Researchers have identified a new enzyme, tankyrase-1, that regulates cell death in inflammatory diseases like psoriasis. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions, some cancers, and viral infections.
Researchers suggest a novel neuroimaging technique can unveil Alzheimer's disease secrets and predict symptom risk. The 'neuromelanin-sensitive MRI' method provides insights into the brain's noradrenergic system, linked to aggressive behavior and cognitive decline.
A new device, consisting of a smart stent and printed soft sensors, can wirelessly monitor hemodynamics in real-time, detecting various vascular conditions. The system uses inductive coupling for wireless energy transfer and has the potential to replace existing clinical devices and angiograms.
Researchers examined an abnormal tooth from an Otodus megalodon shark to determine the root cause of double tooth pathology. The study suggests that feeding-related injury may be the probable cause, as modern sharks with similar deformities are often caused by sharp objects piercing developing teeth.
A new study in mice identifies FXR1, a protein implicated in Fragile X syndrome, as a potential target for creating new blood pressure-lowering medicines. Deleting FXR1 in smooth muscle cells resulted in decreased diastolic blood pressure and altered vascular behavior.
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that general anesthesia induces synchronized activity in layer 5 pyramidal neurons, leading to the loss of consciousness. This finding has significant implications for the development of better anesthetic drugs and improved surgical outcomes.
Gastric cell-fibroblast interactions mediated by CDH11 induce malignant behaviors in GC cells, including migration and colony formation. The YAP-TNC pathway is activated, leading to aggressive behavior and poor prognosis in GC patients.
The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has captured the first image of Sagittarius A*, a black hole at the center of the Milky Way, revealing a ring-like structure and shadow. The observation confirms Einstein's theory of general relativity and provides new insights into giant black holes.
Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that menopause is associated with a decline in cardiovascular health due to hormonal changes. Levels of bad cholesterol rise during menopause, and shifts in sex hormones are linked to this increase.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center confirmed that sarin nerve gas is the underlying cause of Gulf War illness, a condition affecting thousands of veterans. The research found that a specific gene variant modulates the risk of developing GWI symptoms after exposure to sarin.
The Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, led by Caltech's Katherine L. Bouman, generated the first image of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) using data from eight radio observatories worldwide. The resulting image confirms Sgr A* is a supermassive black hole with a mass nearly four million times that of the sun.
Researchers found that certain locust bean and green bean varieties are highly resilient to climate change, while others are sensitive. These findings have implications for crop conservation and improvement, providing alternatives to boost adaptation to changing conditions.
A team of scientists from 17 nations studied the Hunga submarine volcano eruption, which created a variety of atmospheric wave types. The research provides insights into the behavior of Lamb waves, which are rare and linked to tsunami and volcanic plume generation.
Raman distributed optical fiber sensing offers flexibility and effectiveness in distributed temperature measurement for various engineering applications. Researchers have developed high-performance systems with optimized performance indices, including accuracy, distance, resolution, and multi-parameter monitoring.
A massive global study of diverse populations has significantly advanced the understanding of type 2 diabetes by identifying 117 genes that contribute to the disease. The research used genetic data from almost 181,000 people with type 2 diabetes and 1.16 million without it.
Adding pickled cucumbers to sour cream significantly increases antioxidant activity and reduces cholesterol oxidation products. The addition also improves the bioaccessibility of antioxidants, making it a promising strategy for enhancing the health-promoting activities of sour cream.
The 5th annual Mutational Scanning Symposium will take place in Toronto on June 13-14, bringing together experts to discuss key topics in personalized medicine and variant effects. Keynote addresses by Drs. Doug Fowler and Clare Turnbull highlight the importance of interpreting genetic variants for personalized treatment.
Researchers create a new method for detecting diagnostic markers of epilepsy using EEG and MEG, enabling precise localisation of epileptogenic cortical structures. The biomimetic algorithm improves the effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions for epilepsy patients with resistant treatment.
A new study finds that climate change is projected to increase the risks of tree death in US forests by 4-14 times by 2099, depending on carbon emissions scenarios. Human actions to tackle climate change can significantly reduce these risks.
Pre-eclampsia affects up to 8% of women during their lifetime, causing high blood pressure and organ damage. The King's College London review provides a state-of-the-art summary of current knowledge and best practices for caring for women with pre-eclampsia.
