Researchers develop nanofilms that mimic the nanostructures of butterfly wings, creating vibrant colors without absorbing light. These films can be used on buildings, vehicles, and equipment to reduce energy consumption and preserve color properties, with potential applications in energy sustainability and carbon neutrality.
Researchers have identified a novel therapeutic target for pelvic pain in endometriosis by focusing on the IL-1β pathway and its regulation via the JNK signaling pathway. This study suggests that JNK inhibitors may be effective in reducing neuroinflammation and alleviating symptoms of endometriosis-associated pain.
Scientists have synthesized proton-conductive membranes based on partially fluorinated aromatic ionomers, which exhibit high durability and ion conductivity. These membranes outperform existing ones in fuel-cell operation, chemical stability, and mechanical properties, paving the way for more powerful and affordable electric vehicles.
Researchers developed a free-standing LiPON film that promotes uniformly dense lithium metal electrochemical deposition under zero external pressure, opening the door to lithium metal solid-state batteries. The new approach yields fresh insights into LiPON's properties and interfaces.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells produce new white matter, reversing neurological damage. This finding holds promise for developing therapies to treat preterm babies with cerebral palsy.
Researchers have identified a diverse range of dopamine neurons that control movement, contradicting the long-held assumption that they only respond to rewards. The study sheds new light on Parkinson's disease, which affects motor skills despite the loss of dopamine neurons.
Macquarie University engineers have developed a new technique to make nanosensors using a single drop of ethanol, bypassing the need for high temperatures. The method improves efficiency and responsiveness, opening up new possibilities for the trillion-dollar global industry.
A Monash University study using roundworms found that certain foods, such as apples and herbs, can help protect against brain function deterioration. The researchers discovered that a molecule present in these foods, ursolic acid, causes a gene to turn on, making a specific type of fat that prevents axon fragility.
A University of Ottawa-led research team has made significant progress in understanding XLP-2, a genetic disorder that affects the immune system. The study reveals two underlying mechanisms: poor expression of Interleukin-6 and compromised T cell survival, which lead to immunodeficiency in patients.
A pooled data analysis of 32 studies found that women who experienced childhood trauma were 37% more likely to have pregnancy complications than those who didn't. The risk of pregnancy-related diabetes, antenatal depression, underweight or premature babies, and preterm delivery was also significantly higher.
Research reveals that DNA shape features, such as stretches, twists, and tilts, underlie variations in mutation rates across the human genome. The study suggests that these structural properties are conserved across species and play a crucial role in regulating gene expression.
A new study published in Genes & Diseases investigates the role of Metformin in reducing HMGB1-mediated oxidative stress in periodontitis. The research found that Metformin attenuates alveolar bone resorption and activates autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway.
A pooled data analysis found that at least 25 minutes/day of slow walking can counteract the negative effects of bed rest on older hospital patients. Daily 50 minutes of slow walking or a mix of physical activities is even more effective in improving their functional capacity.
The seventh cohort of Innovation Crossroads aims to develop transformative energy technologies. Cohort 7 fellows are creating innovative solutions for plastic waste recycling, energy storage, and wind turbine blade production.
Deep learning methods significantly improved protein design success rates by 10-fold using AI-augmented pipelines and machine learning software tools AlphaFold 2 and RoseTTA fold. The study successfully generated accurate models of protein structures, paving the way for new discoveries in fields like cancer and COVID-19 research.
A new study reveals that analyzing surface temperature anomalies without correcting for long-term warming trends can lead to biased detection and characterization of marine heat waves. By removing the trend from data, researchers can distinguish between transient changes and actual shifts in heat wave properties.
Researchers studied 21 lowland meandering rivers on Earth and ancient Martian riverbeds to understand how climate change impacts river sinuosity. The study found that variable-sinuosity rivers continue changing, while constant-sinuosity rivers reach a steady state.
The GEMINI blood test uses machine learning to identify cancer-causing mutations in single molecules of cell-free DNA. The test detected over 90% of lung cancers, including stage I and II cases, in a proof-of-concept study published in Nature Genetics.
A new study found that drug manufacturers, particularly competitors of Purdue Pharma, increased their opioid marketing efforts after the company's 2007 lawsuit. The study analyzed data from over 670,000 physicians and found a 160% increase in promotional spending on competing opioids.
