A study using 3D MRI in 632 monozygotic and dizygotic twins found that genetic and environmental factors interact to shape the vocal tract, with some structures having low heritability. The results provide new evidence on the relative contributions of genetics and environment to anatomical differences among people.
A new study developed machine learning models to assess connections among hundreds of clinical variables and predict the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in young children. The models used de-identified insurance claim data to identify risk factors and quantify their association with autism. This approach has promising potential ...
A new study found that electronic gaming can precipitate life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in susceptible children with previously unrecognized predispositions. The most common underlying causes were catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and congenital long QT syndrome types 1 and 2.
A research team has found a novel operating regime that prevents destructive plasma instabilities in fusion reactors, allowing for the controlled injection of particles at the plasma edge. This approach could lead to a more stable and efficient fusion reactor design.
Researchers have isolated a novel bacterial species, HS-3, that displays complex multicellular behavior and a reversible two-phase life cycle. The discovery reveals a previously unknown mechanism for the emergence of multicellularity in bacteria, suggesting that environmental factors played a crucial role.
A recent study by researchers at MARUM and ICBM found that plankton communities have migrated to higher latitudes since the last ice age, leading to the formation of new species assemblages. These changes occurred even after ocean temperatures stabilized, suggesting a non-uniform response to global warming.
Researchers have successfully switched on and off topological states in a material, exploiting the interaction of electrons to manipulate their behavior. The discovery opens up new possibilities for technical applications, including quantum computers and sensor technology.
Researchers aim to improve detection and removal of hardware trojans, which can disrupt wireless communication and leak sensitive information. The project is part of a public-private partnership aiming to accelerate the translation of research findings into new technologies.
Researchers at Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München discovered that casein digestion produces peptides with a satiating effect, stimulating gastric acid secretion via bitter receptors. This mechanism may help regulate food intake and maintain a healthy body weight.
Researchers from McGill University and MIT developed an AI system that can learn the rules and patterns of human languages on its own. The model automatically generates higher-level language patterns that can be applied to different languages, achieving better results.
WayPath Pharma has been awarded a $225,000 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award to develop new metabolic drugs targeting tumor stem cells and crossing the blood-brain barrier. The funding aims to advance treatment options for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer with limited treatment options.
Scientists developed a new method using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to monitor the effects of photodynamic therapy on tumor cells. The method, which involves Au@CDs cascade nanozymes, enables real-time monitoring of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the tumor microenvironment.
Research suggests e-bikes won't help users reach weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity targets due to fewer and less physically demanding trips. However, they may encourage older people to take up cycling who wouldn't otherwise do so.
As sea levels rise, groundwater tables are increasing in coastal areas, causing unsaturated soils to shrink and leading to insufficient filtration for wastewater treatment. This can result in mixture of treated and untreated waste getting up to the surface, posing a health hazard to residents.
New research suggests that the first animals on Earth could have evolved earlier than previously thought. Polar marine creatures' survival strategies might hold clues to understanding this phenomenon. The study examines the evolution of life in extreme cold and icy periods, with implications for our understanding of animal origins.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that nearly half of junior doctors reported symptoms of extremely severe depression, anxiety, or stress. The research highlights the need to address and improve working conditions in the NHS to retain healthcare professionals.
A new CRISPR-Cas approach, SpRYgests, allows for precise DNA cleavage at any sequence, expanding the utility of molecular cloning approaches. This innovation simplifies and expedites DNA editing and has potential clinical implications.
A new study by University of Arkansas professors Janine Parry and Andrew Dowdle documents the resurgence of one-party monopolies in American states. Most states have heavily favored one of the two major parties for at least a century, with some experiencing dramatic shifts in party affiliation over time.
A study published in the Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research found that children with dyslexia often perform well on simple phonological tests, but struggle with more complex tasks. The researchers suggest that these more complex tests better predict a child's risk of dyslexia.
Geoscientists at the University of Sydney have created a method to assess the health of coral reefs from space by analyzing sand aprons. The research reveals that sand aprons can be used to predict carbonate sediment productivity, with significant declines detected in recent years, indicating potential effects of climate change.
