A new study by the University of Limerick reveals that a person's immune system directly affects their long-term risk of death, with conscientious individuals showing lower levels of interleukin-6 leading to increased longevity. The research provides insight into the biological mechanisms underlying personality traits and mortality risk.
Researchers found that individuals without α-actinin-3 in their muscle fiber protein have slower-twitch muscle fibers, which provide better tolerance to low temperatures and energy efficiency. This mutation likely provided an evolutionary advantage in colder climates but may increase disease risk in modern society.
A University of Sydney-led team has revealed the shape of the glutamate transporter, a tiny protein controlling cell-to-cell communication. The discovery using cryogenic electron microscopy could help design drugs for diseases such as episodic ataxia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at KAUST have developed custom polymer dots that emit ultrabright light in the shortwave infrared region, allowing for high-resolution imaging of structures deep within biological tissues. This breakthrough enables detection of nano-sized particles and single molecules with single-molecule sensitivity.
A new study reveals that Twitter sentiment significantly predicts the valuation of young high-tech companies, while patents are a more reliable indicator of their long-term success. The researchers analyzed over 400,000 tweets and found that venture capitalists can be influenced by Twitter hype.
A four-university collaboration is surveying over 800 undergraduate students on mental and emotional health, academic success, and risk factors for dropping out. The study aims to identify key factors influencing student well-being and inform strategies to enhance university support.
Researchers identified two unique subtypes of NPM1-mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), one potentially treatable with existing drugs, and the other requiring new therapeutic approaches. This discovery may lead to improved treatment outcomes and personalized medicine for patients.
Researchers found that secure digital communities face challenges as potential members fear sensitive issues becoming public. Online support groups may marginalize those who face social stigma due to lack of anonymity.
Researchers found that the brain's ability to recover and rewire itself peaks around two weeks after a stroke and diminishes over time. This 'window of opportunity' suggests that initiating therapy as soon as possible is crucial for effective recovery.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a model to accurately calculate GPP in bioenergy crops using satellite data. The SLOPE GPP product explains 85% of spatial and temporal variations in GPP, overcoming previous inefficiencies in image-based, time-based, and latency precision.
Frank G. Schroeder, a University of Delaware assistant professor, has received the prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship to study cosmic rays. His research aims to uncover the origins of nature's highest-energy particles, which have sparked upgrades at major cosmic ray observatories.
A new study published in eLife found that combining healthy lifestyle interventions with cholesterol-lowering medications yields the greatest benefits to heart health. Healthy lifestyles, including exercise and a balanced diet, can lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
The ViralLink workflow connects the dots between viral protein interactions and cellular responses to identify key proteins involved in various functions. The tool predicts signalling pathways and transcription factor regulation to change gene expression in infected cells.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open examined the association between diet and colorectal cancer risk. The research found that a diet high in processed foods and added sugars is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
The University of Toledo will develop flexible solar cell sheets to harness solar energy in space and transmit power wirelessly to Earth. The five-year project aims to create large, efficient solar arrays that could generate up to 800 megawatts of electrical power.
A recent qualitative study examines how people respond to financial and health uncertainties, revealing significant adverse consequences on physical and mental health. Participants reported sacrificing essential needs to afford medication, demonstrating the profound impact of uncertainty on well-being.
Researchers found that a blood-clotting protein called fibrinogen promotes the clustering of cancerous B cells at sites where there is a leak in the blood-brain barrier, leading to tumor growth in the brain. Fibrinogen may be targeted as a potential treatment for central nervous system B-cell lymphoma.
A researcher at Hiroshima University has proposed a method to test the precision of measurements in quantum systems. By using a qubit as an external probe, he demonstrates that different measurements can accurately determine the same physical property before measurement, even when values change based on the procedure.
Scientists have successfully grown cyanobacteria using Martian gases and regolith, a breakthrough that could make long-term missions to Mars sustainable. This discovery uses Anabaena cyanobacteria as a model organism, demonstrating their ability to thrive in low-pressure environments.
Ruth Plummer, a renowned Clinical Professor and Honorary Consultant Medical Oncologist, has been awarded the TAT 2021 Honorary Award. Her tireless work in clinical trials has led to the development of numerous standard treatments for proven patient benefit.
