A research team from China has created a systematic approach to screen a library of promoters and terminators for use in plant synthetic biology. The study successfully engineered the betalain pathway in tobacco and found that quantitatively characterized promoters can be used to ensure optimal gene expression.
Researchers found that online shopping with an electric vehicle reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 39% to 51%, while in-store shopping with a micro-fulfillment center can save up to 67%. Trip chaining and reducing shopping frequency also significantly decrease emissions.
Experts are optimistic about converting coal plants to production of clean geothermal energy, citing the number of enabling technologies coming online. The potential market is substantial, with around 4,200 coal plants worldwide, many of which can be repurposed due to advancements in technology and a lack of economic incentive.
A study by Nagoya University researchers found age-related differences in gait patterns of Japanese elementary school children, including increased cadence and decreased step and stride length. The findings provide an important tool for assessing normal and pathological gait, potentially informing orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a more efficient wind sensor for drones, balloons, and autonomous aircraft. The sensor uses smart materials to measure wind speed and direction, improving safety and efficiency in autonomous flight.
Research on asteroid 2008 TC3 reveals that larger meteorites survived to the ground, contradicting previous assumptions about interior shielding. The study's findings provide new insights into asteroid fragmentation and the origins of space rocks.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara analyzed Southern Africa's resources and power grid to develop an energy portfolio that meets the region's 2040 energy requirements. The model suggests that wind and solar are the most cost-effective options, with potential to freeze greenhouse gas emissions at 2020 levels.
Researchers aim to uncover information on blotchy bass syndrome's prevalence, distribution, and potential risks through data collected by citizens. The study will help determine which bass species are susceptible and which seem immune.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine found that flavored oral nicotine products, such as gum and gummies, are increasingly popular among US teens, with 3.4% having used them at least once and 1.7% in the past six months. The use of these products was more common among Hispanic teens, teen girls, and LGBTQ+ teens.
Researchers developed AI programs that accurately predicted DNA's regulatory elements and 3D structure, shedding light on genetic mutations' impact on diseases. The tools, named Sei and Orca, can sort noncoding DNA into sequence classes and predict how mutations affect gene activity.
Researchers discovered that specific tissue chemistry governs the likelihood of organs being preserved in fossils. The study found that a decaying fish's internal organs decompose in a 'soup' together, and their pH levels determine whether they'll be replaced by minerals.
A randomized phase II trial demonstrated improved 18-month progression-free survival with nivolumab alone or combined with ipilimumab compared to historical controls. The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab resulted in a higher incidence of treatment-related adverse events, but consistent with prior reports.
Researchers at Ural Federal University develop infrared optical fibers with high transparency and low optical losses, suitable for applications in space, laser surgery and medical imaging. The fibers retain their properties even when exposed to ionizing radiation.
Researchers at Newcastle University found a mechanism to generate hydrogen peroxide from rocks during geological faults, potentially influencing early life evolution before photosynthesis. High temperatures and crushed rock surfaces containing imperfections played a crucial role in this process.
A study found that higher empathy in adolescents is linked to lower odds of cyberbullying others based on their race, religion, or other identity factors. Cognitive empathy was the key factor in reducing bias-based cyberbullying.
Researchers at Okayama University discovered EPA's molecular target, which blocks purinergic chemical transmission and reduces pain perception. The study suggests EPA can be used as a therapeutic strategy for managing chronic pain with fewer side effects.
A research group from Tokyo University of Science has discovered molecular features that govern the filling process at nanoscales, enabling finer resolutions in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography. The findings provide valuable insights for guiding the selection and design of optimized resists for sub-10 nm resolution.
A recent case study at Kobe University reports a 15-month recovery process for a patient with impaired ACTH secretion due to COVID-19. The research team successfully restored hormone levels through ACTH replacement therapy, and the patient's condition improved significantly after one year and a half.
Researchers found that administering tisagenlecleucel at the higher end of the approved dose range significantly improves overall and event-free survival in young patients. The study suggests that using higher doses of CAR-T therapy can achieve more effective and long-term responses without increasing toxicity risk.
