Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a gene therapy that helps heart muscle cells electrically activate in live mice. The approach features engineered bacterial genes that code for sodium ion channels, which could lead to therapies to treat electrical heart diseases and disorders.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a DNA-encoded immunogen that produces tier-2 neutralizing antibodies in mice, opening up new possibilities for HIV vaccine development. The study demonstrates the potential of using native-like trimer to generate broadly neutralizing antibody responses.
A new $1 million project at UCF aims to understand how raindrops interact with hypersonic shock waves. Researchers will use computer simulations and experiments to predict conditions for safe hypersonic travel. The knowledge gained could prevent damage and improve rocket launch accuracy.
The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation announced 45 finalists for the 2022 Hertz Fellowships, selected from over 650 applicants. The finalists will advance to a culminating round of interviews for one of the most competitive Ph.D. fellowships in the nation.
New research reveals mosquitoes use red and orange colors to detect hosts, influenced by their sense of smell. By filtering out these colors or wearing specific attire, individuals can potentially prevent mosquito bites, reducing the risk of diseases like dengue and Zika.
A new study finds that women with a history of gestational diabetes are at greater risk for a range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. The research, which analyzed data from 219,330 women, suggests that preventative measures during pregnancy may help prevent cardiovascular disease later i...
Researchers at NIST have revived and improved the charge pumping method to detect single defects as small as one-tenth of a billionth of a meter. The new technique can indicate where defects are located in transistors, enabling accurate assessment of their impact on performance.
A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was confirmed in England, with the individual remaining asymptomatic despite close contact with infected ducks. The investigation found that the virus exhibited four nucleotide mutations, but no increased zoonotic risk was detected.
According to the nTIDE January 2022 Jobs Report, people with disabilities have continued to gain employment, with an increase in employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate. Their numbers are now above historic highs, exceeding those of their non-disabled peers.
A study found that many big box retailers lack Spanish language COVID-19 vaccine resources, hindering access for Hispanic populations. The researchers recommend increasing the visibility of these resources and incorporating non-English materials into public health strategies.
A study analyzing Wikipedia searches found no significant increase in attention towards invasive alien mammals after the publication of a blacklist in Europe. However, temporary peaks in searches were observed following sensational news and viral videos about specific species. The research suggests that blacklists may not be an effecti...
Researchers have discovered that when materials are thin and repeating, their atomic vibrations become coherent and present everywhere. This finding opens up new avenues for designing energy-efficient devices and novel material solutions to recycle waste heat.
A study published in JAMA found that high-risk COVID-19 patients were less likely to receive monoclonal antibody treatment, despite being at highest risk of severe disease. The researchers suggest that the limited supply of mAbs and difficulties navigating the referral process may be contributing factors.
Researchers at the University of Montana found that Yellowstone wolves' handling times increase when bears are present, and they move back and forth from kill sites to avoid confrontations. This dynamic affects wolf behavior and kills rates in the presence of bears.
A new study found nearly 17% of cancer survivors experience moderate or increased housing insecurity, complicating disease management and healthcare navigation. Housing insecurity also correlates with lower household income, educational attainment, and being Black.
A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown brain region involved in maternal behaviors in mice, which is linked to hormone-sensitive neurons. The discovery sheds new light on the biological mechanisms underlying pregnancy and its effects on brain circuits.
Researchers found that the number of flat disk galaxies in our universe exceeds predictions from the Standard Model of Cosmology. The discrepancy suggests that dark matter may not be as prevalent as thought, forcing scientists to reevaluate their understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.
Dr. Maria Rita Ortega Vega is developing an electrochemical sensor to detect and quantify urea in saliva, a potential indicator of kidney problems. This technology could provide reliable results quickly and without blood testing, benefiting patients and doctors.
A study of 790,000 Wisconsin Medicaid enrollees found that maintenance of eligibility requirements were associated with decreased enrollment, while pandemic-related employment shocks led to significant increases in enrollment. The study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on Medicaid enrollment patterns.
Researchers provide cost-effective actions to prevent pandemics, including better surveillance and wildlife management, with estimated annual costs under $20 billion. These 'primary pandemic prevention' actions can help prevent future pandemics and have substantial co-benefits for human health, environment, and economic development.
