The Lundquist Institute has received an additional $3 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand its Male Contraceptive Efficacy Trial. The trial will recruit over 400 couples globally, including those in the US, Europe, and Africa, to test a new reversible male contraception gel.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a computer-aided data tool that can predict novel sites of binding for potential drugs. The tool aims to improve treatment for a range of illnesses by increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a protein called Xbp1 that plays a crucial role in halting the cell cycle in response to stressful events. The study uses innovative techniques to track proteins in individual cells over time, revealing a previously unrecognized function of Xbp1 in regulating the cell cycle.
Researchers found that moderate potato consumption among adolescent girls did not increase the risk of overweight or high blood pressure, and may even be associated with improved nutrient intakes. The study suggests that potatoes can be a part of a healthy diet pattern, particularly when consumed in moderation.
Metastases in malignant melanoma can use an alternative process to access the circulatory system, where a blood vessel divides into two parallel vessels. This finding challenges traditional research on tumor growth and may lead to new treatment options for metastatic cancer.
A study of 5 million authors found that the pandemic exacerbated existing gender inequalities in academia, with women submitting fewer manuscripts than men across various fields. The research highlights the need for addressing these disparities to prevent long-term effects on career success and deepen gender inequality.
Researchers found promising candidates for a prebiotic evolutionary system with imidazolidine-4-thione organocatalysts. These catalysts can change their composition and catalyze essential reactions, supporting the development of our current biosystem.
A study found that adults with a history of childhood maltreatment, particularly sexual abuse, exhibit reduced brain connectivity in attention systems. Oxytocin treatment has been shown to increase connectivity, suggesting its potential as a treatment for PTSD and childhood trauma-related disorders.
Researchers identified two nanobodies that specifically target and stabilize the tetrameric form of SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein Nsp9, potentially repressing viral replication. These findings suggest a new antiviral strategy for diagnosis and treatment against COVID-19.
Researchers found that pyruvate supplementation prevents rapid cell death of peripheral sensory neurons and Schwann cells under high-glucose conditions. Exogenous pyruvate may play a key role in maintaining glycolysis-TCA cycle flux by suppressing PARP activity, thereby supporting cellular viability and energy production.
A new canine mutant model mimics human cerebrovascular disease by exhibiting severe arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and stroke. The ApoE knockout dogs show extensive and severe arteriosclerosis plaques and arterial stenosis, consistent with human cerebral arteries and coronary arteries.
A study by EPFL researchers reveals that CTCF sites within the HoxD cluster contribute to organizing genes into topologically associated domains, helping to organize developmental complexity. The dual function of CTCF binding sites varies depending on tissue type.
Researchers from the University of Queensland found that COVID-19 causes cardiovascular complications due to inflammation in infected airway cells. The study clarifies a key debate about the relationship between the virus and blood vessel linings, suggesting inflammation as the primary cause of damage.
A new UC Davis study aims to better understand the risks of chemicals in household dust on children's health. The researchers will track over 80 chemicals in dust and collect urine samples from children to measure their exposure.
Researchers have discovered a new type of skin cell, TIFFs, that may play a role in inflammatory skin diseases such as scleroderma. These cells were found to interact with immune cells and expand in response to inflammation, leading to an exaggerated response and fibrosis.
A new study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that home care patients who prefer a language other than English are more likely to be readmitted to hospital within 30 days. The study suggests that addressing language gaps is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
A new study found a significant increase in US Parkinson's disease deaths over the past two decades, with mortality rates twice as high in men as in women. White people were also more likely to die from the disease, potentially due to socioeconomic factors affecting access to healthcare.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that robotic pet cats improved mood scores and cognitive function in adults with mild to moderate dementia. The intervention involved 12 visits with the robotic cat, where participants interacted with it and reported positive emotions.
A new international meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that adding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to definitive radiotherapy improves metastasis-free survival by 8% and overall survival by 7%. Prolonging adjuvant ADT for 18-36 months also shows similar benefits.
Researchers found that small fiber neuropathy affects 13.3 per 100,000 people, with rates increasing over time. The condition is often associated with obesity, diabetes, insomnia, and heart attacks, highlighting the need for screening and prevention methods.
