A molecule of RNA called CARMN has been found to play a crucial role in maintaining healthy smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel wall, which can help prevent atherosclerosis and angioplasty-induced restenosis. Restoring healthy CARMN levels may lead to new approaches for treating heart disease.
A study from Tohoku University reveals that ion size in electrolyte affects response time scale, enabling tuning for effective control. This discovery provides rational design guidelines for neuromorphic devices, paving the way for applications in artificial neural networks.
Researchers have discovered that Earth's interior is cooling at a faster rate than expected, with implications for plate tectonics and the planet's overall activity. The study suggests that this increased heat flow will accelerate mantle convection, leading to a faster cooling of the Earth.
A recent study published in Psychological Research found that movement can boost creative thinking by providing freedom to make self-determined movements. Small movements while sitting can have the same positive effects as walking, and forced or suppressed movement can hinder cognitive processes like creativity.
A study investigated the common use of extended radiation therapy for patients with metastatic cancer nearing the end of life. Despite guidelines advising against this practice, researchers found that it is still used in many cases. The study aims to shed light on this treatment approach and its implications for patient care.
A new framework, the 'impact universe,' helps policymakers think holistically about the potential impacts of IoT systems and devices. This approach considers environmental, social, economic, and other factors to develop effective policy and societal controls.
A study highlights the importance of cohesive, cross-sectoral strategies to promote nature-based solutions in Asia. The research emphasizes the need for national and international governance frameworks to effectively implement NbS for climate security, socioeconomic development, and eco-sustainability.
A research team has found a new dual benefit mode of action for the drug candidate Zapnometinib or ATR-002, which can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus proliferation and reduce exaggerated immune responses.
A comprehensive study of exercise performed at different times of the day has identified distinct health-promoting signaling molecules produced by the body in an organ-specific manner. The findings suggest that exercising at the right time can optimize health benefits, particularly for individuals at risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Nagoya University revealed a new energy transfer pathway between high-frequency plasma waves and low-energy ions, generating low-frequency plasma waves through collisionless plasma. This discovery could contribute to improved space weather forecasting and safer satellite operations.
A new study finds that 'hawkish' politicians who adopt tough policies to re-elect themselves often inflame global conflicts. Researchers modelled a land dispute scenario and found that voters favoring ideology over ability tend to support hawkish leaders, leading to tougher settlements and increased conflict probability.
A new study identifies a set of cellular receptors for eastern equine encephalitis virus and other alphaviruses shared across mosquitoes, humans, and animals. The researchers tested a decoy molecule that successfully prevented infection and slowed disease progression in cell and animal models.
A new study shows that treating mice with glioblastoma with interleukin-7 in combination with radiation improves survival rates. The therapy increases T cell numbers and activity against cancer cells, offering promise for patients with low lymphocyte counts.
A new study reveals that infant kidney transplants offer improved survival rates and lower graft failure rates after the first year. Early transplantation avoids adverse effects of waste buildup on neurodevelopmental outcomes and growth.
Researchers discovered that pathogens can hijack mitochondrial defense mechanisms by mimicking host proteins, effectively disarming the mitochondria. This allows the pathogen to acquire essential nutrients and evade the host's immune response.
A study analyzing 676 US health care systems found features associated with overuse of health care include having fewer primary care physicians and being investor owned. These factors were less likely to include a major teaching hospital, contributing to the overuse of healthcare within US health systems.
A team of scientists found that a specific species of jumping spider lacks the ability to see red colors, despite having vibrant red and black coloration. The study suggests that these colors may be used for defensive camouflage rather than mate attraction.
A mathematical model developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified biological markers that can predict treatment responses in COVID-19 patients. The model reveals differences in patient characteristics and response to therapy, enabling clinicians to provide optimal care for diverse patients.
The University of Delaware is leading a research team to create new, environmentally friendly plastics using biomass. The goal is to minimize fossil fuel use and enhance recycling efficiency. The project aims to develop polymers with properties comparable to PET, a common plastic used in consumer products.
A new report by Berkeley Lab outlines systemic changes needed to advance equity in electric utility regulation. The report recommends considering energy justice goals, allocating funding for low-income households, and accounting for energy inequities in designing electricity rates.
Researchers have discovered two proteins, IGF-1 and IGFBP5, in urine samples that are significantly lower after a concussion. These biomarkers could help diagnose concussion and monitor recovery. The study suggests that urine testing could be an early and inexpensive way to detect concussions.
A study in rats found that consuming sweeteners like aspartame or stevia during pregnancy can lead to changes in the offspring's gut microbiome and increased obesity risk. The findings suggest that a mother's diet during pregnancy plays an important role in determining her child's health later in life.
Scientists discovered a link between disrupted brain cell development and increased risk of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Genetic factors disrupting brain development were found to be concentrated in specific sets of genes, which can contribute to disease through disruption of both early and mature brain function.
Researchers aim to develop a biopolymer-based material to replace conventional cement in construction projects. The material has the potential to reduce environmental footprint, minimize dust, and improve soldier health. Biopolymers are naturally produced by living organisms and are safe for human consumption.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a method to reverse insecticide resistance in mosquitoes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. By replacing an insecticide-resistant gene with its susceptible counterpart, they have successfully restored genetic susceptibility to these chemicals.
A Canadian study published in JAMA found a very low incidence of false-positive results among rapid antigen tests used to serially screen asymptomatic workers. The study showed only 0.05% of over 900,000 tests administered had false-positive results.
A recent study from Texas A&M University found that repeated exposure to major disasters can lead to reduced mental health scores, with cumulative impacts being more significant. The study highlights the need for public health interventions targeting individuals and communities affected by hazards.
