Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a device that uses ultrasound to automate laboratory analysis tasks. The device combines microfluidics and robotics, allowing for the mixing, pumping, and trapping of tiny amounts of liquid. This innovation enables the automation of previously custom-designed systems.
Researchers discovered a drug combination that targets immune evasion pathways in MYC amplified Medulloblastoma, a fatal childhood brain cancer. The treatment uses epigenetic drugs to unblock 'don't eat me' pathways and make tumors more appealing to macrophages.
A study by the University of Arizona found that when participants were in a negative mood, they were more careful and analytical, scrutinizing what was stated in a text. In contrast, a happy mood led to a less analytical state, with participants relying on default world knowledge.
A new study found Legionella bacteria in 41% of samples - with Flinders University researchers making a key connection between the pathogen's co-existence with a 'host' microorganism in all samples tested. The study highlights the need for improved management of water distribution systems to protect vulnerable populations.
A new method for rapid and specific antibody detection has been introduced, using programmable gene circuits, cell-free transcription, and electrochemical detection. The system can detect antibodies in complex samples such as blood serum and is adaptable for a wide variety of other antibodies.
A new study links spontaneous preterm birth to chemicals in vaginal products, revealing a potential source of the condition. Researchers discovered that metabolites from cosmetics and hygiene products were associated with preterm births, offering hope for early diagnostics.
Fewer than one-third of commonly advertised drugs show moderate clinical improvement compared to existing therapies. The study analyzed direct-to-consumer TV advertising and found most featured drugs to lack substantial therapeutic benefits.
Researchers have discovered a biological pathway that governs the life and death of stem cells, which may lead to new treatments for cancer and regenerative therapies. By manipulating cell signaling, scientists can normalize the creation of new cells, preventing excessive growth and ensuring proper tissue regeneration.
Researchers found that EWS::FLI1 induces Slit2 expression, which activates Robo receptors and enhances Ewing sarcoma growth. Silencing Slit2 strongly inhibited Ewing sarcoma cell growth, providing an opportunity for targeted therapy.
Researchers at Leipzig University developed an experimental model of microswimmers that exhibit properties of natural swarm intelligence. The swimmers' internal states and navigation rules can be controlled, allowing for the observation of complex collective behaviors.
A study found that hospitals with high levels of pediatric care readiness have significantly lower child mortality rates compared to those with low readiness. Adopting national pediatric care readiness standards as laid out by the National Pediatric Readiness Project may prevent over 1,400 child deaths.
Researchers found that many changes to human DNA had opposing effects, with some variants making enhancers stronger while others made them weaker. This discovery has implications for understanding human evolution and the potential link between human DNA variations and psychiatric diseases.
A study published in Science Immunology has discovered a potential new approach for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by targeting iron metabolism in immune system cells. Blocking the iron uptake receptor reduced disease pathology and promoted anti-inflammatory regulatory T cell activity in a mouse model of SLE.
Pediatric hospitalizations for cannabis poisonings increased significantly in provinces with legal edible cannabis sales compared to those without. The study highlights the need for regulatory measures to mitigate risks associated with recreational cannabis legalization.
Researchers created a robotic wing that can flap more efficiently than previous robots, mimicking the upstroke of birds. This study could lead to more efficient flapping drones for various applications, including deliveries.
A new study involving Huma's clinical trial platform showed that participants had a positive experience using the app to report measurements and symptoms. The study found sustained levels of engagement over 6 months, with only 2.5% of participants withdrawing.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a new pathway to forming presolar grains, which could help scientists better understand the interstellar environment and develop more efficient nanoparticles. The study suggests that these grains formed through a non-classical nucleation pathway, involving three distinct steps.
A novel treatment involving ACE2-producing probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei may prevent or reverse diabetic retinopathy in Type 1 diabetes patients. The study found that human subjects with retinopathy had a dysregulated systemic RAS and profound gut permeability defects, which were reversed by the probiotic treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that participants using Huma's clinical trial platform had an average engagement rate of 34.5 weeks and a high retention rate, with only 2.5% withdrawing from the study. The study highlights the potential of digital health solutions for population-based research.
A new study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that financial strain and material deprivation are associated with higher child behavioral difficulties. The study suggests that more nuanced measures of economic hardship are required to accurately understand the effects of economic hardship on households and their children.
