Researchers discover that oxytocin stimulates stem cells to migrate and develop into cardiomyocytes in zebrafish and human cell cultures. This could lead to the regeneration of damaged hearts after a heart attack. The study found that oxytocin also activates EpiPCs, which can replenish lost cardiomyocytes.
A Kessler Foundation study found a relationship between rate of cognitive fatigue in MS and microstructural brain changes, particularly in white matter tracts and basal ganglia. The study's findings hold promise for advancing clinical interventions for disabling fatigue.
A Newcastle University study has developed a machine learning tool that can predict the performance properties of land plant Rubisco proteins with high accuracy. This prediction will enable researchers to identify and engineer 'supercharged' Rubisco proteins that can increase atmospheric CO2 uptake and store in crops such as wheat.
Researchers found that using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) during adolescence may actually be associated with developing less severe breast enlargement. COCs did not seem to affect the severity of breast enlargement, and there was no significant difference in the rate of breast regrowth between patients who used or didn't use COC...
A Rutgers study found that racial and ethnic minorities with dementia receive more intensive end-of-life care. This disparity may be attributed to systemic racism, discrimination, or poor physician communication. The researchers suggest improving end-of-life care and outcomes for people with dementia through initiatives like advance ca...
Scientists from NTU Singapore have discovered that telomeres are stacked in columns like a spring, leaving DNA exposed to damage. This finding could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer, with potential treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.
A team of researchers at Harvard University has developed an ionic circuit that performs analog matrix multiplication, a key operation in neural networks, using ions in liquid. The breakthrough uses a pH-gated ionic transistor and expands to a 16x16 array for more complex computations.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a novel, cost-effective approach to detect cancer at its early stages using cell-free DNA in blood samples. Their method, cfMethyl-seq, has shown high accuracy and potential for accurate early diagnosis of certain cancers from a single blood test.
A new study reveals that powerful hierarchical situations can make it easier to commit harmful actions, as agency and empathy are split across multiple individuals. Commanders and intermediaries show reduced activation in empathic brain regions when pain is inflicted on the victim compared to people who can decide and act for themselves.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $750,000 grant to study native warm-season perennial grasses for organic livestock feed production. Researchers aim to improve soil health and agronomic practices in the southeastern US by integrating warm-season grasses into tall fescue systems.
A recent study found that among US patients with cancer during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 16,561 deaths were attributed to cancer or COVID-19 complications. The majority of these deaths occurred in older adults and minority groups, highlighting a concerning disparity in healthcare outcomes.
A new non-invasive blood glucose monitoring process was developed by researchers at Kennesaw State University, which can accurately measure blood glucose levels without taking a sample. The GlucoCheck process uses light and camera technology to capture images of the skin and determine blood glucose concentration with 90% accuracy.
Researchers found that softer nozzle materials produce more stable jets across a wide range of flow rates, enabling users to control the breakup length and hit targets more accurately. This is achieved through the use of passively-deforming nozzles, which can deform as liquids pass through them.
The SATEX project aims to investigate the feasibility of scientific missions with nanosatellites in extraterrestrial space, focusing on technical possibilities and user needs. The research will prioritize activities and develop concrete proposals for possible national missions.
A team of researchers at UNSW Sydney has broken new ground by proving that 'spin qubits' can hold information for up to two milliseconds, a significant improvement over previous benchmarks. By extending the coherence time, they enable more efficient quantum operations and better maintain information during calculations.
A Brazilian study of 26,616 tree falls in São Paulo found that building height and neighborhood age are key factors influencing the risk of tree failure. Sidewalk width and tree height were also found to be significant variables. The research provides valuable insights for urban planning and tree management in the city.
A new study found that toddlers who spent less than 60 minutes on screens per day and engaged in daily physical activity had better executive function skills. This includes abilities such as inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.
Researchers using JWST's First Deep Field image identified the most distant globular clusters, potentially relics of the first and oldest stars. These discoveries provide a detailed look at the earliest phase of star formation, confirming JWST's power in uncovering the universe's origins.
New research models the value of clean hydrogen in decarbonizing heavy industries and transportation in China. A widespread application of clean hydrogen in HTA sectors can save $1.72 trillion in investment costs and avoid a 0.13% loss in aggregate GDP.
A new drug, NMT5, has shown promising results in blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals. The drug coats the virus with chemicals that temporarily alter the human ACE2 receptor, preventing it from infecting cells. In cell culture experiments, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was prevented from attaching to human ACE2 receptors by 95%.
