The European Research Council has awarded €627 million in Consolidator Grants to fuel innovative research projects spanning all disciplines, including engineering and life sciences. The grants will create around 1,800 jobs for postdoctoral fellows and PhD students.
Researchers have identified a decaploid genome structure in the Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plant, revealing subgenome dominance that contributes to evolutionary innovation. Recessive subgenomes are enriched with novel genes, particularly those related to unique traits like dioecy and carnivory.
Researchers found that cancer cells are more vulnerable to radiotherapy when using the less common 'YC' first-base-cytosine site instead of the usual 'YR' adenine or guanine start sites. This discovery enables further understanding of gene regulation in cancers and potential targets for treatment.
Researchers discovered plant proteins (MDL) that resemble human MIF protein in both amino acid sequence and spatial structure. These MDL proteins can bind to MIF receptors, activating immune-relevant signaling pathways and potentially modulating the human immune system.
A study by the University of Ottawa found that various long-term memory types, such as semantic and episodic memory, rely on the same brain network to varying degrees. The research used neuroimaging techniques to compare brain activity across different memory conditions.
A study by the University of Portsmouth reveals that moderate-intensity exercise improves cognitive performance in people who are sleep-deprived and have low oxygen levels. The research found that even when participants were exposed to hypoxia, exercise continued to enhance their ability to perform mental tasks.
A team of researchers has detected an extremely energetic cosmic ray with an energy exceeding ~240 exa-electron volts (EeV), but its arrival direction shows no obvious source. The detection was made by the Telescope Array experiment's surface detector, which is located in Utah, USA.
Scientists have identified 77 main cell types and around 650 cell subtypes in a single experiment, enabling research on embryonic malformations. The new approach reduces the number of animals used for analysis and allows for faster and more accurate study of genetic disorders.
A recent study published in Science has found that 75% of possible mutations in E. coli protein lead to high antibiotic resistance, contradicting the longstanding fitness landscapes theory. This discovery has significant real-world implications for understanding antibiotic resistance and evolutionary processes.
A new study found that accounting for long-term impacts of tropical cyclones raises the global Social Cost of Carbon by more than 20%. The increase is mainly driven by projected rise of tropical-cyclone damages to major economies, particularly India, USA, China, Taiwan, and Japan under global warming.
The Telescope Array has detected the second-highest energy cosmic ray ever observed, with an energy equivalent to dropping a brick on your toe from waist height. The Amaterasu particle deepens the mystery of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, which may follow particle physics unknown to science.
Researchers separate out microbial and environmental controls on marine sedimentary pyrite sulfur isotope ratios, revealing local processes that dominate the record. This breakthrough refutes previous hypotheses and offers a new framework for interpreting ancient signals.
Researchers at NTNU are developing a new therapy for rare hereditary diseases like DOOR syndrome using mini-brains grown in the lab. The treatment involves injecting a virus with a healthy OXR1 gene to produce the missing protein, which may help stop or reverse the disease.
A study of 768 married Japanese women found that postponing pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased loneliness and psychological distress. The associations were strongest in 2021, highlighting the need for improved mental healthcare systems.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a potential new target for treating Barth syndrome, a rare genetic disease with devastating consequences. They identified a molecular culprit that could be targeted to potentially reverse the disease course and developed a small-molecule drug candidate to correct genetic tafaz...
Researchers successfully grow dolomite in laboratory using new theory developed from atomic simulations. The breakthrough resolves the 'Dolomite Problem,' which had puzzled scientists for 200 years. By removing defects in mineral structure, researchers can promote crystal growth of modern technological materials.
A new UK study confirms autistic people have a reduced life expectancy, but the actual difference may be lower than previously claimed. The research found that autistic men and women without learning disabilities had average estimated life expectancies of 74.6 and 76.8 years respectively.
A UGR study found that physical activity wristbands can help change habits and overcome sedentary lifestyles among school children. The 'School-Fit' project showed improved daily physical activity parameters, including increased steps and moderate-to-vigorous activity.
A new study finds that mining companies are staking claims on future salmon habitats as glaciers retreat, threatening the environment. The research reveals that 25 subwatersheds have more than 50% of future salmon habitat near a mining claim, highlighting the need for policy changes.
Scientists at ETH Zurich used AI to analyze data from 1,380 borylation reactions and predict optimal synthesis methods for new drugs. The model was tested on six known drug molecules and showed a success rate of five out of six cases.
