A series of studies by NYU researchers found that e-cigarette users have a distinct oral microbiome less healthy than nonsmokers but potentially healthier than cigarette smokers. The study also reveals altered immune responses, including increased inflammation and suppression of immune reactions.
A study by MedUni Vienna found that dual-vaccinated and recovered individuals have virtually no protection against infection with the current Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, a third Corona vaccination provides partial blockade of Omicron.
A recent observational study of 1,011 patients with stage III colon cancer found no significant association between eating unprocessed red meat or processed meat after diagnosis and increased risk of recurrence or mortality. The study's results provide new insights into the relationship between dietary choices and colon cancer outcomes.
Researchers discovered that mortars and pestles were preferred for processing rice and other plants in middle-late Neolithic China, while grinding slabs and rollers declined in use. The study provided solid evidence for the rise of mortar and pestle usage, revealing their high processing efficiency.
Asymmetry in electrical synapses affects neuron function, including spike timing and rhythmic synchrony. The location of synapses on dendrites is a key factor contributing to this asymmetry.
Scientists at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed artificial tendons using human stem cells, mimicking natural tendon properties. The resulting tissue exhibited similar mechanical and biological properties to normal tendons, making it an attractive strategy for clinical application in tendon injuries.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have developed a durable coating that prevents fogging and 'self-cleans' under sunlight exposure. The coating shows excellent adherence to the plastic surface and maintains durability in tests, offering an attractive long-term solution for various applications.
Researchers discovered that juvenile birds rely heavily on their in-built compass during the first migratory flight, bypassing easier coastal routes. The brain's head direction cells exhibit a preference for the north orientation, even when faced with unfamiliar environments, suggesting an innate ability to navigate.
A recent study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found a genetic mutation in a specific gene associated with perceived inadequate milk supply (PIMS) in women. The researchers identified this mutation, MFGE8, as a key predictor of low milk production and shorter breastfeeding durations. By screening for this mutation combined with mat...
A Phase 3 clinical trial shows that gene therapy can end the need for monthly blood transfusions in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The treatment uses a patient's own stem cells modified with a healthy hemoglobin gene, allowing patients to achieve transfusion-free status within months.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that one in three young people reported improved mental wellbeing during the first national lockdown. Factors such as reduced bullying, improved family relationships, and increased sleep and exercise contributed to this trend. The research suggests that not all young people were negatively i...
Researchers have clarified the mechanism behind activating genes in drosophila fly sex cells, which may hold clues to understanding diseases. The study's findings suggest that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with abnormal packaging potentially leading to misregulation and disease.
A multi-university team will develop and implement a virtual reality system to create a personalized, collaborative VR platform for use in the classroom. Students will use headsets and hand controls while learning, enabling 3D interactions and simulations.
Researchers at Osaka University identified a new monoclonal antibody target, R8H283, which selectively binds to cancer-specific conformational epitopes on the ubiquitous CD98 heavy chain protein in multiple myeloma cells. This selective binding allows for anti-MM effects without damaging normal host cells.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed an electrochemical method to recycle waste CO2 while producing molecules useful for drug development. The method utilizes an electron added to either the CO2 molecule or another molecule in the solution, making it easier to react with each other.
A study found that rural residents are more satisfied with their communities' problem-solving and civic engagement after a disaster. Urban residents, however, perform better in community preparedness, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to enhance resilience in different communities.
A new study finds that the placebo effect activates the same brain regions targeted by brain-stimulation therapy for depression, complicating clinical trial interpretation. The study's findings may offer insights on harnessing the therapeutic potential of the placebo effect.
A noninvasive imaging method called virtual intracranial EEG (ViEEG) has been developed to replace electrodes in epilepsy surgery planning. The method uses magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging to create a dynamic map of the brain during seizures, enabling precise identification of brain networks involved in seizure generation.
A study of vaginal births in New York State hospitals found that labor neuraxial analgesia – having an epidural or combined spinal and epidural – was associated with a decreased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The use of epidural anesthesia was linked to a 14% reduction in the risk of severe maternal morbidity, with racial and ethni...
A research team has proposed a new approach to achieve background-suppressed tumor-targeted photoacoustic imaging, enabling deep-tissue tumor-specific imaging in vivo. The approach uses genetically engineered bacteria to deliver a photoswitchable chromoprotein to the tumor site, eliminating interference from blood background signals.