A CABI-led study reveals a multi-channel information campaign significantly increases maize yields for smallholder farmers in Eastern Rwanda by up to 34%. The research also found that the approach benefits farmers in the region, improving their ability to manage fall armyworm pests.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine developed a long-acting injectable formulation of the anti-TB drug rifabutin, showing efficacy in animal models and potential to improve adherence to medication. The formulation could provide an effective way to prevent TB infection and treatment failure.
A study by West Virginia University found that over 7% of junior high and high school students in rural Appalachia identified as gender-diverse, including nonbinary or transgender identities. This exceeds previous estimates and highlights the need for support services in these areas.
Researchers discovered that brain-robot interfaces can reroute motor pathways around damaged areas in stroke patients, allowing for improved hand function and control. This breakthrough technology uses proprioceptive feedback to enhance communication between the brain and muscles.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have discovered two defense methods in wild emmer wheat that can protect cultivated wheat from insects. The wheat produces a poison called benzoxazinoid and has a coating of 'hairs' that prevent insects from burrowing, allowing for improved pest resistance
A new combination drug therapy addressing the disorder's underlying defects has been found to be beneficial for primary school-aged children with cystic fibrosis. The study, conducted at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, confirmed that earlier treatment can slow disease progression and improve lung function and quality of life.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that coarse sea spray significantly reduces the amount of lightning in storm clouds. The study found that aerosols larger than 1 micron, or coarse sea spray, inhibit lightning by up to 90%, while smaller aerosols actually increase lightning and affect rainfall.
Researchers from the University of Kent have identified new combination therapies effective against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta viruses, which may reduce novel variant formation. The study suggests that interferon-beta combinations with antiviral drugs like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir are more effective than current treatments.
Researchers used fluorescent markers to visualize neuronal growth in fruit flies, discovering dynamic and stochastic growth patterns that fluctuate among growing, shrinking, and paused states. The study provides new insights into how neurons branch out and form connections throughout the body.
Researchers used natural language processing and machine learning to analyze nearly 35,500 death records, identifying the most common substances involved in overdose deaths. The system reduced data processing time by months, allowing for more rapid public health responses and interventions.
A new study by the University of Southern California found that formulary restrictions and prior authorization policies can limit access to life-saving medications like NOACs, leading to increased stroke risk. The research suggests that these policies may be 'penny wise and pound foolish' for patients with atrial fibrillation.
A new study published in the CABI Agriculture & Bioscience journal found that women place greater importance on autonomous social relations, while men value financial-related decisions. Psychological well-being is an important resource for both genders, and location plays a significant role in shaping empowerment resources.
Two OU research groups received nearly $2 million in funding to develop new surveillance methods and predict the next avian influenza pandemic. The projects focus on integrating data from multiple sources to detect early signals of disease spread.
A recent study found that overnight EEGs can predict Rett syndrome with 90% accuracy and identify specific patterns associated with different subtypes of the disorder. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more refined interventions and improved care for girls with Rett syndrome.
A new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns significantly increased suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among patients with serious mental illness in Serbia. The study also highlighted the need for protections to mitigate mental health consequences during future lockdowns.
Researchers at Princeton University used artificial intelligence to simulate ice formation by individual atoms and molecules with quantum accuracy. This breakthrough enables tracking of hundreds of thousands of atoms over longer timespans than previous simulations.
A new point-of-care diagnostic device combines CRISPR with electrochemical sensing to track COVID-19 infections' course via saliva. The device can simultaneously detect both SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional lab tests.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that disrupting circadian clocks leads to increased fat cell growth and insulin production. Stress and other factors can throw the body's 'clocks' out of rhythm, contributing to weight gain.
A study found that brain fog-like impairment is a problem in many animal species due to infection and disease, including humans. Cognitive impairments have been observed in birds, bees, rats, and other species, with various causes such as parasite damage, immune response, and malnutrition.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technique for creating polymers with controlled molecular weight and high optical activity. The discovery uses a combination of living cationic polymerization and asymmetric cationic polymerization, resulting in optically active polymers with unique properties.
