Researchers found an astonishing record of biodiversity trapped on air quality filter samples in the UK, including over 180 plant and animal species. The study suggests that existing air quality monitoring networks could be used to track terrestrial biodiversity on a continental scale.
Researchers discovered a methanogen that converts sulfate into a cellular building block, reassembling a metabolic pathway piece by piece. The microbe assembled the first sulfate assimilation pathway from a methanogen, using genetic tricks to overcome energetic costs and toxic intermediates.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a way to soften stiff hair follicle stem cells, enabling them to grow hair again. By boosting the production of microRNA-205, they promote hair growth in both young and old mice, offering potential for human hair regrowth.
A new parasitic euglenid species has been discovered within four animal species collected from a Japanese rice field. The flagellate displayed active metaboly without flagella inside the host body, but extended its flagella upon leaving the host to swim.
Researchers found that women with higher-quality cardiovascular fat during midlife had stronger long-term memory and lower inflammation, while those with lower-quality fat had worsening working memory. The study suggests that taking care of heart health during menopause may protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.
A recent study has found that microbes play a crucial role in storing carbon in the soil, with a four-fold greater importance than other processes. This breakthrough could lead to improved soil health and increased food security through targeted farm management practices.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented new findings on the impact of customized lighting on inpatient sleep, a machine-learned combination of ventilatory, hypoxic, and arousal burdens, and the effects of obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia on cognitive impairment. The studies aim to improve sleep timing and duration, dia...
Researchers identified ZapE as a key regulator of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation, modulating the pqs quorum sensing system. The study suggests that ZapE is a novel target for anti-Pseudomonas compounds and has implications for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new AI model, NeCLAS, can predict how nanoparticles bind to proteins, a crucial step in designing antibiotics and antivirals. This breakthrough could help combat antibiotic-resistant infections and develop new treatments for diseases.
Astronomers have detected a surprisingly large water vapor plume spanning over 6,000 miles from Saturn's moon Enceladus using the James Webb Space Telescope. The plume extends far beyond its release region at the southern pole and feeds the torus of Saturn's outermost ring, with 30% of the water staying within it.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering achieved a quantum speedup advantage in a bitstring guessing game, managing strings up to 26 bits long by suppressing errors. The study demonstrates that with proper error control, quantum computers can execute complete algorithms with better scaling, even in the NISQ era.
A new meta-analysis suggests a strong link between childhood maltreatment and adult alexithymia, with three types of child maltreatment - emotional neglect, physical neglect, and sexual abuse - being particularly predictive. This can lead to difficulties in identifying and describing emotions, harming social and intimate relationships.
A new study reveals that previously unknown antibiotic resistance genes are widespread in bacteria across various environments, including the human microbiome. The findings suggest that these genes can pose a significant threat to human health, highlighting the need for enhanced understanding of their development and spread.
A Phase III trial found that axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with early relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, compared to standard therapy. The estimated four-year survival rate was 54.6% with axi-cel.
A new human pangenome reference has been released, representing the genetic diversity of 47 individuals from around the world. This development may lead to breakthroughs in targeted medical treatments and a better understanding of disease responses, as regions previously missed are now being explored.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that 'Kangaroo mother care' reduces the risk of mortality by 32% and severe infection by 15%. Starting KMC within 24 hours and for at least eight hours a day also appears to be effective in reducing mortality.
A recent study found that germline genetic testing after cancer diagnosis is underutilized, with rates significantly lower among Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study, published in JAMA, suggests disparities in access to genetic testing by race.
A new framework developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers significantly reduces consumers' privacy risk while preserving advertisers' utility in mobile location data analysis. The framework uses machine learning to quantify personalized privacy risks and performs personalized data obfuscation.
A Houston Methodist study found that COVID-19 variants and severity affect heart function, with microvascular involvement seen less often after nine months. The study recommends PET scans to check for microvascular dysfunction, which may be reversible.
A recent study found significant differences in the gut microbiome of female southern white rhinos that reproduced successfully versus those that did not. The researchers identified a particular genus of microbes that may be limiting reproductive success in captive breeding programs.
