A new study describes Qikiqtania wakei, a close relative of Tiktaalik roseae with features more suited for swimming and life in the water. The fossil includes partial jaws, neck, and scales, as well as a complete pectoral fin with a smooth and curved upper arm.
A new type of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy candidate, FLT180a, has been shown to reduce bleeding risk in patients with haemophilia B. The treatment led to sustained production of FIX protein from the liver in nine out of ten patients, eliminating the need for regular replacement therapy.
A UConn study suggests that frequent communication between caseworkers and professionals involved in child welfare cases is associated with increased likelihood of timely family reunification. The research highlights the importance of interprofessional collaboration to identify barriers, stay on the same page, and make timely decisions.
Salk researchers identify neurotensin as a key molecule in the brain's valence assignment process, which associates good or bad feelings with memories. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of why some people retain more negative emotions than positive ones, and may pave the way for new therapeutic targets.
Researchers discovered that human egg cells skip a crucial metabolic reaction to maintain their reproductive capacity without losing energy, allowing them to remain dormant in ovaries for up to 50 years. This finding explains why some women with mitochondrial conditions linked to this reaction do not experience reduced fertility.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the efficiency of nanoparticle delivery into cells, particularly in stem cells. They found that nanoparticles become trapped in bubble-like vesicles, preventing them from reaching their targets.
Researchers from the University of Bath and ETH Zurich found that adopting a 'use case' approach to new technology helps manage hype and unrealistic expectations. Companies should test alternative technologies before implementing, and evolve their business case as those uses are identified.
A recent study by NHCS researchers found that myocardial fibrosis is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension. The study, which used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), detected heart muscle scarring and quantified fibrosis in over 800 patients with hypertension.
A multi-site trial found OP-101 to be effective in reducing inflammatory markers and markers of neurological injury, with improved outcomes for patients. The study showed a significant reduction in the composite outcome of mechanical ventilation or death at 30 and 60 days after treatment.
A team of scientists has discovered a potent and selective analgesic called BnOCPA, which is non-addictive and potentially opens a new pipeline for the development of new analgesic drugs. The research provides an alternative to commonly used pain killers with fewer side effects.
Researchers identified common cellular mechanisms and dysfunctional processes driving post-COVID lung disease, similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found shared gene expression patterns and endoplasmic reticulum stress as early triggers of both conditions.
A new combination of nanoparticles and a vaccine has been developed to target melanoma. In experiments using mice, this combination eliminated cancerous tumors or extended survival rates.
A team has developed a plan to retrofit train cars with direct air capture technology, which can remove up to 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The system uses energy generated from the train's braking system, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Two studies found that dogs fed on a diet of raw meat were more likely to excrete antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their faeces. The research suggests that not feeding raw meat to dogs may help reduce the circulation of critically important antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers prepared lithiophilic aluminum oxide nanoparticles to enhance rigidity of carbon nanotube arrays, inhibiting dendrite growth and stabilizing the SEI film. The resulting battery exhibited enhanced redox kinetics and long cycle life.
A new clinical trial found that COVID-19 booster vaccinations in adults elicit high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant, but these antibody levels decrease substantially within 3 months. The immune response to Omicron sub-lineages shows reduced susceptibility to rapidly emerging variants.
A third of COVID-19 patients experience neurological symptoms due to SARS-CoV-2's effect on the central nervous system. Researchers now investigate mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 signaling in the CNS microvasculature with a new NIDA grant.
A comprehensive global dataset of lakes and reservoirs has been published, offering new information on land and fresh water use. The research provides a better understanding of the impact of changing climate and human actions on global freshwater resources.
New research by UC Santa Barbara anthropologist Douglas Kennett links climate change to civil unrest among the ancient Maya. The study found that drought may have stoked violence, leading to the collapse of the city's institutions and abandonment.
Researchers have dated the emergence of genetic variants characteristic of modern humans to two distinct periods: one around 40,000 years ago, linked to population growth and divergence from Africa, and an older one over 100,000 years ago, reflecting the species' greatest diversity in Africa. These findings complement the mosaic nature...