A study led by the University of Barcelona found that 69% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease perceive stigmatization in their daily lives, affecting stereotypes, discrimination, shame, and social isolation. The perceived stigma is associated with impaired quality of life and can lead to human and social rights issues.
A new study found that extreme weather events can mobilize hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of sand into beach systems, potentially offsetting shoreline retreat caused by sea level rise. Researchers used high-resolution measurements and specialized equipment to track sand movement before and after storms.
Researchers examine the role of Machiavellianism in alliance partnerships, finding it harms performance by weakening collaborative learning and increasing power use. However, situational knowledge can mitigate these effects, and firms may benefit from partnering with a Machiavellian partner if they offer a good fit of capabilities.
Researchers at CSH create the first complete representation of Hungary's economy, mapping production networks and supply relationships. They find that only a few firms pose a substantial risk to the overall economy, with nearly 75% of systemic risk concentrated on just 100 high-risk companies.
The Hunga Tonga volcano's 2022 eruption was the biggest bang since Krakatoa, with a pressure wave traveling around the world four times over six days. The explosion produced a shockwave comparable to the largest nuclear test, yet lasted four times longer.
Researchers found that jellyfish's stinging cells evolved by repurposing a neuron inherited from a pre-cnidarian ancestor. This discovery provides insights into the emergence of new cell types and the evolution of biodiversity, suggesting that co-option of ancestral cell types was an important source for new cell functions.
Researchers characterized the Hunga volcano's atmospheric waves, providing exceptional resolution of the evolving wavefield compared to historic events. The data revealed Lamb waves, rare and low-frequency pressure waves associated with large eruptions and nuclear detonations.
Researchers found significantly higher levels of MMP-2 and MMP-8 in tracheal aspirate samples from COVID-19 patients, contributing to inflammation and tissue damage. The study's findings suggest a novel mechanism underlying severe lung complications and potential new therapeutic targets.
Research reveals distinct cellular receptor mutations influence COVID-19 disease severity, with high-affinity variants associated with increased risk. The study found that these genetic variants lead to an exaggerated immune response and enhanced antibody-dependent activation of killer cells.
Adult smokers who switch to vaping are more likely to report better physical health, exercise, and social engagement. While e-cigarettes still carry risks, the study suggests they can be associated with other healthy lifestyle choices for those who already smoke.
A new study reveals that smaller females of North Atlantic right whales have fewer offspring per reproductive year, likely contributing to the species' low birth rates. This decline in body size may be a result of human-caused stressors such as entanglements and vessel strikes, which could limit population growth if not addressed.
Researchers created a zebrafish model to study Bloom syndrome, uncovering similarities and species-specific novelties. The study found reduced fertility and shorter lifespan in mutant zebrafish, which are entirely male.
Researchers have developed a photonic chip that can perform large complex-valued matrix-vector multiplications, breaking the bottleneck in traditional optical computing schemes. The chip has great potential for applications in artificial intelligence computing, such as image convolution and discrete Fourier transforms.
A team of astronomers, including those from MIT's Haystack Observatory, has captured the light around our own supermassive black hole, revealing for the first time an image of Sagitarrius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. The resulting image reveals SgrA* in a glowing, donut-shaped ring of light.
KERI developed a flexible high-energy-density Lithium-Sulfur battery by capturing lithium polysulfides with activated carbon and phosphorus. The battery achieved a world-record energy density of 400Wh/kg, making it suitable for future aviation mobility.
Researchers analyzed over 240,000 Google Street View images to find that streets with more visible sky, roadway, and signs have 48% more crashes than residential areas. The study highlights the dangers of 'open road' segments in urban areas, which drivers often perceive as highways, despite being near pedestrians and human activity.
A new study suggests that individuals perceive a space as congested when they can't walk at their desired speed. Age and gender also play a role, with older and female pedestrians reporting lower feelings of congestion. The researchers hope to apply this finding to design spaces that prioritize comfort and usability.
Researchers found that targeting both tumor and lymph node microenvironments with nanomedicine improves treatment response for metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Long-term tumor remission was achieved in mice models using nanoparticles to deliver immune-modulating drugs.
A qualitative study of Black veterans with chronic kidney disease reveals feelings of anger and resentment towards racist encounters in healthcare. Participants expressed a strong sense of distrust in the healthcare system, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action to address racism.
