Researchers propose that 'lager yeast' S. pastorianus originated from a contamination event involving S. cerevisiae at the Duke's court brewery in Munich in 1602. The new findings suggest that lagers likely first emerged in Bavaria at least two hundred years earlier than previously thought.
A new study found that male California sea lions have grown bigger as their population increased over the past 50 years. The researchers analyzed skull and bone samples to find that males expanded their ecological niche, foraging on a more diversified group of prey. This expansion allowed them to grow larger despite increased competition.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recognizes 19 award recipients for their significant work in promoting person-centered care for older adults. These honorees represent various medical disciplines and have made outstanding contributions to advancing the field of geriatrics.
Studying entangled California blackworms reveals new insights into the mechanisms and principles underlying the topology of tangled active matter. The findings could help guide the design of multifunctional active materials with unique topological properties.
Researchers have engineered a synthetic gene oscillator device that slows down the aging process in yeast cells by cycling deterioration between two detrimental states. This approach resulted in an 82% increase in lifespan compared to control cells, setting a new record for life extension through genetic and chemical interventions.
A recent study assessed an AI chatbot's ability to answer ophthalmic questions, finding it answered approximately half correctly. The results suggest that while AI has medical advances, the current chatbot is not yet ready for substantial assistance in board certification preparation.
Researchers have discovered DNA methylation markers in newborn blood that may indicate a higher risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, used statistical analysis and compared results to adult brain samples to validate findings.
Researchers have successfully developed a hybrid photonic neural network chip that can perform fast and efficient on-chip backpropagation training. This breakthrough paves the way for scalable, energy-efficient machine learning technologies with potential to reduce carbon footprint and costs of AI computation.
The study found that the Tanlu Fault Zone underwent episodic dextral strike-slip movement in late Cenozoic, with the Banquan Basin serving as a record of this process. The movement was linked to the evolution of the pull-apart basin and surrounding faults.
The team developed a working wood transistor that can regulate electric current without deteriorating, paving the way for wood-based electronics. The technology could potentially lead to applications such as regulating electronic plants, which is another strong research area at Linköping University.
James Fast leads Jefferson Lab's EIC project team, focusing on the collider's design and performance baselines. The EIC will study atomic nuclei and unlock secrets of nature's strongest force.
A Maynooth University study published in Science Signaling has found that the MYC protein is essential for MAIT cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and function. The researchers also discovered that MYC is defective in people with obesity, providing a mechanism to explain why MAIT cells are impaired in this condition.
Researchers propose regulations around psychedelic medicine use, including risk evaluation and mitigation strategies, practitioner certifications, and decriminalization of psychedelics. They also emphasize the need for funding clinical trials on naturally occurring psychedelics to ensure a pathway for approval.
Large structural changes in human ancestors' genomes may have sparked smaller changes that set human brains apart from other primates. Researchers found that many enhancers, which regulate brain development, are located near these regions, suggesting a link between DNA folding and brain evolution.
A new study found that around 10,000 small pieces of genetic information were deleted from the human genome during evolution, which may have contributed to the development of human cognition and brain function. These 'deleted' bits of DNA are present in all humans and are conserved across species.
A pilot study by North Carolina State University researchers found that playing pickleball helped older adults aged 65 years and older reach their weekly recommended dose of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Participants averaged over 68 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per session, meeting CDC guidelines.
Researchers recorded and identified mating and feeding sounds of 21 ocean species, including those influenced by the moon. The study's findings will contribute to the development of the Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds (GLUBS), an open-access online platform for monitoring changes in marine environments.
A new study found that music therapy significantly reduced pain, stress, and anxiety in patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms at community hospitals. The study, published in Pain Reports, suggests that music therapy can be effective for acute pain management across various adult populations.
Researchers chart course for generalist medical AI, capable of performing complex tasks in a wide range of scenarios. The model can integrate multiple data types and apply existing knowledge to new contexts, offering comprehensive solutions to alleviate clinician burnout and reduce clinical errors.
Scientists have identified a gene in the brain driving anxiety symptoms and found that modifying it reduces anxiety levels. The discovery offers an exciting novel drug target for anxiety disorders.