Scientists at Kyoto University propose a novel approach using holograms to approximate the universe's expansion in de Sitter space. The model uses conformal field theory and a positive integer for the cosmological constant, enabling the identification of the first example of two-dimensional CFT.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a roadmap detailing how stem cells become sensory interneurons, which enable sensations like touch and pain. The study identifies protocols for producing all types of sensory interneurons in the laboratory, paving the way for cell therapies to restore sensation in people with spinal cord injuries.
A large nationwide analysis found that Black adults treated for peripheral artery disease (PAD) are more likely to experience adverse outcomes, including amputation and death. The study suggests that structural racism and comorbidities contribute to these disparities in treatment and outcomes.
A study by Australian National University found that at least 25,245 people in remote communities had access to non-compliant drinking water services. The researchers also identified 408 locations with poor water quality, including 40% of Indigenous communities. A national drinking water database is urgently needed to address these gaps.
Shorter winters have reduced ice coverage by 31 days over the past 165 years, leading to altered lake biota, increased evaporation and salinity. Climate change is expected to worsen these effects, threatening ecosystem services including water quality and human consumption.
A new database has been created to support conservation efforts by filling the large gaps in our understanding of where and how human activities threaten wild species around the world. The database presents a valuable tool for planning conservation actions at any spatial scale and preventing species extinctions globally.
A new study suggests that current vaccine boosters intensify protections against serious infection caused by Omicron subvariants. The research found that booster doses bring neutralizing antibodies to appreciable levels against all Omicron subvariants, consistent with other evidence of expanded memory B cells and antibody production.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified a critical protein, GSPT1, that facilitates Lassa virus infection. Targeting this protein with an existing drug candidate, CC-90009, shows promise in reducing Lassa virus growth without cell toxicity.
Researchers have gained new understanding of solvation, a process that changes water's physical and chemical properties. Strong interactions between ions and water molecules are disrupted by electrostatic interactions, leading to changes in intermolecular energy transfer.
Researchers develop a new method to assess inconsistencies in mercury trade data for ASGM, highlighting potential illegal and informal mercury use flows. The study identifies inconsistencies in Hg trade statistics in African, Central and South American, and some Asian countries.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered that most IVF embryo failures are due to spontaneous errors in DNA replication during cell division. These errors can cause chromosomal abnormalities, leading to the failure of embryos to develop, a common obstacle in fertility treatments.
Researchers at Tohoku University successfully created a half-metal material with zero magnetization by combining iron, chromium, and sulfur. This breakthrough antiferromagnetic-like half metal enhances performance and improves the efficiency of electronic devices.
Exotic snakebites in the UK are increasing, with 321 reported cases over 11 years, mostly affecting children under 5. Most bites result in mild symptoms, but severe cases have occurred, prompting concerns about illegal snake ownership and access to expert advice.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccinations have an underperforming immune response in the airways compared to natural infection. Nasal sprays could provide a boost to protect against emerging variants and offer higher cellular and humoral immunity. The study suggests that mucosal antibodies play a crucial role in neutralizing the virus.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a way to manufacture highly efficient and semitransparent organic solar cells using a peel-off patterning technique. The technology has achieved record efficiencies of 10% and is suitable for use in commercial windows with a transparency nearing 50%.
Researchers discovered that rattlesnakes' venom evolves through balancing selection, favoring genetic diversity and a diverse set of tools to subdue prey. This finding has implications for developing anti-venom therapeutics to better treat snakebites globally.
A University of California San Diego study finds that importers highly dependent on Japan increased total imports of those products after the 2011 earthquake, intensifying offshoring rather than reshoring. Global supply chains are difficult to untangle following a crisis, and firms opt for offshore production to keep costs down.
A study found a link between depression, an inflammatory diet, and the development of frailty. Consuming a pro-inflammatory diet may exacerbate the development of frailty in individuals with depressive symptoms.
A new broadband near-field chiral source enables comparison of different edge states to advance applications in integrated photonics and wireless devices. The research advances the field of chiral photonics science, promoting applications of chiral-sorting technology for microwave metadevices.
A study published in American Journal of Medicine Open found that gun death rates among US children increased by 30% from 2010 to 2019. States with stronger gun control laws, such as New York and California, saw a decrease in youth firearm mortality rates, suggesting that policies can impact the epidemic of youth suicides.