The University of Texas at El Paso establishes a new Systems Modeling and Simulation concentration, enhancing students' skills in data analytics, computer simulation, and machine learning. The program aims to train students for innovative industries with rapidly changing environments.
Researchers discovered a novel type of magnet, the antiferromagnetic excitonic insulator, which involves strong magnetic attraction between electrons in a layered material. The new state emerges when electrons form bound pairs with holes and trigger an antiferromagnetic alignment of adjacent electron spins.
A study by University of California, Davis, and NOAA Fisheries confirms a sharp decline in basking shark sightings off California's coast since the 1970s. The researchers found a significant link between shark presence and environmental factors, such as sea surface temperature and El Niño oscillations.
Researchers have identified a group of clinical signs that can be paired with genetic testing to better inform the timing of more aggressive treatment for leukemia patients. The study used a mouse model to understand how genetic mutations trigger bone marrow failure and life-threatening complications.
USF researchers analyzed 5,017 suicide victims' cases from 2019, finding that 69% of violent deaths in Florida were caused by suicide. The study highlights the critical need to study suicides among underrepresented youth, especially younger Black males.
A new Rutgers study found that anti-Black and anti-LGBTQ policies in US states are associated with increased suicide risk among young Black sexual minority men. The study highlights the need for policy reform to reduce suicide risk among this population.
Researchers analyzed health records of nearly 80,000 patients to identify new risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, including depression, anxiety, and hearing loss. The study found that these conditions were associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's up to 15 years before the onset of symptoms.
Research found that women who experienced sexual violence were more likely to develop high blood pressure over a seven-year period. Women who experienced both sexual assault and workplace harassment had the highest risk of developing high blood pressure.
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory discovered that age-related chronic inflammation is caused by disruption of chromatin architecture. This leads to misexpression of genes lacking CpG islands, resulting in inflammation and loss of cellular function. The findings provide a unifying theory for the age-related degenerative diseases.
A new study by Penn State researchers predicts reduced corn production due to climate change, with irrigated yields blunted. Rainfed corn yields are projected to decline up to 40 bushels per acre, while irrigated yields face a 19-bushel-per-acre decline.
Researchers discovered that obesity causes macrophages to become senescent, leading to fibrosis and accelerating cellular aging in fat. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating obesity-related complications.
Researchers developed behavioral task for rats to press lever within 3.2 seconds, earning rewards based on accuracy. Rats chose correct feeder based on temporal error, showing 'error monitoring' ability.
Researchers developed artificial Sars-CoV-2 virions to study the spike protein's interaction with host cells and its ability to evade the immune system. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop targeted therapies and vaccines.
A non-profit founder argues that technology companies have a role as 'spiritual caretakers' and must prioritize individual and collective well-being. The author suggests broadening the frame of innovation to incorporate spirituality and caretaking traditions, which can help mitigate harms and create more tech that benefits humanity.
The study reveals that focusing on occupation and contact network structures can effectively contain pandemic spread while reducing economic costs. The findings suggest simpler methods for mitigating the impact of pandemics without causing significant economic disruption.
Researchers at the University of Surrey are working on a new approach to stress measurement techniques for nuclear fusion energy. The team aims to prove the safety and effectiveness of welds in future fusion power plants, which could be a key part of the world's long-term energy needs.
Researchers discovered specific ceramides in the blood are associated with unfavorable levels of diabetes-related compounds, linking unhealthy diets to increased risk. Ceramide profiling may enable more precise dietary approaches for preventing cardiometabolic diseases.
A new study found that assisted reproductive technology (ART) is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and pregnancy-related complications. Women conceiving through ART may be at higher risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and future cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that obesity may increase the risk of end-stage kidney disease in women with type 2 diabetes. Managing blood pressure and sugar levels is not enough to slow progression, emphasizing the need for weight management.
Two studies found a slight increase in the risk of intracranial thrombosis events following AstraZeneca vaccination. The risks were higher in people under 70 years old, with an estimated excess risk of 0.9–3 per million.