A new study finds that support for policing reform depends on people's beliefs about how proposed policies would affect crime and public safety. A substantial majority of people are concerned about police violence and support measures that change how the police operate, such as making it easier to fire officers guilty of misconduct.
A mechanical RIS has been developed with high reconfiguration degree of freedom, low power consumption, and real-time dynamic control capabilities. It uses a robust control method to determine the rotation angle of each meta-atom and offers a new energy-saving and environmentally friendly alternative for wireless communications systems.
Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a novel way bacteria infect cells by producing long threads, which grows up to 100 times the size of a bacterium in 30 hours. This mechanism allows the bacteria to rapidly infect multiple cells and access more nutrients for growth.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have discovered that specific RNA molecules can bind to and inhibit the activity of two proteins (METTL-3 and METTL-14) that drive DNA changes in leukemia. This finding provides a potential therapeutic target for treating this cancer.
Researchers have produced double-sided spider silk fibers that can attract nerve cells and stimulate their growth. The fibers were created using a biotechnological approach and modified with different proteins to make one side more attractive to cells, while the other side could be used to attach factors or substances.
Research in C. elegans reveals that intestinal stress signals can control oocyte chromosome stability, influencing egg quality control and heritable euploidy. This study opens new possibilities for eliminating environmental influences and preventing malformations.
A study estimates that switching from capsule to tablet or ointment and cream forms of prescription drugs can result in significant cost savings for insured patients. The analysis found potential savings ranging from $500 to $1,400 per year.
The £1 million HAROLD 2.0 test rig will enhance the facility's functionality with real-time train braking performance models and a fully functional AC power bogie, enabling analysis of on-train systems and novel hybrid drivetrains.
A study found that three exposures to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein elicit superior neutralizing immunity against all variants of concern, including Omicron. The immune system's ability to neutralize the virus correlates with antibody binding strength, not just antibody titer.
Scientists from Nagoya University investigate the formation of air channels in wetland plants, which help them survive floods and droughts. The study reveals that a phytohormone called auxin is required for normal root growth, and two factors lead to the induction of aerenchyma formation in response to flooding.
A study published in Big Data & Society urges governments to limit the use of COVID-19 certificates to the current pandemic, citing concerns over data privacy and human rights. The research recommends introducing 'sunset clauses' into relevant legislation to set a clear expiry date for the passes.
Researchers propose a novel 2D/3D core-shell structure to overcome defects in tin-based metal-halide perovskites. The hybrid arrangement eliminates series resistance issues and high carrier density problems, enabling improved performance in planar devices.
Researchers at NIST developed an instrument to image acoustic waves over a wide range of frequencies with unprecedented detail. The new instrument captures these waves by relying on an optical interferometer, allowing for the creation of three-dimensional movies of microresonators' vibrational modes.
Scientists from Japan and USA develop a microfluidic device for purification of tuberculosis genomic DNA fragments, enabling accurate diagnosis of diseases. The device uses transient ITP and electrokinetic trapping to detect and purify small cfDNA fragments.
Researchers found nanoparticles from human activities rapidly grow in atmosphere and influence cloud formation, affecting raindrop formation and changing rainfall regime. The study provides new insights into the impact of small aerosols on precipitation and improves climate change studies based on mathematical models.
Researchers have discovered that the tumor suppressor protein pVHL degrades SMAD3, inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway and suppressing tumour cell growth. This finding opens up new opportunities for developing cancer therapies by regulating pVHL activity.
A recent study analyzed 274 pregnancies of MS patients who discontinued natalizumab before or during pregnancy, finding that stopping the drug can lead to 80% MS relapses within four to seven months. Pregnancy does not provide protection and may even increase risk
A new study reveals that Viking raids in ancient Scandinavia had a profound effect on the economic and political landscape of modern-day Russia. The plunder economy, which existed until the early Middle Ages, continued to shape local economies and societies in Eastern Russia, particularly in the Volga, Caspian, and Caucasus regions.
A massive DNA sequencing project has mapped the deep-sea biodiversity, revealing a vast and unknown ecosystem that plays a crucial role in ocean food-webs and carbon sequestration. The study sheds light on the connection between surface and deep-water ecosystems, with implications for understanding climate change.
