Researchers have discovered that variants in the SPTBN1 gene can alter neuronal architecture, affecting function and leading to a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome. The study provides important insights into the genetic basis of the disease and highlights potential therapeutic strategies.
A special issue of Science explores the environmental threat posed by plastics, including a reanalysis that found microplastic residence times to be several years, not days. The authors also highlight the need for a binding global treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle.
A new genetic technique edits every chloroplast in a plant without changing its nuclear DNA. Researchers achieved this by modifying chloroplast genes specifically and removing the DNA editing tool, which cannot be inherited by future seeds. This approach could potentially solve both technical challenges and controversies surrounding GMOs.
The team's real-world results demonstrate the potential of SwabSeq to be used for population-wide testing on an unprecedented scale. The test has shown extremely high sensitivity and specificity, making it a promising solution for scaling up COVID-19 testing.
Breast cancer mortality rates have decreased among Black and Hispanic women since 1990, narrowing the gap with white women. However, Black women still experience double the mortality rates of non-Hispanic white women.
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina hosted a virtual symposium to discuss cancer research, particularly pancreatic cancer, and palliative care. Experts shared insights into the development of rare pancreatic tumors, mechanisms leading to metastasis formation, and resilience in palliative care.
Researchers at UC Davis have received three ARPA-E grants totaling $4.5 million to improve biofuel production efficiency. The grants focus on using microbes, metal catalysts, and enzymes to minimize waste and carbon dioxide emissions.
A team of researchers discovered that G-quadruplex (G4)-forming DNA binds myoglobin through a parallel-type G4 structure, increasing its enzymatic activity over 300-fold. The study suggests that DNA may work as a regulator of protein functions in cells.
A new study maps spirituality and religiosity to a specific brain circuit centered in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a brainstem region implicated in fear conditioning, pain modulation, altruistic behaviors, and unconditional love. The findings suggest that spiritual acceptance can be localized to this circuit.
A Yale University study found that direct deposit of wages into female-owned bank accounts increased labor force participation and earnings among Indian women. The intervention also liberalized their personal beliefs about working women, reducing social stigma associated with working outside the home.
Researchers developed 'sci-Space,' a new approach to spatial transcriptomics, retaining single-cell resolution while resolving spatial context at larger scales. The technique was applied to developing mouse embryos, capturing spatial coordinates and whole transcriptomes of nearly 120,000 cells.
A new trial will evaluate a blood test for personalized cancer treatment, targeting oesophageal, stomach and bowel cancers. The test detects DNA changes specific to cancer and may offer an earlier indication of treatment effectiveness.
A study by Research Institute for Sustainability reveals that barriers to reducing plastic packaging consumption include habits, lack of knowledge, hygiene concerns, and economic factors. To achieve zero-waste shopping, cultural and infrastructural changes are necessary, including making alternative options more affordable and convenient.
A study found that certain genetic variants of MTHFR enzyme can increase folate deficiency risk, leading to neurological and heart problems. Researchers identified over 656 possible variants, including the common A222V variant, which affects enzyme function in subtle ways.
Yaochu Jin will lead a new working group on Nature-Inspired Computing and Engineering at Bielefeld University's Faculty of Technology. His research focuses on evolutionary algorithms for multi-objective optimization, applicable to various fields like robotics, medicine, and machine learning.
A newly detected alien aphid, Aphis lugentis, poses a significant threat to Kangaroo Island's threatened plant species, including the scented groundsel. The discovery highlights concerns over invasive species' spread across Australia, with potential economic losses estimated at A$13.6 billion.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that autistic adults are nearly nine times more likely to use recreational drugs to manage unwanted symptoms, including autism-related symptoms. The study also revealed a strong association between substance use and vulnerability among autistic teenagers and adults.
A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science identified mefloquine as an effective drug against SARS-CoV-2. The study found that mefloquine reduced viral RNA levels when applied at the viral entry phase, and showed greater anti-viral activity in combination with Nelfinavir.
A University at Buffalo-led study found that SGLT2 inhibitors cause a median weight loss of over 6 pounds in Type 2 diabetes patients, compared to 2.5 pounds with GLP-1 receptor agonists. The findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors may be more protective against weight gain caused by other antidiabetic drugs.