A UK-based smoking cessation program, YESS, reported a 30% abstinence rate among patients with lung cancer who participated in a personalized support program. The study found that women achieved higher quit rates compared to men, highlighting the need for continued support.
A new study reveals key clues about the form of the most ancestral nervous system and how it first evolved. Researchers found that neurons, possibly the most complicated cell type ever to evolve, share similar structures with comb jellies and other ancient animal lineages.
Researchers found that leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase MRK1 in tomatoes positively regulates responses to multiple stresses. The study showed that MRK1 is involved in plant defenses against bacterial pathogens and environmental stress, and its expression was induced by cold and heat stress as well as pathogen attacks.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found tinnitus prevalence to be over 740 million adults worldwide, with 120 million reporting it as a significant issue.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that education with goal-oriented activities can motivate college students to make healthier choices. The intervention, which included food challenges and cooking videos, increased confidence in using fruits and vegetables in cooking and consumption outcomes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a refined clinical COVID-19 test to classify Omicron BA.1/BA.2 variants. The test showed increased viral RNA levels in BA.2 cases, helping explain its aggressive spread and dominance.
Researchers from Keck School of Medicine found a strong association between PFOS exposure and liver cancer risk, with the strongest link seen in the top 10% of PFOS exposure. The study suggests that PFOS may disrupt normal liver function, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and increased risk of liver cancer.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered that mutant variants of the RyR1 calcium channel protein are more sensitive to heat than normal proteins, leading to a cycle of activation that can cause malignant hyperthermia. This finding provides new insight into the condition and could lead to preventive and treatment strategies.
Researchers found that combining baricitinib with remdesivir and dexamethasone reduced the risk of death among patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. However, the therapy was not associated with a reduction in ventilator time or hospital stay.
A team at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna mapped an entire nation's supply chain network using mobile phone data, predicting systemic risk and resilience. The model can be easily implemented by other countries and provides a detailed view of national economic behavior on a daily timescale.
Recent studies show that grape consumption can reduce fatty liver and extend lifespans, with Dr. John Pezzuto's team finding changes in genetic expression and antioxidant genes in mice. Adding grapes to a high-fat diet also had positive effects on behavior and cognition.
A new study published in Current Biology found that humans' ability to interpret babies' cries isn't innate but learned from experience. Parents of young babies are able to identify a baby's pain cries even if they have never heard this baby before, whereas inexperienced individuals are typically unable to do so.
The INFEWS program, funded by the National Science Foundation, trains UCLA graduate students to solve food, energy, and water system challenges in urban centers. Students work with a diverse team of faculty and participate in site visits to learn about sustainability efforts in Los Angeles.
Combining sauna and exercise for eight weeks improves cardiorespiratory fitness, lowers systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels compared to regular exercise alone. The study found the sauna-exercise combination to be superior in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
New research reveals that rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine has reversed a 900-year cooling trend, with climate model simulations indicating that greenhouse gas forcings are causing surface temperature changes and changes in ocean circulation. The study's findings have significant implications for the region's ecosystems and fisheries.
Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.
Scientists at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed an enzyme-based biosensor in the form of an electrospun polymer mesh that can detect volatile organic compounds. The dry-form biosensor, which uses embedded enzymes, has been shown to be highly specific and sensitive to ethanol vapor.
The NADIM II trial demonstrates the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in patients with resectable stage IIIA NSCLC, with improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates seen with nivolumab plus chemotherapy. Patients with positive PD-L1 expression showed enhanced benefits.
Researchers have discovered that Piezo1 is responsible for regulating the uterus's behavior during pregnancy, keeping it relaxed and ensuring proper expansion. The identification of Piezo1 paves the way for developing drugs and therapies to treat or delay preterm labour, a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.
A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo developed a system called DualCheck, which replaces traditional human verification tasks with educational content on online safety and ethics. Trials showed that users responded positively to the experience and felt they gained something from these microlearning sessions.
Researchers at Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf discovered that corticosteroid Medrysone promotes oligodendroglial cell replacement and myelin sheath restoration. Astrocytes play a surprising role in mediating this effect, with some promoting tissue repair and others contributing to lesion formation.