The study reveals diverse retroviruses in mouse lemurs, closely related to viruses in polar bears and domestic sheep, suggesting ancient infections. The discovery of endogenous retroviruses in these species provides new insights into the complex history of retroviral transmission among mammals.
Researchers at the HSE Centre for Language and Brain found that a thicker corpus callosum is associated with less lateralization of language functions to the right hemisphere. The study used advanced neuroimaging methods, including fMRI, to measure brain activity while participants completed a sentence completion task.
Researchers analyzed the genomes of over 2,800 individuals in Europe to study the evolution of immune system genes. They found that mutations advantageous for defending against pathogens increased in frequency after the Bronze Age, while those increasing disease risk fell.
Chemists at the University of Groningen have developed a simple one-pot reaction to produce chiral Z-alkenes, previously inaccessible molecules. This method uses a phosphine molecule as a starting point, reducing the need for purification and allowing for the creation of complex functionalised alkenes.
A study of 4,768 patients with cancer found that SARS-CoV-2 infection led to delayed or discontinued cancer treatment, exacerbating existing survival inequities. Racial and area-level social determinants were associated with these delays.
A new study suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help prevent Alzheimer's disease in women who are carriers of the APOE4 gene. The research found that HRT use is associated with improved memory and larger brain volumes among at-risk women. Early introduction of HRT during perimenopause may be particularly beneficial.
A novel laboratory protocol enables researchers to investigate connections between gut microbes and the brain, shedding light on how microbes influence the central nervous system. The tool allows for comprehensive evaluation of metabolites produced by microbes, providing insights into their role in health and disease.
Researchers have measured the size-luminosity relation of galaxies less than a billion years after the Big Bang for the first time. The team used multiband imaging data from the GLASS-JWST program to study galaxy properties in rest-frame optical and UV bands.
A world-first study has identified genetic markers for people with diabetes at risk of developing kidney disease. The findings could lead to the development of a predictive test that can detect adults with Type 1 diabetes at risk before symptoms appear, allowing for early-stage interventions.
Researchers from UNIGE observed that negative emotions modify the brains of older adults excessively and over time, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. This could be prevented with better emotional management, such as meditation, which could limit neurodegeneration.
A team of physicists has proposed a model for a repeating partial tidal disruption event, revealing the capture of a star by a supermassive black hole and its repeated stripping of material. The study provides unprecedented insight into the existence of supermassive black holes and the orbital dynamics of stars in galaxy centers.
Researchers have created a strong and recyclable biodegradable polyester that breaks down fully to its starting materials using mild chemical or biological processes. The new material has similar crystallinity to high-density polyethylene and retains beneficial mechanical properties.
Researchers found that the new law allowing goalkeepers to put one foot in front of the line improved their penalty diving performance. The study, led by Paulo Roberto Pereira Santiago, used 3D body reconstruction technology and motion capture to analyze dives.
A recent study from North Carolina State University suggests that participation in environmental education programs can motivate children across diverse language groups to act responsibly toward the environment. Bilingual or multilingual students saw bigger gains on average compared to students who spoke English primarily at home.
A research team at Carnegie Mellon University has developed a machine learning method called SPICEMIX to analyze spatial transcriptomics data. The tool helps identify and understand gene expression patterns in cells, revealing new insights into brain cell types.
A new clinical trial report reveals that brain-computer interface implants are associated with a low rate of adverse events, similar to those experienced by patients with other chronic medical conditions. The study, which followed 14 participants for an average of 872 days, found no serious adverse events or device removals.
Researchers analyzed relationships between snow cover and depth for three vegetation types in the Northern Hemisphere. Different interactions between land cover and snow processes were found, which climate models struggle to reproduce. This study highlights the need to improve snow parameterization schemes.
Researchers found that the severity of an employee's hearing loss influences their reliance on professional connections, which affects career outcomes. Managers can offer tailored support to help employees build professional connections, such as providing accommodations and creating a culture of respect. This study suggests that even e...
A new genome-based taxonomy has been developed to characterize ecological niches of Microcystis, including nutrient requirements and seasonality. This will aid in the control of harmful Microcystis blooms and reduce health risks associated with water quality management.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a lead-free perovskite photocatalyst for highly efficient solar energy-to-hydrogen conversion. The study uncovers the interfacial dynamics between halide perovskite molecules and electrolytes, enabling better photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation.