A new study emphasizes the need for a collective approach to build digital resilience in children, involving home environments, schools, policymakers, and internet corporations. The findings highlight the importance of considering contextual factors such as family support in promoting tailored approaches.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that babies with lower birth weights are more likely to experience mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. The research used data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, following the same children repeatedly throughout their childhood and adolescence.
A new study by Genevieve Plant and colleagues found that natural gas flaring is only 91% effective in consuming methane emissions, resulting in significantly lower emission reductions. This means that removing oil and gas operations would be equivalent to taking 2.9 million cars off the road annually.
A new study suggests that pretending to be a successful female scientist can increase young girls' persistence in science. Four- to seven-year-old girls who assumed the role of Marie Curie or another gender-matched scientist played longer and rated themselves higher than those in control groups.
Researchers found pre-existing differences in gut bacteria between people with and without HIV, including decreased Bacteroides species and increased Megasphaera elsdenii. These changes were present even before infection occurred, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiome and HIV susceptibility.
Neuronal silencing periods enable efficient temporal sequence identification, allowing the brain to remember phone numbers and PINs. A new AI mechanism utilizing this mechanism also protects against stolen cards by recognizing personal handwriting style and timing.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that hundreds of hospitals on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts are at risk of flooding from Category 1-4 storms, with sea level rise expected to increase this risk by 22% this century. The study highlights the need for coastal hospitals to prepare for greater risks in the future.
A team of researchers has found new evidence for the presence of liquid water beneath Mars' south polar ice cap using spacecraft laser-altimeter measurements and computer model predictions. The findings agree with earlier radar data interpretations and provide independent confirmation of the existence of subglacial liquid water.
Researchers developed a universal screening tool for IPF that can alert primary care physicians to its possible presence, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The Zero-burden Co-Morbidity Risk Score for IPF (ZCoR-IPF) algorithm uses existing patient records to identify patients at risk of developing the disease.
A team of researchers, led by Prof. Ehud Pines, has confirmed his theory that a proton moves through water in trains of three water molecules, contradicting the long-held Grotthuss Mechanism. This breakthrough resolves one of the holy grails of physical chemistry after 17 years of research.
Researchers compare Monte Carlo simulations and Loevinger formula for beta radiation dosimetry in cancer treatment, finding the latter to be a quick yet accurate method. The study suggests using the Loevinger formula as a basis for dosimetry software in simple geometries.
The share of female managers in finance has increased significantly in Finland, but their earnings remain lower than those of male managers. Occupational segregation and differences in educational backgrounds contribute to this disparity. Despite the industry's high wage premium, women are underrepresented in higher-paying roles.
A new study developed a synthetic biology strategy for delivering siRNAs through small extracellular vesicles, alleviating intestinal inflammation and exerting synergistic effects against ulcerative colitis. The approach offers an attractive option for combination therapy and holds promise for treating autoimmune diseases.
A new CAR NK cell engineering approach requires two signals to eliminate target cells, improving tumor specificity and enhancing anti-tumor activity. This strategy mitigates NK cell exhaustion and fratricide, leading to better focus on and attack of only the tumor cells.
A study published in Science reveals that tumor cells with a specific mutation release a chemical metabolite that weakens nearby immune cells, rendering them less capable of killing cancer cells. The findings highlight the critical role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer growth and provide insights into developing targeted therapi...
Scientists at Shinshu University created an ultrathin fiber-mesh thermistor that improves the performance of wearable medical sensors. The new technology provides overheat protection, gas-permeability, and transparency, making it suitable for on-skin or implantable devices.
Alzheimer's researchers highlight the need for more diverse participation in clinical trials, citing underrepresentation of African Americans and Latinos. They offer solutions to improve recruitment, including culturally sensitive cognitive tests and partnerships with community organizations.
Researchers identified a specific gut bacterium responsible for antibiotic-induced GVHD after stem cell transplants. A sugar supplement was found to improve gut health by distracting the bacteria from attacking mucin in the intestinal lining, reducing complications such as GVHD.
Researchers at NTNU studied zebrafish brain activity while increasing temperature, finding that brains completely stopped responding to stimuli but then 'lit up' when temperatures reached extreme levels. Adding oxygen improved thermal tolerance and recovery rate in fish, suggesting a key role for glial cells in regulating oxygen supply.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $10.7 million grant to Cleveland Clinic to expand a national research consortium focused on improving diagnosis and treatments for Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The consortium, which includes multiple clinical sites, aims to identify biomarkers for disease and develop new therapies.
