminants and helps protect our waterways. The study's findings can aid environmental engineers and scientists in estimating half-lives of chemicals and predicting their degradation rates.
A new genosensor, developed by a Brazilian research team, can detect the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva or other body fluids with high sensitivity. The device can analyze samples in 30 minutes for a cost of less than $1 per genosensor.
Researchers developed an image-based detection system using artificial intelligence models to diagnose COVID-19 from chest X-rays. The model accurately differentiated between COVID-19, pneumonia, and healthy patients, showing great promise for precision medicine.
Researchers from Flinders University discovered that snakes developed venomous fangs by modifying normal tooth structure, creating a 'dental origami' effect. This evolutionary adaptation allowed snakes to inject venom through deepened wrinkles at the base of their teeth, making them highly potent and deadly.
HKU researchers found that active intercellular contraction and actin filament alignment trigger cellular anisotropy and plasticity, driving embryo elongation. This breakthrough may lead to new strategies in detecting and treating embryo diseases.
Researchers found that a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, especially in those with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, dramatically increased virus variant neutralising antibody responses. This additional boost increases potential protection against existing and future variants of concern.
A national survey study found that children and teenagers in the US increased their consumption of ultraprocessed foods over two decades. The researchers estimate that the proportion of calories from these foods has risen significantly, posing potential health risks for young people.
Researchers found that stronger functional brain connections between the temporoparietal junction and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are associated with lower levels of punishment for unfair behavior. This suggests that individuals with stronger connectivity in these areas may be less inclined to punish others for selfish actions.
A study by researchers at the University of California, Davis found that sunflowers facing east produce more offspring due to increased morning warmth attracting bees. East-facing flower heads also tend to be warmer in the morning and release pollen earlier, coinciding with bee visits.
The study highlights the importance of urban sustainability observatories that leverage urban experimentation for effective policy-making. Researchers discuss challenges and potential partnerships between universities, communities, and industries to establish successful observatories.
Researchers found that individuals have a threshold for opting out of offending, which varies across criminal situations. The study identified reverse bandwagon effects, where group presence both promotes and deters offending intentions.
The National Institute on Aging's $280 million investment in small businesses has advanced research on care interventions, diagnostic tools, and therapies for Alzheimer's disease. This funding has enabled the commercialization of technologies such as ActivePERS and PrecivityAD, which aim to improve care and diagnosis.