Researchers have discovered a 64-protein signature that can predict which ovarian cancer patients are unlikely to respond to chemotherapy, paving the way for personalized treatment options. The study also identifies five new subtypes of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, suggesting different treatment strategies may be needed.
Researchers found that African ancestry patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have fewer clinically actionable variants in DCM genes compared to European ancestry patients. The study enrolled 1,198 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, revealing a racial imbalance in genetic trials for heart failure.
Researchers have discovered an unusual Jupiter-sized exoplanet, TOI-4860 b, orbiting a low-mass star in the Corvus constellation. The planet is enriched with heavy elements and takes about 1.52 days to complete its orbit, making it a 'Warm Jupiter'.
A joint research team from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that mimics natural chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. The new system achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing...
Researchers discovered a pair of genes whose expression by immune cells in tumors is linked to patient outcomes and controls human cancers. The study identified a gene expression ratio that predicts tumor behavior and potential therapy targets, offering new insights into cancer treatment.
Researchers are creating synthetic microbiomes to protect aquatic environments from bacteria, improving shrimp health and reducing the risk of disease in aquaculture farms. The team is collaborating with farmers in Ecuador to develop new microbial communities that will increase resistance to pathogenic bacteria.
A new study published in Strategic Management Journal finds that when parent firms identify and implement ideas internally, they outperform spinouts. The probability of survival for spinouts is about 64% at age three, compared to 59% for new establishments of parent firms, which closes the gap by age seven
Researchers used ultrafast electron diffraction to image the pericyclic minimum, a critical geometry in electrocyclic reactions. The study reveals that stereospecificity arises from the change of double bonds, not the exact motion, allowing for more precise synthetic chemistry tools.
Human cells have been found to synchronize their movements in unison, similar to grandfather clocks, allowing them to work more efficiently and combat diseases. This new understanding can pave the way for developing biochemical tools to prevent serious diseases like cancer and diabetes.
A study by University of Houston Professor Brandon Rottinghaus found that scandals have less impact on politicians due to polarized media and partisan fundraising. The study analyzed data from 1972 to 2021 and found that politicians can survive scandals more easily in the current era, with some even benefiting from small scandals.
Researchers found that adults who experienced violence, financial stress, or separation from parents as children were more likely to experience physical and cognitive impairments. Adverse childhood experiences can have lifelong consequences, including difficulty walking, carrying out daily activities, and problems with memory.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new strategy for producing oxygen-tolerant probiotics, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which can improve glucose control. The combination of bacteria increased biomass and butyrate production, making it safe for human consumption.
Researchers found that tolerant animals can replace sensitive species, maintaining ecosystem stability despite harmful practices. The study suggests protection for swamps and ponds on the edge of croplands to promote biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
A study found that 41.8% of US women of reproductive age face long drives (30+ minutes) to reach an abortion facility, while 23.6% have no access within a 90-minute drive. Access is affected by state laws and geographical location.
Researchers have developed novel molecules that target the membrane of viruses, rather than their proteins, offering a promising new approach for treating infectious diseases. The molecules, inspired by natural peptides, disrupt the protective layers of enveloped viruses like Zika and chikungunya, while sparing human cells.
A study of over 20,000 patients with a hepatitis C cure found that they have a substantially greater risk of death compared to the general population. Drug and liver-related causes were the main drivers of excess deaths, highlighting the importance of continued support to fully realise the benefits of a hepatitis C cure.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina describe a new, non-surgical approach to managing hydrocephalus by implanting a shunt-clearing device and performing daily flushing. The study shows promising results, reducing revision surgeries and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have found that certain materials can exhibit D-wave effects, entangled with other quantum states, allowing for efficient coupling at higher temperatures. This breakthrough bridges condensed matter physics subfields and could enable practical applications of quantum computing.
A recent study found that employees tend to be less productive in the afternoons, especially on Fridays, with increased typing errors and reduced computer activity. Flexible work arrangements like hybrid work or a four-day week may help mitigate this decline in productivity.
The study found that environmental conditions and the state of the ocean can lead to enhanced risk for ocean temperature extremes. Upwelling patterns on a short-term basis also initiate some of these marine heatwaves and cold spells.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a robotic gripping device that can handle ultrasoft, ultrathin, and heavy objects with excellent balance of strength, precision, and gentleness. The design uses kirigami and can be fabricated from biodegradable materials.