The European Patent Office is funding a project to create an AI-powered system that detects students' potential problems at an early stage, providing personalized feedback and recommendations. The system aims to engage students with course materials and offer a chatbot for more accessible support.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that consuming potatoes has no increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders. In fact, those who ate more potatoes also consumed more fruits and vegetables, meeting dietary guidelines recommendations.
The study reveals that multiple high-level cortical areas process word meanings, including the classical language areas. Interestingly, regions not previously considered for language processing contained significant information about word meaning.
A new skin-stretching device called EASApprox has been successfully used to treat large scalp defects in 12 patients, providing enough skin for direct closure using sutures or gradual healing. The procedure showed good functional and cosmetic results with acceptable scarring and no serious complications.
A new study by Kenneth A. Shores and Matthew P. Steinberg estimates that $700 billion will be needed to offset COVID-induced learning loss in US public schools, far more than the $190 billion allocated through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.
Researchers discovered how a signaling pathway protein causes tumor growth and resistance to drugs. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to create more effective cancer treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified microRNA-7 as a non-classic genetic risk factor for hereditary obesity. The molecule affects energy balance and appetite regulation in humans and mice, highlighting the need to examine non-genetic factors in gene-based studies. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating obesity.
A new study found that mental health-related incidents remained relatively stable despite pandemic restrictions, contradicting claims of increased incidents. Researchers recommend focusing on preventative measures like housing and social services to address mental health issues.
UTSA has received a five-year, $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an HSI Student Success Servingness Framework. The project aims to improve student learning and self-efficacy through pedagogical approaches and enhanced student peer mentoring.
The USPSTF concludes that screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) is insufficient for children under 12, while recommending it for adolescents. Screening for suicidal ideation and attempts is also recommended for all ages in question.
Researchers developed a fabric with nano-scale threads containing phase-change materials to regulate body temperature. The textile combines electrothermal and photothermal coatings for enhanced thermal regulation. It has the potential to alleviate heat or cold stress in workers and travelers, offering improved comfort and safety.
Scientists discover that temporal signals play a crucial role in regulating multicellular information networks, allowing cells to sense and respond to environmental changes. The study's findings offer insight into how coordinated responses among cells enable multicellular organisms to survive in complex surroundings.
A research team has identified a specific cell group in the brain that regulates shifts in the sleep-wake rhythm caused by psychostimulants. The hypothalamic dopamine locus is responsible for modulating circadian rhythms and gates the effect of psychostimulants, leading to increased alertness and activity.
A research group from Japan has found a new genus of fungus in the Kickxellales that inhabits the guts of cave crickets, suggesting the evolutionary transition between saprobes and gut-inhabiting fungi. The discovery sheds light on how fungi in the Kickxellomycotina evolved to live inside animals.
A study found that leptin stimulates liver fat export and lowers liver fat content in healthy men, suggesting a new approach for treating fatty liver disease. The findings imply that the brain plays a role in liver fat metabolism via the autonomic nervous system, opening up potential new treatment options.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that precipitation intensity has increased across the US, particularly in the East, South, and Midwest. The study analyzed historical precipitation data from two time periods (1951-1980 and 1991-2020) and discovered a systematic shift towards more intense rainfall events.
Scientists discovered a novel neural mechanism that accompanies unconsciousness, masking sensory inputs with spontaneous activity. The auditory cortex's response to sounds is indistinguishable from its own internal activity under anesthesia.
Researchers found that modulating the endocannabinoid system improved symptoms of Williams-Beuren syndrome, including hypersociability, cognitive deficit, and hypertension. The study used a mouse model and administered an experimental drug to increase endogenous levels of endocannabinoids.
Researchers created global temperature maps of Earth during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a time period similar to our own future under climate change. The study found that the climate was more sensitive to carbon dioxide increases than previously thought, with sensitivity between 5.7 to 7.4 degrees Celsius per doubling.
Clinical psychologists need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, which is an understudied construct. Adam Radomsky's research suggests that a deeper understanding of what leads to a client's choices can help therapists make better ones in the future.
Researchers from Rice University and European institutions developed a method to switch on and off topological states in a strongly correlated metal using magnetic fields. The strong electron interactions enable the material to be controlled, which could lead to new applications in sensor technology and electronics.