Researchers develop label-free virtual microscopy images that allow detailed visualization of tissue without staining procedures. The new technique provides realistic images that could help reduce the need for repeat surgeries by enabling histopathology analysis during surgery.
A new model has been developed to help archeologists uncover new Pleistocene sites in Cyprus, revealing more evidence of historic hunter-gatherer activity on the island. The study suggests that there may have been more human activity on Eastern Mediterranean islands during the last ice age than previously thought.
A man has been confirmed as the great-grandson of Sitting Bull using ancient DNA extracted from his scalp lock. The new technique analyzes autosomal DNA to establish familial relationships between living and historical individuals, with potential applications in forensic investigations.
A team of scientists led by Piers Chapman will develop a sustainable blue decision support system to help West Coast communities dependent on fisheries. The project aims to provide climate-informed information for fisheries management and decision-making, enabling stakeholders to make better long-term decisions.
Ancestral puebloans in Chaco Canyon thrived for over a millennium through indigenous agriculture and water irrigation, but their activities led to environmental degradation. The researchers found significant changes in the local woodlands beginning around 600 B.C., contributing to severe erosion and cropland deterioration.
A new type of eco-friendly solvent, SUPRAS, has been designed to extract polluting substances from the environment and is more stable under various conditions compared to existing ecological solvents. The solvent uses rhamnolipids produced by bacteria, attracting and separating pollutants with a simple decantation process.
Researchers designed a sub-nanometer molecular rectifier utilizing destructive quantum interference and asymmetric supramolecular interaction, overcoming electronic functionality challenges. The device achieves rectification behavior at the sub-nanometer scale, enabling potential miniaturization of electronic devices.
A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.
A recent study found that popular US fast food items contain widespread amounts of phthalates and other plasticizers, which are linked to serious health problems. Consumers can reduce exposure by switching to mostly home-cooked meals.
Professor Willy Wong has discovered a mathematical relationship in the sensory adaptation response curve that is true for all sensory modalities and all organisms. This finding, supported by 250 measurements of adaptation from different branches of sensory physiology, presents a single, simple equation that holds across all species.
Numerical study investigates dynamics of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in southern Andaman Sea, revealing their generation via oscillating semi-diurnal tidal flow. Sensitivity runs show semidiurnal tides generate stronger ISWs than diurnal tides, with mixed forcing having little effect
A collaboration led by Scripps Research Institute successfully treated C9 ALS/FTD in mice using a novel RNA-hunting compound that recruits the cell's own virus fighter. The compound eliminated 70% of toxic protein fragments and removed most hallmarks of the disease from patient-derived nerve cells.
A team of researchers has developed an ensemble-based machine learning model that can predict how cancer patients will respond to certain drugs with high accuracy. The model was trained on data from 499 independent cell lines and validated against a clinical dataset containing seven chemotherapeutic drugs.
Researchers identified three MOFs providing the most energy efficient capture of SF6 under vacuum swing adsorption, while two others showed best performance under pressure swing adsorption. The study suggests that materials optimal for one process may not be optimal for the other.
A new beaked whale species has been discovered and named after Māori whale expert Ramari Stewart, highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge in scientific discovery. The species, Mesoplodon eueu, was found in South Africa and features a unique name that reflects its Indigenous roots.
Researchers have made significant progress in generating neurons in the lab, a potential therapeutic option for replacing lost neurons in neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease. A $9 million grant will support further research and development of this novel treatment approach.
Researchers have found four commonly used medications that can reverse Alzheimer's disease in mice by addressing the underlying causes of the condition. The study identifies non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and anti-hypertensives as effective treatments, paving the way for early diagnosis and potential therapy.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to treat intractable mutant cancer using statins, which selectively kill KRAS mutant cancer cells and activate the immune system. This breakthrough has significant implications for the treatment of cancers with limited options, and may lead to the development of new cancer immunotherapies.
Researchers developed a flexible, self-powered device that translates sound waves into electrical signals, mimicking the inner ear's function. The device, implanted in a model ear, accurately recreated music files, offering a promising solution for treating hearing loss without batteries.