A study from UniSA researchers found associations between metabolic profiles and adverse brain findings, including lower hippocampal and grey matter volumes. People with metabolic profiles linked to obesity were more likely to have higher accumulation of iron in the brain.
A new study from the University of Tokyo suggests that Tokyo's suburban gardens should collaborate with urban gardens to disperse visitors and avoid overtourism issues. The research highlights the need for these quiet locations to learn from each other's experiences and work together to create positive tourism experiences.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that law enforcement is not uniformly recognizing and respecting the legal protections in place to support harm reduction programs. Despite these protections, more than half of survey participants reported negative experiences with law enforcement, including confiscation of suppl...
A new study reveals that scheduling medical appointments on Fridays leads to a 10% increase in patient attendance, with Monday being the day patients are least likely to attend. The research suggests that patients' moods improve later in the week, making it easier for them to face medical appointments.
Excess ground-level ozone damages plant foliage, alters flowering patterns, and blocks pollinators' access to flowers. Ozone also disrupts plant-pollinator communication through altered chemical signatures.
A new study using high-resolution satellite observations confirms theoretical predictions and computational models of sea-level changes in the region surrounding the Greenland ice sheet. The research adds confidence to projections of sea level rise across the next decades and century.
A new study reveals the western Arctic Ocean's ocean acidification is happening at a rate three to four times higher than other oceans due to sea ice loss. The researchers found a correlation between the decrease in sea ice and increased acidification, suggesting this process could intensify over the next few decades.
A new, shorter combination treatment has been shown to be effective in treating visceral leishmaniasis in Eastern Africa. The treatment, which combines miltefosine and paromomycin, is safer and reduces hospitalization time by 18%, eliminating the need for painful daily injections.
A new study by OIST researchers has developed a model that determines variations in the speed of DNA copying proteins in bacterial genomes. The model shows that certain sections of DNA are copied faster than others, and this variation is linked to an increased error rate, which could have implications for mutation rates.
Researchers suggest that collisional erosion played a key role in shaping Earth's composition, contradicting initial building block theories. The findings have implications for the creation of other terrestrial planets outside the Solar System.
Scientists have developed guidelines to produce high-quality, well-structured mini-brain organoids that accurately mimic human brain tissues. By using early-stage stem cells and specific molecules, researchers can overcome challenges in uniformity and structure, enabling studies of neurological development, disease, and therapies.
The first-ever mycobiome atlas describes associations between cancers and fungi, revealing differences in community compositions across cancer types. The study found significant correlations between specific fungi and age, tumor subtypes, smoking status and survival measures.
Researchers from the autistic community offer guidelines for using respectful language in autism research, prioritizing the perspectives of autistic individuals. They advocate for a shift towards participatory and co-produced research to reduce power imbalance and ensure autistic involvement.
A new study from Kaiser Permanente found that pregnant women with gestational diabetes who achieve rapid glucose control have better birth outcomes. The research analyzed data from over 26,000 patients and identified four trajectories of glucose control, with those starting out with optimal levels and maintaining it having the best res...
A study of 11,600 adolescents found e-cigarette ads and peer influence significantly associated with starting vape use. Efforts to address youth vaping should consider reducing ad exposure and peer pressure measures.
A new automated screening tool can accurately identify patients at high risk of developing progressive scarring of the lungs, a condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The tool uses machine-learning algorithms to analyze patient electronic health records and detects IPF risk automatically.
Researchers found that Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) using capsules has a cure rate of 86% at one month and 81% at two months for recurrent CDI, comparable to colonoscopic FMT. Patient selection is key to optimizing FMT success.
Researchers have synthesized novel vdW magnetic thin flakes with room-temperature Curie temperature and high air stability. The team used an anomalous displacement reaction to substitute Cr atoms with Pt in a vdW nonmagnetic material, resulting in a stable and ferromagnetic compound.
A multi-institutional team led by LSU researchers will investigate factors affecting natural methane emissions in Louisiana's coastal wetlands. The study aims to improve understanding of methane cycling processes, which are poorly understood and affect the conditions creating methane emissions.
A large-scale mouse study identified several genetic loci associated with longevity, showing that gene contributions vary between males and females. The researchers also found a significant impact of early-life nutrition on longevity, echoing human observations.