Researchers have created two new protocols using novel actinometers to quantify photons, providing versatile and precise light intensity measurements. The protocols are faster, more sensitive, and compatible with imaging systems, enabling accurate measurement of light intensity in biological samples.
A Phase II clinical trial has demonstrated that fosravuconazole is effective in treating mycetoma, a chronic disabling disease. The new oral treatment has been shown to have significant advantages over existing treatments, including a lower pill burden and minimal interactions with other medications.
A new ERC grant aims to develop models using remote sensing data and machine learning to identify critical nutrient runoff sites and plan nature-based solutions. The project will create a global data cube solution, enabling policymakers and farmers to make informed decisions.
Scientists at ETH Zurich develop a novel method to measure seismic tremors using fibre-optic networks' active noise suppression systems. The technique enables accurate earthquake measurements even on the ocean floor and in regions with limited resources.
Researchers detect ultra-high-energy cosmic ray with an energy level comparable to the 'Oh-My-God' particle, raising questions about its origins. The Amaterasu particle's unusual properties are being further investigated through upgraded experiments and next-generation observatories.
A new study reveals that shipwrecks are providing a sanctuary for fish, corals, and other marine species in areas open to destructive bottom towed fishing. Marine life density is significantly higher within wreck sites than in control areas.
A Canadian study found that infants exposed to biologic agents during pregnancy have normal immune development and can safely receive the rotavirus vaccine. The study, involving 191 infants across six sites in Canada, aimed to change vaccination guidelines to protect more babies from severe illness.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz developed an AI-powered method to objectively characterize embryonic development tempo and stages. The Twin Network trained on over 3 million zebrafish embryo images accurately identified developmental stages, temperature dependence, and malformations.
The paper proposes an adaptive representation model for geoscience knowledge graphs that can efficiently represent complex spatiotemporal features and relationships. The model uses a unified spatiotemporal ontology to automatically adopt an adaptive tuple structure based on the association of spatiotemporal information.
A new peer-reviewed study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that forests managed by Indigenous and local communities have improved outcomes for carbon storage, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. The research supports calls for securing tenure for Indigenous peoples as a strategy for overcoming obstacles in forest restoration...
Researchers have identified a new mechanism for removing RNA-protein crosslinks induced by aldehydes, which can damage cellular function. This discovery sheds light on the effects of aldehydes on human cells and may be particularly important for maintaining cell function in older individuals.
The complete decoding of the human Y chromosome sheds light on its role in sex determination and its potential impact on digestive diseases. This discovery provides a comprehensive reference for identifying genetic variations that may contribute to digestive diseases.
Researchers from Flinders University have found that dust contains distinct chemical and biological signatures that can be used to link a crime scene. The study, published in Forensic Science International Genetics, suggests that dust could be a valuable tool in forensic intelligence gathering.
During pregnancy, distinct pools of stem cells in the adult brain are activated, giving rise to specific types of olfactory bulb neurons that enable mothers to recognize their own pups. These new neurons are temporarily formed and disappear after birth, highlighting the brain's ability to adapt to specific needs.
Researchers have discovered a root cause of Barth syndrome, a deadly metabolic illness, by analyzing faulty cardiolipin molecules and their interaction with cytochrome c. The study used solid-state NMR technology to demonstrate the structural changes that lead to toxic oxidation in mitochondrial membranes.
Researchers found that pyrite sulfur isotopes primarily reflect local conditions rather than the global sulfur cycle. The team developed a computer model to understand how sedimentary parameters affect the sulfur isotope composition of pyrite.
A study by Prof. Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer shows that Star Wars words and constructions are increasingly used in digital English text corpora. The study reveals that these words have reached the highest level of integration into the English language, with many uses referencing tangible objects like toy lightsabers.
Researchers found preserved yew trees from 4,200 years ago that reveal a sudden sea level rise likely killed the vast woodland. The trees contain valuable information about natural variability and potential links between global climate events.
Breath-holding spells are common in young children and are harmless, yet many undergo unnecessary diagnostic interventions. A Lund University study proposes guidelines to reduce emergency visits and provide more equitable care for affected children.
A new study estimates that over 460,000 US deaths were attributed to air pollution from coal-burning power plants between 1999 and 2020. The findings highlight the increased mortality risks from coal electricity generation, while also showing that emission-reduction policies have been effective in preventing excess death.