A recent study from Japan reveals that color patterns on fish influence their aggressive behavior and determine the color patterns of cohabitating fish. The study found that anemonefish with white bars on an orange or red background exhibit aggressive behavior towards other fish with similar color patterns.
Engineered duckweed produces up to 10% oil content, a 100-fold increase over wild-type plants, with synergistic effects seen when combining gene modifications. The oil-rich plant can be easily harvested for biofuels or bioproducts, reducing competition with food crops and environmental waste.
A nationwide Australian study found no link between early exposure to fluoridated water and altered emotional, behavioral development, or executive functioning in adolescence. The study used data from Australia's National Child Oral Health Study and followed children aged 5-10 years for 7-8 years.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new positive electrode material for all-solid-state sodium batteries, enabling high energy storage capacity and long lifespan. The Na2FeS2 material uses inexpensive elements and achieves high reversibility during charging and discharging.
A team of scientists has identified a key protein involved in regulating the second arrest in meiosis II, allowing the matured egg to await fertilization. Cyclin B3 keeps the availability of Emi2 below a critical threshold during the first maturation division, preventing premature arrest.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening children under 7. Anxiety disorders are common in childhood and adolescence, associated with increased risk of future anxiety or depression. A 2018-2019 survey found 7.8% of children ages 3-17 had a current anxiety disorder
A team of scientists has directly visualized the rotary motion of a bacterial cell protein, resolving a long-standing structural symmetry mismatch. The study found that the coupling between the two motors is rigid, requiring additional pauses during rotation to resolve the mismatch.
Babies born during the pandemic were less likely to meet social communication developmental milestones, such as expressing a word or pointing, but more likely to crawl. Researchers suggest that lockdowns may have reduced language exposure and face-to-face interactions, leading to these delays.
A Rutgers study suggests that messages on safe firearm storage delivered by military law enforcement are more effective in persuading service members to adopt safe storage practices. The study found that participants responded positively to visual messages voiced by security forces, particularly with respect to using locking devices.
A study reveals that the Sigillaria brardii species, a fossil plant typical of peatlands, colonized new areas in the riverbeds of the Variscan mountains. The discovery expands knowledge about forest ecosystems in the late Carboniferous period and sheds light on the impact of global climate change on plant distribution.
Researchers found that higher levels of cell-free DNA in the blood are associated with increased cognitive decline and worsening frailty over an eight-year period. The study suggests that a simple blood test could detect risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline, potentially leading to early interventions.
A new study found that mobile stamens on flowers help reduce the time insects linger on flowers, decreasing nectar consumption while increasing pollen transport efficiency. This allows for more efficient pollination, ultimately benefiting plant reproductive success.
Researchers found that a substantial portion of adult B cells develop in the first days of life after birth, potentially influencing long-term immune health and susceptibility to disease. This discovery provides new insights into how microbial exposure and infections shape the human immune system.
A new report found that 90% of COVID-19 preprint data points remained unchanged after peer review, with only minor changes in estimates. This suggests that preprint studies can be reliable and trustworthy, especially for infectious-disease research.
Researchers identified 49 plant genes transferred to the silverleaf whitefly genome, including genes neutralizing toxins produced by plants as a defense mechanism. This discovery opens up new research opportunities for innovative pest control methods based on plant breeding, potentially reducing pesticide use.
A recent study led by Dr. Luis Cuello and Alain J. Labro found that a known Shaker channel mutation differs structurally from its human counterparts, with implications for drug development and ion transport mechanisms. The research reveals a unique conformation of the W434F mutant that is distinct from wild-type channels.
Researchers from Rutgers Cancer Institute have identified specific microorganisms associated with inflammation and poor survival in pancreatic tumors. These microbial signatures can be used as new targets for earlier diagnosis or treatment of the fourth leading cause of cancer death.
Researchers discovered that zinc can restore the functioning of proteins affected by mutations in the GNAO1 gene, leading to severe mental and motor disabilities. By reactivating hydrolysis, zinc enables neurons to communicate correctly with their environment.
Scientists explore the dynamics of soft materials like toothpaste and hair gel using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). The technique reveals microscopic dynamics and helps understand properties like viscosity and elasticity. Insights gained can aid in designing consumer products, nanotechnologies, and drug delivery systems.