The University of South Florida has received a five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research. The grant will support the comprehensive training of pre- and postdoctoral scientists focused on this emerging area of research.
A European-wide review of community pharmacy interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic found 31 pharmacy interventions across 32 European countries. These interventions included prevention, response, and recovery measures, as well as improved access to medicines, rapid antigen testing, and COVID-19 vaccination.
A recent study reveals that Black and Latinx men are severely underrepresented in online prostate cancer resources. The study found that only 9% of people depicted in online content were Black or Latinx, highlighting the need for greater representation and diversity in health education.
A new study suggests that implementing primary pandemic prevention actions, such as better surveillance and wildlife management, can reduce the economic costs of emerging infectious diseases by up to 10%. These actions have a substantial co-benefit of preventing carbon dioxide emissions and conserving water supplies.
Two new treatments have been found to induce peanut allergy remission in children, with about half achieving remission and experiencing significant improvements in quality of life. The combination treatment and oral immunotherapy alone were both highly effective, providing substantial benefits for children's health and well-being.
Researchers argue that biology teachers need special training to address students' incorrect ideas about evolution, which can hinder scientific understanding. The study found that experienced teachers diagnosed around 60% of misconceptions correctly, while those with no experience did so only half the time.
The study, published in Digital Health, finds that a culturally-tailored social media campaign increases Hepatitis B awareness among Korean Americans, improving knowledge and perceptions about HBV testing. The campaign, delivered via Kakao Talk, had a 95% retention rate and comparable results to existing in-person interventions.
A University of Bristol-led study found a significant association between high dose cyproterone acetate and increased risk of meningioma, the most common type of benign brain tumour. The study suggests caution with prescription of high-dose cyproterone acetate, especially for off-label indications.
A team of physicists from the University of Bonn and TU Darmstadt has developed a method to analyze proton radius data from older and more recent experiments, revealing no difference between the values. This suggests protons are about 5% smaller than previously assumed.
A Japanese research team successfully estimated the bending energy of disiloxane molecules with state-of-the-art quantum Monte Carlo method, overcoming previous simulation challenges. The method's self-healing property reduced basis-set dependence and bias, enabling accurate results without dependence on parameter choices.
Researchers have discovered a practical and inexpensive way to produce non-toxic, recyclable, and sustainable colors using nanotechnology and nature's approach. The method mimics normal color mechanisms in nature, creating physical colors from almost transparent materials like clay suspended in water.
The study establishes a link between real-life creativity and semantic memory structure, predicting individual differences in brain functional connectivity. Participants' creative activities and achievements were found to be related to the efficiency of their semantic memory networks.
Researchers are developing novel biomaterials to promote new blood vessel and axon formation after a stroke, aiming to improve neurological conditions. The project targets post-stroke immune response and aims to enhance the healing process.
Scientists from Tokyo Tech have developed a reusable catalyst for oxidative C–H functionalization, making the process faster and more efficient. The catalyst, murdochite-type Mg6MnO8 nanoparticles, can catalyze the selective oxidation of alkylarene compounds under mild reaction conditions.
A study published by Hiroshima University researchers reveals that the TAB1 gene is essential for rice grain formation. The gene plays a critical role in maintaining stem cells until the last stage of flower development, leading to ovule formation and seed production.
A study of 74 healthy individuals found correlations between spleen volume and gender, age, and certain blood parameters such as HGB, HCT, RBC, ALT, but not others like LYM%, PLT. Spleen volume was estimated using the Cavalieri principle and stereological method.
University of Missouri researchers are using a video game to teach middle schoolers about science and improving literacy outcomes for second graders through speech recognition software. The programs aim to increase student engagement and prepare them for future careers in various fields.
A new study suggests that preventing pandemics could save around 1.6 million lives and reduce mortality costs by $10 trillion annually by investing just 5% of the estimated annual economic losses associated with human deaths from COVID into environmental protection and early-stage disease surveillance.
The SAPIENS Podcast Season 4 explores how Black and Indigenous voices are changing the stories of archaeology, sharing experiences of Black and Indigenous archaeologists. This season delves into areas such as slave ships, museums, boarding schools, and culinary legacies.