José Pedro Friedmann Angeli, a pioneer in ferroptosis research, has received the ERC Consolidator Grant to explore key metabolic pathways. His project aims to decipher and exploit ferroptosis regulatory mechanisms in cancer.
A new study found that a half-dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine elicited a non-inferior immune response to a full dose in Mongolian adults, with fewer side effects. The study suggests that fractional dosing may improve booster acceptability and reduce costs.
The study analyzed 170 known bacterial languages, grouping them into clusters based on molecular structure. Bacteria can understand related languages, but not those with vastly different languages. This understanding will aid in refining treatment approaches and developing biotechnology applications.
Scientists have identified two genes, GmMOT1.1 and GmMOT1.2, that control natural variation in molybdate uptake and transport in soybeans. These genes are involved in molybdenum uptake in the roots and root-to-shoot transport of molybdenum, leading to improved molybdenum utilization and soybean yield.
Two GEOMAR researchers will receive €2 million EU funding over five years to study the Antarctic ice sheet, carbon cycles, and deep-sea biodiversity. Their projects aim to improve climate projections and solve deep-sea mysteries.
Researchers from Tampere University discovered that marine organisms can form new atmospheric particles in the South Pacific Ocean, which could help explain climate change predictions. The study found that these particles were formed at night and were accompanied by signs of nitrogenous compounds.
The research team created a mathematical model showing that no clock can have both infinite energy and perfect time resolution, setting limits to quantum computer capabilities. This realization impacts the speed and reliability of quantum computers, as current accuracy is limited by other factors.
Researchers analyzed proton-proton collisions to understand the hadronization process, a phenomenon critical to our understanding of physical reality. The study found that quark-gluon plasma can be produced in single proton collisions and that correlations between particles are influenced by angles with respect to the beam axis.
Researchers have successfully developed a tapered fiber-based system that can deliver high-energy ultrafast lasers with near-diffraction-limited beam quality. The system achieved pulse energies of up to 126 μJ and peak powers of 207 MW, representing the highest reported values from a monolithic fiber laser.
Researchers have discovered that dolomite crystal growth requires cycling of saturation conditions, resolving the 'dolomite problem' that has puzzled scientists for nearly two centuries. This process can speed up dolomite growth by up to 10 million times, which may be crucial for producing large amounts of dolomite on Earth's surface.
A new study found that exposure to coal particulate air pollutants is associated with a mortality risk more than double that of exposure to PM2.5 from other sources. The researchers estimated that 460,000 deaths were attributable to coal PM2.5 in the US between 1999 and 2020.
Researchers have found that lowering a form of brain cholesterol known as cholesteryl esters helps prevent brain damage and behavioral changes in mice with Alzheimer's-like tau deposits. The study suggests that reducing cholesteryl ester levels could be a promising candidate to test in neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that treating C. elegans with mitochondrial inhibitors extended their lifespan, improved pharyngeal muscle contraction, reduced lipofuscin content, and decreased energy consumption. The study suggests that these drugs could abrogate aging and extend human lifespan, offering a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers found that immunomodulatory drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients treated with these drugs had a 46% lower risk of developing an autoimmune thyroid disease compared to those without rheumatoid arthritis.
In a study of almost 20,000 post-mortem investigations, researchers found that 7 in 8 homicide victims in South Africa were male. Homicide rates peak on weekends and holidays, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this epidemic.
A study led by Universitat Rovira i Virgili reveals how ligands create unique local environments within nanoparticle surfaces, affecting stability, charge, and functionality. This phenomenon has significant implications for sensing applications and chemical reactions.
A recent study analyzed asthma mortality rates in China and the US from 1990 to 2019, revealing substantial differences in mortality rates and risk factors. The study found that smoking was a leading risk factor for asthma mortality in China, while high body mass index (BMI) was a larger public health challenge in the US.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with higher cognitive ability were more likely to vote Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Additionally, people whose spouses had higher cognitive ability were also more likely to cast their ballots for Remain.
This special collection in SLAS Discovery highlights the significant impact of high-content imaging in basic and translational research. Researchers have made advancements in cell painting and phenotypic profiling, offering new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as Gaucher's.
Research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that spaceflight can negatively affect vascular tissues, increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction. Treatment with antioxidants may help counter some effects. Functional improvements after targeted interventions suggest that erectile dysfunction may be treatable.