Researchers from Indiana University have identified key genetic changes in the interstitial kidney tissue of people with diabetes, which could lead to a revolutionary new genetic approach to treating kidney disease. The study found that important genes change when a scar forms on the interstitium, a previously undercharacterized part o...
A recent study by UArizona Health Sciences researchers found hazardous alcohol use increased monthly for those under stay-at-home orders. Younger people were the most susceptible to increased alcohol use during the pandemic, which could set them on the path toward long-term alcohol dependence.
Researchers from Skoltech and Russian Academy of Sciences have surveyed the newest known 30-meter deep gas blowout crater on the Yamal Peninsula, forming a 3D model to study its structure and composition. The 3D model reveals a unique underground cavity with an elliptical shape and a circular dome, providing clues about the crater's en...
A study from the University of Notre Dame found that increasing school district internet access spending can lead to significant gains in student academic performance, with a financial return of $820,000 to $1.8 million. However, it also reveals an increase in disciplinary problems and associated costs.
A new study found that treating obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP therapy increased self-reported physical activity in adults with a history of heart disease. The study also showed the CPAP group was more likely to report activity levels consistent with expert recommendations.
A novel combination treatment approach has shown encouraging results in mice with tumors similar to human astrocytomas. The treatment, which blocks D-2-HG production and inhibits an immune checkpoint protein, led to tumor regression in 60% of treated animals, improving survival rates.
A comprehensive database of Estonian soils and a map application have been completed to make soil information easily accessible. Key findings include the ability to derive large-scale actionable insights from the data, with potential applications in digital agriculture support, forest management, and environmental assessments.
Researchers at LMU have developed a theory explaining how cells perceive their own shapes and use this information to direct protein distribution. A concentration gradient within the cell encodes shape information, which is decoded by self-organized protein patterns.
A two-year study in Brazil found that fertilizing a grass cover crop with potassium improved cotton fiber quality, leading to higher market value. The technique also reduced production cost by optimizing operational logistics and conserving water.
Addressing gender inequity requires a multi-pronged approach, including embedding equity principles in policies, communicating gender statistics, and championing structural change. Implementing flexible schedules, non-gendered parental leave, and career support will help realize equity in pay and opportunities for all.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that low-value healthcare spending among Medicare recipients decreased marginally from 2014 to 2018, but three services - opioid prescriptions for back pain, preoperative laboratory testing, and antibiotic use for upper respiratory infections - accounted for two-thirds of the wasteful care. The fin...
Researchers have discovered that individual molecules on a metal surface can interact with each other over large distances, potentially revolutionizing the field of computing. This phenomenon has significant implications for the development of new electronic and optoelectronic technologies based on organic molecules and 2D materials.
Plants have evolved a defense system to warn themselves of predator attacks and ward off damage. Elicitors, such as molecular patterns and saliva proteins, trigger an 'SOS signal', initiating defense responses.
Scientists identify the Nsp1 protein as a key player in blocking host cell genes that promote viral replication. By inhibiting two steps in protein production, Nsp1 allows SARS-CoV-2 to replicate unchecked. This discovery provides a potential target for new COVID-19 therapies.
Scientists at JAIST have created a photosynthetic bacteria-based cancer optotheranostics, using NIR light-driven PPSB as an effective theranostic material for deep tumor treatments. The approach offers high tumor specificity, non-pathogenicity, and multifunctional capabilities without genetic manipulations or chemical functionalizations.
Researchers from Skoltech have developed biodegradable microcapsules that deliver nerve growth factor to guide neuronal development. The microcapsules demonstrate significant boosting of neuronal growth and formation of functional synapses.
Research reveals that hospital wastewater selectively kills antibiotic-sensitive bacteria, while multi-resistant bacteria thrive in its presence. This finding highlights the potential for hospital wastewaters to drive the evolution of new forms of antibiotic resistance.
A study published in Radiology found that cocaine use significantly affects the progression of coronary artery disease, while HIV infection has a more profound effect on younger individuals. Radiomics analysis revealed distinctive contributions of different risk factors to changes in plaque over time.
Researchers have identified two potassium-independent cesium transporters in plants, which can take up toxic cesium without affecting plant growth. This breakthrough has significant implications for phytoremediation and solving agricultural issues related to radioactive contamination.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a dopamine receptor pathway that becomes abnormally activated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cancer stem cells. This led to the clinical investigation of thioridazine as a new therapy for adult AML patients, revealing encouraging results.