Researchers from Chapman University and other institutions developed a new interference radar function that improves distance resolution between objects using radar waves. The technology breaks the trade-off between resolution and wavelength, allowing for high spatial resolution with long wavelengths.
Researchers have discovered a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation by activating the protective CEACAM1-S version. This protective characteristic is regulated by HIF-1α and can be enhanced using molecular tools and alternative gene splicing, reducing organ injury and improving post-transplant outcomes.
A Cornell University study found that encouraging fact-checking on Reddit led to a drop in story rank by an average of minus-25 spots, causing stories to be missed by readers. The research suggests that collective efforts to improve information environments can influence algorithmic recommendations.
Researchers found a significant increase in global bird feeding interest during COVID-19 lockdowns, with dramatic increases in search terms like 'bird feeder' and 'bird food' across 115 countries. The study suggests that this trend may have implications for avian communities, migration patterns, and biodiversity.
A new study published in The BMJ found that steroid use during pregnancy may increase the risk of short and long-term health issues in infants. Researchers analyzed data from 1.6 million infants and found that full-term babies exposed to corticosteroids had a higher risk of neonatal intensive care admission, respiratory and growth issu...
Two new studies examine the health risks of antenatal steroid treatment for premature infants, revealing increased risk of serious infection and long-term health issues. The findings emphasize the need for doctors to exercise caution when considering steroid treatment.
Researchers at Insilico Medicine discovered novel inhibitors for salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2), a potential target for anti-inflammation and anti-cancer therapy. The findings were published in the July 13 edition of Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, demonstrating the power of Insilico's Pharma.AI platform.
A recent study found that the cGAS/STING molecular signaling pathway plays a critical role in driving chronic inflammation and functional decline during aging. By blocking STING, researchers were able to suppress inflammatory responses and improve tissue function, leading to enhancements in spatial and associative memory.
Scientists analyzed DNA from fecal samples to study the reproductive behavior of northern muriquis, an endangered primate species. They found that females tend to mate with males having diverse MHC genes, which may provide offspring protection against pathogens.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a new image of the 'El Gordo' galaxy cluster, revealing dusty objects and distorted background galaxies. Gravitational lensing provides a unique window into the distant universe, allowing scientists to study star formation history and assembly of galaxies.
Researchers developed a microfluidic platform harnessing acoustic radiation force to manipulate droplets in air, achieving jump heights of up to 128mm. The platform allows for control over the direction and movement of droplets, enabling potential applications in scientific experiments and three-dimensional displays.
A new statistical tool, two-step synthetic control, allows managers and policymakers to estimate effects they previously couldn't accurately. The study found that this method estimated a more modest increase in weekly tampon sales after New York's repeal, better matching actual sales figures.
Researchers sequenced einkorn wheat's genome, tracing its evolutionary history and identifying resilient properties that can be reintroduced into modern bread wheat. The study's findings provide insight into human migration and settlement, as well as potential solutions to protect the world's food supply.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that secondary school students have limited knowledge of biosphere reserves, marshes, and bird migration. However, students from rural areas and those who participated in primary school bird-related projects showed better understanding of local biodiversity.
Researchers at UC San Diego report new direct evidence of atrophy and fibrosis in pelvic floor muscles of women with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. They also showed that an acellular injectable skeletal muscle extracellular matrix hydrogel reduces the negative impact of simulated birth injury on rat pelvic floor muscles.
A multicenter team has identified three risk biomarkers for chronic graft-versus-host-disease, which can be measured at 90 days after transplantation. These markers include MMP3, DKK3, and CXCL9, which are associated with fibrosis, inflammation, and immune cell attraction.
A study published in Computer in Human Behavior found that people experience emotions and perceive intentions when viewing computer-generated artworks. Participants rated human-made art more positively than AI-generated art, even if they were told the latter was created by a person.
Researchers developed a computational technique to quickly design and evaluate cellular metamaterial structures with unique properties. The new interface enables users to explore the entire space of potential shapes, allowing for faster development of complex materials.
Stanford researchers developed a technique to boost PeLEDs' brightness and efficiency, but it comes at the cost of reduced lifespan. The additive doubles efficiency and triples brightness, extending lifespans from under 1 minute to 37 minutes.
A new drug formulation designed for treating children with HIV has shown safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in a study published in The Lancet HIV. The formulation contains three medications and was found to suppress HIV levels below 200 copies/mL in 98% of participants.