Researchers have identified a population of neurons in the brain's temporal pole region that collectively remembers familiar faces, including those of loved ones. This discovery sheds new light on how our brains process and remember faces, with potential implications for understanding conditions like prosopagnosia.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that people who recovered from COVID-19 or received Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines have cross-reactive T cells that can target several SARS-CoV-2 variants. This reactivity is key to the body's immune response, allowing it to kill infected cells and stop severe infections.
Researchers at Skoltech have successfully synthesized two new ternary hydrides, LaH10 and YH10, which are expected to exhibit high-temperature superconductivity. The study reveals that alloying is an effective strategy for stabilizing these otherwise unstable phases.
A team of researchers has resurrected a forgotten genus of algae, Philozoon, previously discovered in the late 1800s. The study reveals that these micro-algal symbionts live inside animal tissues and create photosynthetic animals, highlighting their ecological significance.
Researchers at UMaine used imaging spectroscopy to predict water stress in wild blueberry barrens, estimating chlorophyll levels and validating results with ground samples. The technology helps inform growers on irrigation routines and manage water resources sustainably.
The Bowers lab and EPFL team developed an integrated semiconductor laser and resonator capable of producing soliton microcombs, expanding data transmission capabilities. The technology enables seamless integration with low-loss nonlinear optical micro-resonators, lending itself to commercial-scale production.
Fibromyalgia is a disease of the immune system, according to new research that shows patient antibodies increase pain-sensing nerve activity throughout the body. Antibodies from people with FMS cause symptoms like increased pain sensitivity and muscle weakness.
A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour has identified hundreds of genetic variants that influence the timing of first sex and birth. The research, led by Professor Melinda Mills, found that these genetic markers interact with environmental factors to shape reproductive behavior and later life disease risk.
The NIH-funded program provides comprehensive training in lung biology and pulmonary sciences, with a focus on integrating basic science with clinical applications. Researchers will benefit from mentorship in grant writing, science communication, and career development.
Researchers at TU Graz developed the world's first digital model of a cancer cell, simulating rhythmic oscillation of membrane potential during cell cycle phases. The model enables prediction of changes in membrane potential caused by drug-induced switching on and off of ion channels.
A recent meta-analysis found that acute aerobic exercise temporarily improves cognitive performance. However, approximately 50% of studies failed to show a link between the two. The analysis revealed that benefits were greater in those with lower pre-test scores and were more generalized across different types of cognitive performance.
Researchers found that pollution reductions contributed to a 20% increase in yield gains for corn and soybeans between 1999 and 2019, worth $5 billion per year. The analysis revealed that four key air pollutants are particularly damaging to crops, with negative effects averaging 5-6% loss of production.
Researchers from Austria, Copenhagen, and Madrid found that a valid signal for Majorana zero modes, crucial for topological qubits, can be a false flag. By varying the nanowire setup, they discovered that a specific architecture causes a mimicking signal, leading to a crucial step forward in understanding nanowires.
Repela Tech LLC, a Detroit-based sustainability tech startup, is developing a novel non-toxic antifoulant coating to protect ships and boats from biofouling. The coating aims to reduce drag, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions, benefiting the global shipping industry.
Researchers have discovered the crucial role of astrocytes in closing the period of brain plasticity following birth. Transplanting immature astrocytes into adult mice has been shown to reintroduce brain plasticity, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for rehabilitation after brain lesions or neurodevelopmental disorders.
Scientists at the University of Helsinki discovered that ECM protein Lama5 guides the growth and differentiation of epithelial cells in breast tissue, especially during pregnancy. The production of Lama5 strengthens the functionality of hormone-sensitive cells, allowing them to relay signals and support tissue growth.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a single-gene cause of a neurodevelopmental disorder, identifying 28 unique variants in the SPTBN1 gene. The study provides hope for diagnosis and potential treatment for affected individuals.
A mobile application developed by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and UPC researchers has been tested for its ability to predict the severity of disabling fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, particularly in women. The app measures heart rate variability and shares results with medical staff.
Researchers designed a cascaded LC flat optical element to achieve steering angle magnification independent of incident beam position. The system consists of two flat optical elements with phase profiles, achieving nearly diffraction-limited performance through ray-tracing simulations.
Scientists at Cardiff University have developed a new instant water cleaning method that is up to 10 million times more effective at killing viruses and bacteria than commercial approaches. The method uses a catalyst made from gold and palladium to produce hydrogen peroxide, which is then used to disinfect water.