Researchers found that rural counties bear a greater burden of firearm deaths, with higher rates of gun suicides and lower rates of gun homicides compared to urban counties. The divide in total intentional firearm deaths between urban and rural counties is increasing over time.
An international team of scientists has produced an image showing both the ring-like accretion structure around a black hole and the associated relativistic jet. The study provides new insights into the connection between the accretion flow near the central supermassive black hole and the origin of the jet.
A new study from Lund University estimates that regression to the mean can account for up to 1 point improvement in pain scores among osteoarthritis patients. This natural phenomenon can lead to false positives in clinical trials, masking the true efficacy of treatments.
A study published in Development found that mice with a third copy of the Dyrk1a gene exhibit shortened skull length and widened head diameter, similar to humans with Down Syndrome. The researchers identified three other genes also contributing to craniofacial dysmorphology, providing insights into the genetics of Down Syndrome.
Scientists at Lund University have found seven elements, including rare earth metal terbium, in the atmosphere of KELT-9 b, the galaxy's hottest exoplanet. The discovery was made possible by a new method developed to analyze exoplanets, which has opened up the possibility of studying their atmospheres in more detail.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have improved photosynthesis by engineering a faster Rubisco enzyme into tobacco plant cells. This breakthrough aims to support global food production and address climate change by increasing crop productivity.
Research at University of York and Tel Aviv University uncovers white grape variety, potentially oldest documented globally, hinting at sweet white wine's history in desert conditions. Genetic analysis links ancient seeds to modern varieties still grown around Mediterranean today.
Researchers from The University of Tokyo have created a machine that can recharge N95 respirators and surgical masks to 97% efficiency. By applying a uniform voltage distribution, the device restores the mask's electrostatic charge, increasing its effectiveness.
A new study found six suicide clusters, four overdose clusters and nine alcohol-related liver disease clusters in the US west, southeast and Appalachia/rust belt. These co-occurring clusters suggest specific regions at increased risk for deaths of despair warranting public health intervention.
A recent study by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers found that the Japanese diet pattern, rich in soy products, seafood, and seaweed, inhibits liver fibrosis progression. High muscle mass, also associated with this diet, shows a lower degree of liver fibrosis progression.
Researchers discovered ERK signalling is a crucial switch between scarring and regeneration, with prolonged activation promoting regenerative success. Modulating ERK activity could potentially stimulate regeneration in clinical settings.
A recent study found that telephone-based health coaching intervention was ineffective in reducing postpartum weight gain among low-income, Latina individuals. Despite this, the intervention was well-received and potentially beneficial for those who spoke English or perceived a high diabetes risk.
Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have developed an air-breathing cathode for alkaline nickel-zinc batteries, improving cycling stability and energy efficiency. The novel battery exhibits ultra-long lifespan and high energy efficiency, surpassing conventional Ni-Zn batteries.
A repurposed HIV drug has been found to restore the brain's autophagy function, helping prevent build-up of misfolded proteins and slowing disease progression in mouse models of Huntington's disease and dementia. This discovery provides clues to how this process could be slowed or prevented in humans.
A new meta-analysis found that clozapine is associated with decreased insomnia and a lower risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. The study suggests that clozapine's ability to improve sleep quality may be linked to its reduced suicide risk, and highlights the importance of assessing and treating insomnia in these patients.
Xiayun Zhao receives $657,610 NSF CAREER Award for her research in photopolymer additive manufacturing. She aims to develop a smart digital light processing method that uses two wavelengths to control curing and curb exposure, improving the accuracy and strength of printed parts.
A recent study in Heilongjiang Province, China found a significant positive correlation between farmers' adoption of organic fertilizer and biopesticides. The technical environment played a crucial role in promoting their adoption, with factors such as training, accessibility, and information exchange increasing the likelihood of adopt...
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that chemical hair straighteners may affect a person's ability to become pregnant. Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to use these products, leading to a slight reduction in fertility rates.
Physicists at ANU developed nanoparticles to increase the frequency of light that can be seen by cameras, enabling analysis of tiny objects down to one billionth of a meter. This technology could help create microscopes with higher resolution and mitigate issues associated with conventional optical and electron microscopy.