Boston University researchers found that even low levels of physical therapy before or after total knee replacement surgery lower the odds of chronic opioid use. Participation in six or more sessions of physical therapy post-surgery and initiation within 30 days of surgery were linked to reduced chance of chronic opioid use.
Cancer cells can change their shape and migration techniques to invade different types of tissue, a process that plays a huge role in prognosis. The study found that cells switch between migration programs more often than thought, allowing them to adapt to heterogeneous environments.
A recent study reveals that fish ingest progesterone through microplastics, releasing the hormone into their digestive tract. Researchers found that microplastics act as vectors for exposing fish to micropollutants like progesterone, which can have significant environmental and health impacts.
Lactate sensors in wearables aim to monitor athletes' exertion levels, but the connection between sweat and blood lactate remains unclear. Researchers propose improvements to electrochemical sensors and develop an epidermal patch containing a lactate biosensor.
US emergency department spending grew to $136.6 billion in 2016, with road injuries and falls accounting for the highest amount of ED spending. The study found that ED spending per visit increased at an annualized rate of 3.4% over the decade.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center reported that serial stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a safe and effective treatment for oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma. The study showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 22.7 months and minimal toxicity.
Researchers at Duke University and UC Irvine identify Kenpaullone, a cancer drug, as an effective analgesic for chronic and challenging-to-treat pain. The compound enhances Kcc2 gene expression, which resets maladaptive genetic switches in neurons, leading to pain signal silencing.
A new study suggests that human presence on the Falkland Islands dates back to around 3450 B.C.E., with evidence of fire activity and stone projectile points consistent with Indigenous South American technology. The research indicates that people likely visited the islands for short-term stays, leaving few cultural materials behind.
A new study found that vulnerable populations are less likely to receive cancer survivorship care plans, which can help with transition out of active treatment. The Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine analyzed data from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System's Survivorship modules.
Researchers developed AI tool EVE to analyze genetic variations, reclassifying 256,000 variants as benign or disease-causing. The tool enhances clinical methods for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment choice.
A new study by Stanford researchers provides a blueprint for public and private interventions to slow deforestation. The study reveals that the right sequence of policies, including disincentives, incentives, and enabling measures, can deliver conservation goals at lower cost across entire at-risk regions.
A new study suggests that genetic liability to various mental health conditions may affect an individual's choice of residence. The research found higher genetic risks for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in those who moved from rural to urban areas, while lower genetic risk was seen for ADHD in those who remained in rural areas.
Researchers discovered that certain microorganisms can form elemental carbon without high temperatures and pressures, challenging current scientific understanding. The formation of this carbon is believed to be linked to the symbiotic relationship between archaea and their partners.
A new study based on data from SWAN found a significant longitudinal association between mild and moderate to severe vision impairment and subsequent depressive symptoms in midlife women. Early identification and correction of vision problems are crucial for preserving mental and physical health.
A study of 75 FIFO shift workers found significant sleep loss and reduced alertness, with up to 60% at risk of developing sleep disorders. The research highlights the need for companies to reassess roster designs to ensure adequate rest and provide education on good sleep health practices.
Researchers have identified a unique genetic variant in the KRAS gene that affects treatment outcomes for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients. Adding monoclonal antibody cetuximab may reverse poor treatment responses and improve cancer control.
Researchers linked microscopic and macroscopic approaches to describe a technologically important chemical reaction under realistic conditions. This allows understanding why catalyst particle size plays a crucial role in chemical processes.
Researchers studied head tilting in dogs that could learn toy names and found a relationship between head tilts and processing relevant stimuli. Consistent side tilts were observed for each individual dog over time.
A Brazilian study reveals that forest fires and wildfires modify the freezing process of cloud droplets, altering natural cloud functioning and potentially impacting precipitation. The research used a large dataset to show that aerosols emitted by fires can affect cloud formation in southern Amazonia during the rainy season.
A new study finds that relying on online search can lead to overconfidence in one's own knowledge, blurring the lines between internal and external memory. This can affect decision-making, particularly in high-stakes areas like medicine and finance.
A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a link between systemic lupus erythematosus and an altered gut microbiome. Researchers at Osaka University identified two species of Streptococcus bacteria significantly increased in SLE patients, which can affect the body's functions by altering plasma metabolites. T...