The new technique uses engineered yeast cells to produce enzyme and histone proteins, conduct biochemical assays internally, and then display the results. This approach significantly reduces the time required for examining a single enzyme/histone pairing from a week to just a couple of days.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new chatbot called Hey GUI, which allows users to find information on apps and their user interfaces using simple text phrases or images. The chatbot was designed based on the most frequent expressions collected from a survey of over 100 designers, developers, and ordinary users.
A team of scientists from Hokkaido University used an ocean-bottom seismometer to detect continuous seismic radiation from a glacier sliding in Greenland. The study revealed that glacial basal motion can be monitored using underwater sensors, offering new opportunities for studying ice flow and calving processes.
A new RMIT University study found that buskers who use digital platforms like apps, QR codes, PayPal, and Bitcoin receive more donations than those using loose coins. The study analyzed over 3,500 active buskers from 121 countries and found that North America and Europe had the most active buskers.
A study by the University of South Australia suggests that public resistance to inheritance and estate taxes has declined in Australia. Researchers found that two-thirds of young adults and senior Australians are in favor of taxing estates worth more than $3m, which could help address social inequalities and increase government revenue.
A team from UMass Amherst has designed a prototype charging system for smartwatches that utilizes human skin as a conductor to recharge wearable devices. The technology shows promise for developing battery-less wearables with minimal health risks.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a bioengineering process that uses grass blades to create scaffolds for animal cells to grow on, resulting in cultured meat. The study successfully demonstrates significant cell adhesion and tissue formation, paving the way for a more sustainable meat production method.
Researchers found that children and adults with a history of severe pain episodes or coexisting organ conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The study recommends vaccination for this medically vulnerable population, particularly those with these comorbidities.
Researchers identified a core set of 24 genes that activate in response to bacterial colonization, acting as volume control for plant responses and predicting the extent of colonization
Researchers developed a novel computer model called CODYM to analyze conversational dynamics in seriously ill patients and their families. The model uses Markov Models to capture information flow patterns, providing concise summaries of dependencies in speaker turn lengths.
Researchers discovered fundamental differences in T-cell responses between patients who recover from and die from severe COVID-19. They found that dying patients harbor more lung-homing T cells, which contribute to extensive lung deterioration, while survivors have a growing number of Th1 T cells, important fighters of viral infection.
Antibiotic use in India increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for mild and moderate cases, due to a lack of adherence to guidelines. The study highlights the need for policy changes to address antibiotic misuse and the potential consequences of drug-resistant infections.
Researchers have developed new algorithms to record and display color in digital images with greater realism. The methods improve color accuracy for electronic displays and create more natural LED lighting.
Researchers develop a de novo peptide Y15 that readily forms secondary structures to enable bottom-up synthesis of functional protein assemblies in live cells. The peptide enables the formation of fibrous structures and clusters in test tubes and live cells, facilitating protein assembly and reconstitution of natural complexes.
A study at Lund University found that a drug treating sputum viscosity and inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients also dissolved neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in severely ill COVID-19 patients. NETs were reduced after treatment, leading to improved oxygen therapy dependency and reduced viral load.
Scientists investigated full-shell semiconductor-superconductor nanowire structures for evidence of Majorana bound states, but found no confirmation. Instead, zero-bias peaks were attributed to Andreev bound states, which can mimic Majorana modes.
Research finds that water molecules in zeolites enhance chemical reactions for biomass conversion to biofuel. By optimizing pore sizes and water concentrations, the process can be made more efficient, saving energy.
Researchers have reduced the discrepancy between theoretical and observed amounts of lithium by around 10% thanks to a new experiment. The study used particle beams, detectors, and an observational method called the Trojan horse to scrutinize one of the Big Bang nucleosynthesis reactions.
This article discusses the findings of two new studies published in the GSA Bulletin. The first study examines the role of berthierine in controlling reservoir quality in deeply buried sandstone reservoirs, challenging the common assertion that chlorite coating inhibits quartz overgrowths. The second study investigates the rapid emplac...
The study estimates global plastic emissions range from 9 to 23 million metric tons per year, with similar amounts emitted onto land yearly. Remote environments are particularly under threat as plastic debris cannot be removed by cleanups, leading to unpredictable effects on ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Turku have discovered hundreds of previously unknown insect species, including a parasitoid wasp that glitters like an electric blue jewel. The newly found Dolichomitus meii wasp is unique in its large size and striking coloration, with wings that shimmer golden yellow.