A study found that governments must be accountable, act quickly, and establish frank dialogue with the public to maintain trust. Effective measures included containment health policies, economic support, and honest communications.
Ancient Mesopotamian societies produced equid hybrids called kungas by crossing domestic donkeys with wild asses, offering a unique combination of strength and control. These animal hybrids were used for warfare and travel before the arrival of domestic horses in the region.
Researchers analyzed the impact of COVID-19-related lockdowns on nearsightedness progression in schoolchildren in Hong Kong. The study found that these measures can contribute to the worsening of myopia among children.
Research from University of Nebraska–Lincoln found that 40% of Americans blame politics for causing stress and an estimated 50-85 million people experience fatigue, anger, and compulsive behaviors due to politics. The results remained mostly stable after nearly four years, suggesting a potential health crisis.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) may be rooted in impaired and inefficient muscle tissue regeneration, which enables unwanted bone growth. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting both extra-skeletal bone formation and muscle function.
Day centres in care organisations were severely impacted during the coronavirus crisis, often having to suspend services due to the pandemic. The study highlights the need for crisis support funds, staff training, and involvement in planning crisis strategies to better meet the needs of vulnerable clients.
Researchers at Duke University developed an artificial intelligence platform that analyzes potentially cancerous lesions in mammography scans. The algorithm is interpretable, showing physicians how it came to its conclusions, making it more trustworthy and useful for training students and aiding physicians in sparsely populated regions.
A new algorithm, FusionM4Net, has been developed to classify skin lesions with improved diagnostic accuracy. The algorithm uses a multi-stage data fusion process and outperforms previous state-of-the-art algorithms.
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by a build-up of fat in the legs and arms, causing pain, swelling, and easy bruising. Researchers at Virginia Tech and Temple University will study its causes and treatments using innovative techniques and computational models.
Researchers discover that ion channel TRPML3 plays a key role in regulating MMP12, a molecule that contributes to the development of COPD. Inactivating TRPML3 leads to increased MMP12 levels and lung damage.
Scientists have discovered a new type of wave that replaces electromagnetic waves called whistler waves in the solar wind, allowing for better understanding of energy flow near the sun. This discovery can help predict 'space weather' events that affect satellites and astronauts in space.
Researchers from King's College London discovered how obesity affects the heart's shape and structure in children, leading to potential future cardiovascular risks. The study used data from over 2,600 children aged 10, showing significant changes at a BMI of 19.
A Kyoto University-led team has created a novel hydrogen plant design that harnesses fully renewable resources to produce clean hydrogen with minimal associated CO2 emissions. The SABI-Hydrogen system uses solar heating and biomass gasification to produce hydrogen, resulting in an emission rate of only 1.04kg CO2/kg hydrogen produced.
A study found that telemedicine increased access to surgical care, but disparities persisted among low-income and older Americans. Virtual consultations were more common among white patients than Latinx and Hispanic patients, while Black patients were more likely to use video conferencing.
Professor Alexander Ecker is awarded a Starting Grant to develop machine-learning methods to describe neurons' shape and function, leveraging a large dataset from the US Brain Initiative. The research aims to uncover how a neuron's shape relates to its role in sensory information processing.
A new study reveals that health insurers are covering most of the cost of ivermectin prescriptions for COVID-19, despite the drug's ineffective treatment against the virus. The study estimates that U.S. private and Medicare plans may have paid $2.4 million for ivermectin prescriptions in a single week alone.
Researchers successfully engineered mesenchymal stromal cells to carry and deliver therapeutics specifically to targeted tissues, offering a precise and reliable approach for treating diseases. This novel cargo-carrier, dubbed 'Cargocytes,' retains most of its cellular functionality while greatly enhancing therapeutic capacity.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new water-splitting process and material that maximize the efficiency of producing carbon-free green hydrogen. The hybrid catalysts show superior performance for both oxygen and hydrogen splitting, making it an affordable and accessible option for industrial partners.
Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have identified a new crystal structure for hydrogen at low temperatures near 0 K and high pressures. The team used supercomputer simulations and data science to generate several candidate patterns, which were then validated through high-resolution simulations.
A world-first study found that space travel causes a 54% increase in red blood cell destruction, leading to severe anemia upon return to Earth. Astronauts experienced prolonged effects of anemia even after months of recovery.
Researchers found that telemedicine usage increased among Black patients and women during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, disparities persisted, with older patients and those with lower education levels less likely to use video consultations. The study highlights the need for improved digital access and resources to bridge the gap.
Researchers explored metal-binding proteins, discovering shared features that define life. The study suggests that rearrangements of these building blocks may have given rise to the range of proteins and functions that characterize life on Earth.
Researchers have found an unprecedented increase in winter stream flow rates over the last 25 years, with nearly 80% above average, driven by permafrost melt and forest fires. The combined effects of these factors are accelerating Arctic ice melt and exacerbating global warming.
The 2018 Anak Krakatau volcano collapse in Indonesia was triggered by long-term destabilization, not a sudden explosive eruption. The study found that the disaster was less likely to have been caused by magma forcing its way to the surface and triggering the landslide.
Researchers developed a computational model to simulate alternative spatial structures and types of cell dispersal in human tumors, finding that diverse spatial structures cause tumors to evolve differently. The model predictions are consistent with clinical data for cancer types with matching structures.
Researchers at RIKEN CBS demonstrate that neural networks minimize energy cost and solve mazes efficiently, pointing to a set of universal mathematical rules. The findings will aid in analyzing impaired brain function and generating optimized neural networks for artificial intelligences.