A new study found that states with less rigorous regulations have lower rates of residents dying at home or with hospice care. Dual Medicare-Medicaid status is also linked to worse access to high-quality end-of-life care.
Two new papers from the Human Cell Atlas have created open-access atlases of immune cells in the human body, mapping their characteristics across nine organs during development and 16 adult tissues. The studies reveal new types of immune cells and provide a framework for predicting cell type identity and immunological memory.
A major new study is investigating the effects of beavers on the Arctic landscape, other animals, and local Indigenous communities. The project aims to understand the complex interlinkages between ecological and sociological changes as beaver numbers increase.
A recent poll found that menopause symptoms significantly impact older women's sex lives, with 84% of women experiencing symptoms in the past year. Despite this, only 44% have discussed treatment with their healthcare provider, while 28% reported symptoms interfering with sexual activity.
A study by the University of Würzburg found that grasshoppers eat a wide range of plants in cold regions, but are more specialized in temperate habitats. The researchers suggest that this adaptation allows them to survive in extreme climatic conditions.
A vaccine candidate for eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus has been found safe and well-tolerated in a clinical trial. The vaccine induced a neutralizing antibody response against all three viruses.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered chimpanzees experiencing nocturnal erections, a phenomenon previously only observed in humans. Eight out of twelve male chimps demonstrated this behavior, with half also masturbating and consuming ejaculate, suggesting potential health benefits.
A team of scientists identified a subset of T cells that show up in great numbers in head and neck tumors but not in similar tissues, suggesting they are working to protect tumor cells. This discovery may help explain why immunotherapies are less effective against solid tumors, highlighting a potential target for future drugs.
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center used advanced brain imaging techniques to study the impact of prenatal opioid exposure on infant brain development. The study found that treatment with medications like buprenorphine and methadone can minimize brain abnormalities in newborns exposed to opioids prenatally.
A Swedish study of over 9,000 children found that playing video games increased their intelligence by 2.5 IQ points compared to TV-watching or social media. The study controlled for genetic differences and socioeconomic background, suggesting a positive effect of video games on cognitive abilities.
For the first time, astronomers have captured an image of the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, revealing a dark central region surrounded by a bright ring-like structure. The observation provides valuable clues about the workings of such giants and confirms that the object is indeed a black hole.
Researchers studied cavefish genome-wide map of liver tissue to understand metabolism evolution and its potential applications for humans. The study found striking similarities in metabolic adaptations among cavefish populations, raising questions about universal adaptation mechanisms that could be triggered in other species like humans.
Researchers have created a giant magnetochiral anisotropy effect in topological insulator nanowires, allowing for highly controllable current rectification. This discovery opens the pathway for technological applications and demonstrates a significant step towards achieving topological qubits.
Researchers at the University of Florida have grown plants in soil from the Moon, a major milestone in lunar exploration. The study found that plants can sprout and grow in lunar regolith, but also experience stress due to its unique chemical composition.
A study by HBP scientists found that wakefulness, non-REM sleep, and REM sleep have complementary functions for learning: experiencing stimuli, solidifying experiences, and discovering semantic concepts. This research suggests that unusual dreams, simulated using Generative Adversarial Networks, can improve brain learning by introducin...
Scientists created a comprehensive map of cells across multiple human tissues, revealing new insights into the cellular and genetic underpinnings of complex diseases. The study's findings have the potential to improve our understanding of disease risk and develop more targeted therapies.
Researchers found that Stat5-deficient CD4+ T cells exhibit increased Th17-related molecules and conventional Th17 cells with heightened anti-melanoma activity through the activated Notch1 pathway.
Hannah Williams, a movement ecologist, will conduct her research at the University of Konstanz's CASCB with a 1.6 million Euro grant. Her project aims to decipher animal movement patterns and develop an Optimal Movement Theory.
A new study suggests that the world's first farmers did not originate from a single group but from the mixing of two groups of hunter-gatherers. The research team used deep sequencing to analyze ancient DNA and found evidence of population divergence, expansions, and admixture dates, providing a more detailed understanding of the demog...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have designed nanobodies derived from llama antibodies to target specific sodium ion channels in human muscle cells. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more efficient treatments for pain during surgery and irregular heart rhythms, as well as seizure control.
Researchers created human mini-kidneys that mimic diabetic kidneys, finding increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and a critical role for the ACE2 receptor. The study provides new insights into the link between diabetes and COVID-19 disease.