A UC San Diego study reveals that industrial disasters like the Bhopal gas disaster in India may lead to higher rates of disability and cancer for children born to affected mothers. The research found a fourfold increase in miscarriage risk and increased stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates.
Researchers identified a Pcc1-like protein in archaeon Sulfolobus islandicus, suggesting it's a homolog of eukaryotic Gon7. The study suggests archaeal KEOPS complex functions independently of t6A modification and supports the archaeal origin of Eukaryotes theory.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of microglia in controlling anxiety-related behaviors. The study found that specific microglia populations activate anxiety behaviors while others dampen them, and these cells communicate with neurons to invoke behaviors.
Erdafitinib achieves tumor-agnostic benefits across 16 cancer types, including urothelial, lung, and other cancers. The trial demonstrated a disease control rate of 73.7% and clinical benefit rate of 45.6%, with notable improvements in pancreatic and cholangiocarcinoma patients.
Researchers analyzed BORIS mutations and protein expression in breast cancer tissue samples, finding frequent mutations associated with breast carcinoma progression. The study suggests the BORIS gene as a potential biomarker for breast cancer.
International researchers have identified nutrient-rich black rice varieties with improved agronomic traits, including shorter stem length and early maturity. These findings provide important resources for crop bioengineers to improve pigmented rice for human health and sustainable agriculture.
A new study found that living in urban environments with material and social inequities is associated with premature biological aging. Depressive symptoms also accelerate epigenetic age acceleration, regardless of neighborhood deprivation. The researchers used DNA methylation-based estimators to examine aging at the cellular level and ...
Pre-training in medical data tackles challenges such as data scarcity and privacy concerns using AI techniques like transfer learning and self-supervised learning. Recent advances and new frontiers of pre-training-based techniques are introduced, including applications to medical images, bio-signal data, EHR data, and multi-modality data.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a highly reproducible genetic screen to investigate Toxoplasma's survival within hosts. The study identified IFN-γ-dependent and -independent virulence factors that promote parasite fitness, providing potential targets for treatment and prevention of toxoplasmosis.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma demonstrate a new method for secure information transfer using spatial correlations in quantum entangled beams of light. The study successfully encodes information into recognizable images, which can only be retrieved by joint measurements of the two entangled beams.
A team of astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope has detected complex organic molecules in a galaxy over 12 billion light-years away. The discovery suggests that the presence of these molecules does not necessarily indicate star formation, contradicting a long-held assumption.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can diagnose De Vivo disease, a rare and disabling neurological disorder. The test, called METAglut1, has a high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for accurate diagnosis in a short amount of time.
Researchers develop a novel voice spoofing detection method combining physiological and physical features, achieving improved performance over existing methods. The proposed method outperforms single systems in terms of EER and t-DCF scores.
A new study finds that mycorrhizal fungi store up to 36% of yearly global fossil fuel emissions' carbon, equivalent to roughly 13 gigatons. This vast underground network is essential to both storing carbon and global biodiversity.
Researchers found that plants allocate a significant amount of carbon to mycorrhizal fungi, equivalent to roughly one-third of carbon emitted yearly by fossil fuels. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding fungal networks in soil ecosystems and their role in mitigating climate change.
A new study by the University of Utah Health reveals that people with higher cardiovascular disease risk are more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders. The study suggests prioritizing cardiovascular health can help prevent these conditions and improve quality of life.
Researchers discovered tirzepatide's unique ability to activate both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, leading to increased insulin secretion. This finding validates the potential of multi-receptor agonists for treating metabolic diseases.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers finds that crime risk assessment tools, such as machine learning models, are prone to cohort bias when ignoring social change dynamics. This bias can generate inequality in the criminal justice system, distinct from racial bias.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered a new treatment for autoimmune diseases using LY3361237, an antibody that activates BTLA to inhibit the immune system. The study provides insight into the molecular biology of the immune system and could lead to the development of more effective therapies.
Researchers at the University of Liège have made a groundbreaking discovery of a novel organisation of muscle fibres in Parophidion vassali, a fish that produces sounds using specialized muscles. This new arrangement of myofibrils forms an enormous network within the muscle fibre, potentially allowing for rapid contraction while retain...