Researchers developed machine learning models to accurately calculate fine particulate matter in urban air pollution using AI and traffic data. The models provide a high-resolution estimation of city street pollution surface, enabling transportation and epidemiology studies to assess health impacts.
A study finds that increasing health insurance coverage explains 63% of increased healthcare expenditure and boosts medical patent registrations by 57%. Health insurance expansion also increases life expectancy by 1.2 years due to stimulation of medical progress.
Researchers used cryoEM technology to solve detailed structures of the entire human opioid receptor family, providing a comprehensive framework for designing safer drugs. The study aims to overcome side effects and overdose deaths associated with current opioid pain relievers.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is hosting a hybrid Spring 2023 meeting with over 10,000 presentations on various topics, including agriculture, energy, health, and sustainability. Press registration is available for qualified journalists and public information officers.
Researchers found a genetic alteration in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that redirects the virus into a storage compartment within cells, reducing its surface exposure. This change may affect the immune system's ability to identify and kill infected cells.
Research on COVID-19 variants reveals that infants and toddlers with co-infections are significantly more likely to need oxygen therapy and ICU-level care. Co-infection rates were highest during the delta variant, followed by omicron and alpha.
A new study found that MRI-guided radiotherapy is more effective than CT-guided therapy in reducing side effects and improving quality of life for patients with localized prostate cancer. The trial involved 154 patients, who experienced fewer toxicities and better outcomes when treated with MRI guidance.
Benzodiazepine prescriptions have increased due to misuse and overdose rates. Experts recommend a multipronged strategy for cautious prescribing, including education and surveillance. This approach balances benefits and risks of the medication.
Researchers aim to develop a drug that enhances brown adipose tissue response to cold exposure, potentially treating hypothermia and arctic exploration challenges. The new screening method could also optimize drug development for diseases and infections, reducing costs and time.
Researchers found that knee extension velocity, not quadriceps strength, is a strong predictor of walking performance in elderly patients after total knee arthroplasty. This study suggests that training to enhance knee extension velocity could be effective in recovering gait function.
Scientists discovered high levels of toxic chemicals, including 4-nonylphenol from toilet paper, in the bodies of orcas in B.C., which may contribute to their population decline. Forever chemicals like 7:3-fluorotelomer carboxylic acid were also found, highlighting the need for pollution management and regulation.
A new study by the University of Coimbra found that higher coffee intake is associated with reduced NAFLD severity in overweight people with T2D. Caffeine and polyphenols in coffee may help alleviate liver fibrosis and improve glucose homeostasis.
A large randomized study found that machine learning-triggered reminders significantly increased rates of advanced care planning conversations, reducing potentially harmful therapies at end of life. The intervention also improved patient education and early palliative care referrals.
A significant risk of suicide is observed among cancer surgery patients, especially those who are male, white, and divorced. These demographic factors are associated with the highest risk, highlighting the need for suicide screening in high-risk patient groups
A study published in Current Biology found that dolphins 'shout' over loud underwater noise to complete a cooperative task, but their success rate decreases as noise levels increase. The researchers observed changes in dolphin body language and vocalization patterns in response to the increasing noise.
This study by Prof. Yong-Fei Zheng examines the operation of plate tectonics, focusing on divergent-convergent coupling systems and their impact on material movement and energy transfer at plate margins. It highlights two key processes for the onset of plate tectonics: subduction initiation and lithospheric rifting.
Researchers discovered that 15-deoxy-prostamide-J2 induces ER stress-mediated apoptosis selectively in tumor cells, reducing melanoma growth. The molecule activates PERK, IP3R, and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, leading to cell death.
Astronomers using Hubble observed a star's final moments as it was gobbled up by a black hole, creating a donut-shaped torus. The event provides forensic clues to the black hole homicide, with details on the debris's behavior and the accretion rate.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that OGT regulates mTOR, a key protein for mitochondrial powerhouses, keeping cells healthy. The study may lead to important medical advances in understanding cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A new study reveals that fishes in the deep ocean are likely to decrease in size with climate warming, which could have significant ecological effects. Researchers analyzed ancient fish otoliths to track changes in body size over glacial and interglacial periods.