Biologists from RUDN University studied the impact of jungles on global warming and found that tropical rainforests can be a significant source of methane emissions. The study, published in the Forests journal, suggests that these regions emit more methane throughout the year than they absorb, contrary to previous assumptions.
Researchers aim to combat antibiotic-resistant infections by developing new therapeutics, utilizing antibodies and artificial intelligence. The team targets bacteria such as Burkholderia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causing severe respiratory and other infections.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers shows that a dynamic operating reserve demand curve (ORDC) construction improves reserve procurement and pricing in competitive wholesale electricity markets, particularly during hot and cold hours with heightened risk of generator forced outages.
Researchers have identified 73 different receptors in the antennae of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle, enabling characterization of its pheromone response. This discovery could lead to more effective and environmentally friendly pesticides and bark beetle traps.
A study reveals how SARS-CoV-2 exploits an immune system defense mechanism to multiply in mucous membrane cells, leading to severe illness. Researchers found that a strong immune response can increase the virus's ability to enter cells, paving the way for infection.
Researchers at NREL have created a simple way to evaluate novel materials for thermal energy storage, aiming to make buildings more efficient and flexible in managing power from renewable sources. The new design method could help mitigate blackouts on the grid by shifting peak electricity demand to other times of the day.
A study by the University of New South Wales found that dingoes have more variable coat colours than previously thought, with no single colour distinguishing them from hybrids. Researchers analyzed 1325 wild canids and found that domestic dog ancestry is rare in the wild, representing less than 1.5% of the population.
UCR studies found that living with a romantic partner uniquely buffers declines in social connection during the pandemic. However, other factors such as household size or pets do not provide notable benefits for feelings of social connectedness.
A large-scale study found that innovative companies experienced 1.95% higher yearly growth in profitability compared to non-innovative firms. The study highlights the significant financial benefits of innovation for companies, supporting job creation and economic growth.
Researchers develop hydrogel dressings that can promote wound healing, absorb excess fluid, and prevent infection. These biodegradable dressings are better suited for irregular and deep wounds than traditional bandages.
A recent study has quantified groundwater recharge rates across Africa using ground measurements, helping to identify the sustainability of water resources. The results show that approximately 2% of all groundwater storage is replenished in Africa every decade, and recharge can occur even in semi-arid areas.
A large-scale study from Lund University found that psychotherapy for panic disorder produces lasting improvements in symptoms and quality of life. Two years after treatment, 70% of patients were clearly improved and 45% were remitted.
Researchers found that curtailment priority on pipeline networks is the likely reason for most correlated failures, while firm contracts can reduce generator outages in certain regions. Switching to firm contracts may prevent fuel shortages at US power plants.
Researchers from Osaka University studied single atoms of rutherfordium reacting with common bases, uncovering differences in reactivity due to relativistic chemistry. These findings may lead to new applications and materials development.
Researchers have identified the SFiNX complex as a key player in silencing transposons through a DNA-RNA crosstalk mechanism. This interaction enables other domains within the complex or co-recruited silencing effectors to establish heterochromatin, leading to gene expression regulation.
Researchers studied bacterial predation behavior in Myxococcus xanthus, revealing a mix of direct contact and protein-based killing methods to tackle different prey types. The findings provide insights into dynamic interactions in bacterial communities, paving the way for future antibacterial strategy development.
Research by Cornell University's ILR School found that collaborating with a star employee reduces non-star employees' credit and gains in professional status during successful collaborations. However, it can mitigate or outweigh the loss of professional status associated with collaborative failure.
Scientists at Cornell University have discovered a connection between slow-motion fault slips and fast earthquakes, finding that 'slow slips' precede dozens of large magnitude 7 earthquakes. These precursory slips are directly involved in starting the earthquake and migrate towards where the fast slip begins.
A new book by Dr Victoria Hunter explores the synergies between material bodies and sites, offering suggestions for engaging with sites through movement. The book brings together perspectives from site-dance, phenomenology, and new materialism to develop site-based body practice.
A study analyzing primary schools in Hanoi city found that parents often park their motorcycles on streets outside school gates, causing congestion and accidents. The researchers proposed several traffic management measures to improve safety and reduce congestion.