The Sooty Bark Disease, caused by Cryptostroma corticale, is a growing threat to European maples and human health. Researchers have developed a DNA-based diagnostic method to detect the pathogen in air samples using volumetric air samplers.
A supervised hospital walking program has been shown to reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults by lowering the proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities from 13% to 8%. However, low participation rates and limited impact on length of stay or inpatient falls were noted.
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that children breastfed for longer had improved educational outcomes at age 16, with modest gains in academic achievement. The research analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study and found a strong association between breastfeeding duration and better exam results.
Researchers at UCSF tested a nitroglycerin patch for treating menopausal women experiencing severe hot flashes. The study found short-term improvements, but benefits did not last past 12 weeks, with some side effects reported.
Researchers from the BabySeq Project found that over 10% of newborns had unanticipated mutations in disease-associated genes, all medically actionable. The study prompted genetic testing, specialty consultations, and procedures among at-risk family members, including risk-reducing surgeries for mothers.
A new study using CRISPR/Cas9 technology has identified a critical gene, SLC4γ, required for young coral colonies to build their skeletons. This gene is unique to stony corals and may have evolved to support skeleton formation.
A new study found that 63% of children on Medicaid do not receive mental health services within six months after a firearm injury. Children who survive firearm injuries are at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes, including newly diagnosed trauma-related disorders and substance use.
A new study reveals that diverting streams and rivers for irrigation can significantly extend the time microplastics spend in river catchments. Researchers found a strong link between urbanisation and microplastic concentrations, with microplastic loads increasing downstream of more urbanised areas.
A team of researchers used MRI and audio recordings to demonstrate the association between caregiver speech and infant brain development. Infants who heard more words had slower-developing white matter, but eventually showed better linguistic performance when they began to talk.
Researchers developed a liquid metal-based stretchable soldering sticker patch to resolve the issue of electrical connection between rigid chips and soft conductors. The technology uses freestanding liquid metal-nanowire composites to create a stable interface, allowing for direct connection between elastic electrodes and hard chips.
Researchers have developed a test to detect 'zombie' cells in donor blood, which may help increase the number of suitable hearts available for transplant. The test targets proteins associated with senescent cells, which can impact heart health.
A study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that stopping immunotherapy after two years for patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer who remain responsive may be a reasonable strategy, providing sustained clinical benefit. The findings provide reassurance for patients and their healthcare providers.
A retrospective cohort study suggests that stopping immunotherapy treatment at two years is a valid strategy without compromising overall survival. The researchers analyzed data from 1,091 patients and found similar overall survival probabilities between those who stopped treatment and continued it indefinitely.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and UCLA developed a method to improve memory consolidation by inducing deep-brain stimulation during sleep. The study found that precise timing of electrical stimulation enhances synchronization between the hippocampus and frontal cortex, leading to improved accuracy in recalling memories.
University of Queensland researchers have identified ant venoms that target nerve cells, leading to a long-lasting pain signal. The discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms of pain and may lead to the development of new pain treatments.
A new parameterization scheme incorporating sea ice thickness improves wave forecasting accuracy in the Marginal Ice Zone. The model effectively captures directional attenuation and spreading of waves caused by sea ice.
A new targeted therapy drug vorasidenib has been shown to extend treatment time without worsening glioma in people with IDH1 and IDH2 mutations. The study suggests a possible new treatment option for slow-growing but deadly brain tumors, delaying chemotherapy and radiation.
Researchers investigated LECs made from Super Yellow and found that increasing voltage applied resulted in increased emission and ESR signals. Theoretical analysis showed holes and electrons being electrochemically doped into the material, leading to a correlation with luminance increase.
A novel technique has been proposed to enhance the learning ability of robots performing repetitive tasks by using a fractional power update rule. The study demonstrates fast convergence rates and potential applications in industries such as autonomous vehicles and rehabilitation robots.
A phase 3 clinical trial by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has shown vorasidenib significantly prolongs progression-free survival and delays radiation and chemotherapy for patients with Grade 2 IDH-mutant glioma. Treatment with vorasidenib can delay cognitive dysfunction in patients and preserve their quality of life.