A new study published in Zootaxa confirms the discovery of Australia's first fossil vulture, Cryptogyps lacertosus, which lived during the late Pleistocene period. The bird was a scavenger, not a hunter, and its presence highlights the diversity of Australian megafauna and ecosystem implications.
A new study reviewed progress made towards an eco-friendly insect pest management approach in subtropical agro-ecosystems in South Africa. The research highlights the need for integrated pest management strategies to reduce Maximum Residue Levels caused by pesticide use.
A new Omicron-specific mRNA vaccine, Omnivax, has been developed by Yale scientists to offer superior immune protection against two viral subvariants. The vaccine increased neutralizing antibody response against BA.1 and BA.2.12.1 Omicron subvariants in pre-immunized mice 19-fold and eight-fold, respectively.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified genes linked to cigarette smoking and drinking, revealing their association with other substances like cocaine. The study's computational tool, H-MAGMA, helps parse the complex genetics involved in substance abuse, providing a foundation for developing new treatments.
Research from the University of Georgia found that feminist mothers and daughters have more positive body images, with less shame about their bodies. The study also shows how mothers' negative body talk affects daughters' body image.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have revealed that zinc (Zn) content is essential for the methionine-mediated regulation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). The team developed a protocol to convert PSCs into insulin-producing β cells, overcoming diabetes treatment challenges.
A rise in severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes (SAHUC) in children has been reported worldwide, with symptoms including jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnostic tests such as liver enzymes and biopsy reports can help identify the disease, but its etiology remains unclear.
A new study found outliers in influenza-negative ILI cases in global surveillance networks 13.3 weeks before the first reported COVID-19 peaks in 16 countries. This suggests undetected spread of COVID-19 and highlights the importance of strengthening disease surveillance networks.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that Christopher McCandless's ill-fated river crossing in 1992 was thwarted by an intense, short-lived runoff event. This would have allowed him to cross the river if he had tried a day earlier or later.
Researchers analyzed electronic health records and found rosuvastatin associated with higher risks of hematuria, proteinuria, and kidney failure. High-dose rosuvastatin poses additional risk, especially for patients with advanced kidney disease.
Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully fabricated highly transparent solar cells using a 2D atomic sheet. The solar cells achieved an average transparency of 79%, making them suitable for placement in various locations, including windows and human skin.
The discovery of Rabana-Merquly provides important insights into the settlement structures and history of the Parthians, a major power with surprisingly little known information. The fortress may be the lost city of Natounia, with wall reliefs potentially depicting its founder.
Researchers have discovered that lymphatics, which remove waste from the body, also help seed early brain cells in zebrafish. The study found that precursor cells expressing a specific gene migrate to the brain via lymphatic vessels, highlighting the importance of these vessels in microglia development and brain function.
Researchers at the Institut Pasteur and CNRS studied SARS-CoV-2 replication in bat cells, finding that viral infection triggers a powerful immune response that prevents the virus from replicating. The study uses real-time imaging techniques to visualize the speed of cell infection and the formation of syncytia.
Researchers found reduced levels of Histone Deacetylase I (HDAC I) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, linked to deleterious effects of misfolded beta-amyloid and tau proteins. HDAC inhibitors, currently being tested against mild Alzheimer's disease, may be harming patients rather than helping them.
Researchers discovered that individual cells use multimodal perception to integrate external and internal cues when making decisions. This finding has significant implications for understanding cellular decision-making in various contexts, including cancer treatment resistance.
Research by the Animal Welfare Department of IZSAM found that horses living in the wild had higher cortisol levels than those stabled and employed in work activities. The study suggests that proper management by humans is more respectful of horse well-being than a pure nature condition.
A new recombinant VSV-vectored vaccine developed at UTMB provides rapid protection against lethal Lassa fever, a pathogen causing severe symptoms and high mortality rates. The vaccine was found to be effective against different strains of the virus, critical for outbreak scenarios.
Researchers analyzed data from wearable activity monitors on nearly 600 participants to identify changes in movement patterns that may predict cognitive decline. The study found significant differences in activity during waking hours and afternoons, with fragmented activity being a key indicator of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheime...
Researchers found that short bouts of reduced circulation with a blood pressure cuff can boost vascular and cardiac functions, lower blood pressure, and reduce the heart's workload. This technique, known as remote ischemic preconditioning, may be beneficial for people at high risk of heart attacks and strokes.