Astronomers have observed for the first time the shadow of a black hole and the powerful jet expelled from it in the same image. The new image shows how the base of the jet connects with the matter swirling around a supermassive black hole, allowing scientists to better understand how black holes create energetic jets.
An international study of 1,044 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma found that combining radiotherapy with chemotherapy significantly improves survival rates compared to radiotherapy alone. The benefit was particularly notable in patients between 65-79 years old with good general health.
A new article by David Sloan Wilson explores how cultural evolution happens and how it can be harnessed for the greater good. The article highlights the importance of prosociality, social control, and symbolic thought in shaping human societies.
A new study assesses the Amazon's response to drought, identifying the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Trees in the western and southern parts of the forest are at high risk due to rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.
Researchers at LMU have identified a weak point in Helicobacter pylori that could be exploited to create new antibiotics. The study found that certain substances inhibit the bacterium's cellular respiration, making it susceptible to death even at small concentrations.
Computational modeling and simulations allow for reconstruction of 3D conformations with atomistic resolution from topographic resolution-limited AFM images. This enables automated recognition of biomolecular shape changes and feature assignment, including amino acid residue identification on the molecular surface.
Researchers from Japan developed an improved model, P2PNet-Soy, which accurately counts the number of soybean seeds with high accuracy. The new model uses atrous convolution and spatial-channel attention mechanisms to differentiate seeds from backgrounds.
A study found that COVID-19 can cause stiffer and more dysfunctional arteries, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that age and time since infection are associated with increased ageing of the arteries.
Physicists at FAU have successfully measured and controlled electron release from metals in the attosecond range using a special strategy. This achievement could lead to new quantum-mechanical insights and enable electronic circuits that are a million times faster than current technology.
A University of Alberta study finds that maintaining tree diversity in Canada's forests can significantly increase carbon capture and improve soil fertility. This conservation strategy can help mitigate climate change by storing more carbon and nitrogen in the soil over decadal time scales.
The Ortiz site in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, has yielded five adult human remains with ages dating back to 1800BC, challenging simplistic assumptions about ancient culture. The mortuary practices and Strontium isotope analysis suggest standard burial practices over many centuries.
High night-to-night variability in sleep apnea severity is associated with uncontrolled hypertension, increasing cardiovascular risk. The study found a 50-70% increased likelihood of cardiovascular events and mortality.
Researchers at HKU developed a novel smart manufacturing method for dental crowns using generative AI, producing personalised crowns with high accuracy that mimic natural teeth. The 3D-DCGAN algorithm improves the quality of design through internal competition between a generator and a discriminator.
A recent study by Sara Valentini and colleagues at Bocconi University found that consistency between online content and the values associated with a brand increases rebroadcasting frequency. Posts containing price promotions also perform well when aligned with the brand's identity, with followers being 109% more likely to share them.
A global study found that tonal language speakers are better able to discern between subtly different melodies, while non-tonal speakers are better able to tell whether a rhythm is beating in time with the music. Tonal speakers actually perform worse on rhythm perception tasks.
Researchers have identified FLVCR1 as a plasma membrane choline transporter in mammals, which could lead to treatments for diseases such as posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa and neurodegeneration. The discovery was made using an integrative genetic analysis approach that linked specific metabolites to transport proteins.
Scientists have created a system that directly targets and degrades the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA genome, reducing infection in mice. This method could be adapted to fight off many viruses and treat various diseases.
A recent study found that predators can reduce disease levels in prey populations, but may also lead to a decline in population size. The researchers used a small predator-prey-parasite system to test the healthy herds hypothesis, which proposes that predators can help prey populations by picking off the sick and injured.
GPMeta accelerates pathogen detection in metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) tests, achieving higher accuracy while significantly reducing processing time. The approach uses a succinct hash index scheme and multi-GPU support to handle massive data sets.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a drug delivery system using gold nanoparticles to target tumors with remarkable precision. The system reduces the potential for debilitating side effects by delivering drugs selectively to tumors, allowing for lower quantities and potentially life-saving treatments.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that neuronal activity is necessary and sufficient for astrocyte development into a bushy-shaped cell. The team discovered that neurons produce GABA, which binds to astrocytes via the GABA B receptor, promoting their maturation.