A team of astronomers led by the University of Birmingham detected a rare circumbinary planet, Kepler-16b, using radial velocity method. The discovery provides clues on planetary accretion and demonstrates that ground-based telescopes can be used for modern exoplanet research.
Researchers at RMIT University used high-frequency sound waves to turn stem cells into bone cells, overcoming challenges in mass production and pain associated with extraction. The innovative treatment is faster, simpler, and more efficient than existing methods.
Firearm deaths have overtaken car crashes as the leading cause of premature US trauma deaths, with firearm suicides highest in older white men and firearm homicides highest in young black men. Firearm-related deaths increased steadily over the past decade, accounting for 12.6 million years of potential life lost between 2009 and 2018.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology created a 3D model of living brain cancer using cavitation molding technique. The model closely replicates human tissue and maintains cell viability, making it suitable for drug screening.
A Kyoto University study reveals that four major oil corporations make unsubstantial commitments to cleaner energy. Despite increased public relations efforts, these companies persistently rely on fossil fuels and show no strong evidence of a shift towards non-fossil fuel energy.
Researchers at IBiS have developed a new treatment that completely eliminated glioblastoma tumors in animal models, offering a new therapeutic option against this aggressive disease. The therapy combines the use of ADI-PEG20 with focal brain radiotherapy and has shown promising results without side effects.
The FORRT community has developed a glossary of terms to clarify terminology in open science, ensuring effective communication among newcomers and experts. The glossary reflects the principles of Open Scholarship, including social justice, diversity, and accessibility.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg detects SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus particles in microscopically small fluid droplets exhaled by patients with COVID-19. The findings show that a few breaths are sufficient to detect viral RNA, offering potential for easy and convenient breath tests.
Dixit's work on programmed cell death and inflammation has led to therapies for autoimmune disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. The Vilcek Foundation recognizes his contributions as an immigrant scientist in the US.
A study led by Pedro Machado reveals a significant difference in wind speed at two altitudes, suggesting energy transfer from the lower layers to the atmosphere. The team collected measurements of wind speed parallel to the equator and at the altitude of the bottom of the cloud deck, providing new insights into Venus' climate.
GeniPhys Inc. has received a two-year, $974,349 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation to advance the commercialization of its initial product, Collymer Self Assembling Scaffold (Collymer SAS). The grant will be used to scale up manufacturing capabilities and file key regulatory submissions...
The discovery of Balkanatolia reveals a unique fauna that enabled Asian mammals to colonize Western Europe 34 million years ago. A new fossil deposit in Turkey dated 38-35 million years ago supports this finding, shedding light on the evolution of mammals.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed an ultra-precise atomic clock that can measure time differences to a precision equivalent to losing one second every 300 billion years. By using a 'multiplexed' optical clock design, the team was able to test ways to search for gravitational waves and detect dark matter with unprecedented accuracy.
Researchers discovered a population of neurons in the auditory cortex that responds specifically to singing, but not speech or instrumental music. The study uses electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings to gain higher-resolution data, revealing fine-grained segregation of function within the auditory cortex.
A new low-cost, portable instrument uses photonic technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples with high sensitivity and speed. The device can measure small quantities of virus like PCR tests but is as fast as rapid antigen tests.
Researchers have identified a key brain protein to target for new customized drug therapies treating adverse symptoms of developmental disorder subtypes. The study found that mutations in ARHGEF9 lead to intellectual disability through impaired α2 subunit function, which is a central hub for many neurological symptoms.
A new paper introduces a novel measure of unfair inequality, revealing that the US has one of the highest levels in the West, with Greece ranking higher. The study suggests that standard measures of inequality are inadequate to inform discussions on economic justice.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has issued new clinical practice guidelines on systemic therapy for HCC, emphasizing the importance of consulting a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The guidelines provide specific patient scenarios and treatment options to help hepatologists make informed decisions.
Researchers recorded the activity of a dying human brain for the first time, showing changes in neural oscillations similar to those during life. The findings challenge our understanding of when exactly life ends and may provide insight into near-death experiences and organ donation.
A new study on culture and cognition found that long-term Hispanic immigrants who were less acculturated performed significantly worse on cognitive function tests than their highly acculturated peers. The study assessed the acculturation levels and cognitive function of over 600 Hispanics age 60 or older.