Researchers at MSU have solved the mystery of the cytoplasmic droplet (CD), a poorly understood sperm structure found in all mammals. The study reveals that the CD acts as a 'storage room' to pack up critical proteins needed for sperm function, and its formation is controlled by a novel protein trafficking system.
Researchers found that stopping TNF inhibitors led to more flares and lower remission rates among RA patients who were already in sustained remission. This contrasts with those who continued treatment, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches for RA patients.
Researchers from the University of Konstanz and Tübingen have found genetic evidence of a woolly rhinoceros's presence in southern Germany during the late Middle Palaeolithic period. The analysis of hyena coprolites reveals that the animals preyed on and consumed woolly rhinoceroses, providing insights into prehistoric ecosystems.
A clinical trial found that high levels of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in pregnant women are associated with an increased risk of fetal atrioventricular block (AVB), a condition that can be fatal. Home-based fetal heart rate monitoring reliably detects conduction abnormalities, potentially reducing the need for serial echocardiograms.
A recent study found that ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is already affecting the calcification of marine plankton, with negative consequences for marine ecosystems. The research suggests that anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are the main driver of this decline, while ocean warming may be mitigating this effect.
A new research project uses data from over 8,000 gauging stations across Europe to predict mega-floods, reducing the surprise factor of their occurrence. By considering hydrologically similar areas, flood disasters can be anticipated and mitigated, saving lives.
An mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination before vs. during pregnancy and omicron infection among infants study found that maternal vaccination during the antenatal period was associated with a lower risk of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants up to six months of age.
Research reveals that smoke from individual extreme forest fires can lead to global impacts, influencing the energy balance of the atmosphere and global climate. The study found a significant temperature increase in upper air layers and weakening of lower stratospheric circulation.
A recent study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that physical fitness since childhood is associated with increased cerebellar grey matter volume in adolescents. Those with better neuromuscular fitness had larger Crus I grey matter volume, while those with cardiorespiratory fitness had smaller to...
A U-M study links increased physical independence, gut microbiome disrupting antibiotics, and hand contamination to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) environmental contamination in nursing homes. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic use and improving hand hygiene could control VRE spread.
A PCORI-funded study found that telemedicine treatment for HCV in people with opioid use disorder was highly effective, with nearly 90% of participants cured. The approach also led to significant reductions in substance use and improved health outcomes, including increased employment and education status.
Researchers propose a parallel planar heterojunction strategy for high-efficiency solar cells using antimony trisulfide as an absorber, achieving an impressive 8.32% efficiency. The approach simplifies material selection and device preparation by enabling the sequential depositions of multiple layers.
Research reveals GPCR signaling plays a crucial role in the immune microenvironment of EBV-induced cancers, influencing tumor growth and immune phenotypes. CCR1, a key GPCR, regulates EBV DNA replication, gene expression, and immune checkpoint activation.
A new study has identified three novel viruses that target specific bacterial hosts in the human gut, paving the way for more effective phage therapy to combat antimicrobial resistance. The discovery could lead to new methods of improving gut health and metabolism.
Researchers successfully produced alstonine, a naturally occurring substance with potential for treating mental disorders, using genetically engineered yeast cells. The yeast platform has the potential to discover and develop plant-based medicines, including those for schizophrenia.
Researchers at Stanford and Columbia universities found that low-intensity fires can dramatically reduce the risk of devastating wildfires for years at a time. By analyzing satellite data from over 100,000 square kilometers of California forests, the team showed that controlled burning can significantly decrease the risk of high-intens...
Researchers at CÚRAM have published a study revealing the interconnectedness of cellular components. The work uses SRS microscopy to track multiple cell processes simultaneously, offering insights into disease behavior and potential improvements in drug treatments.
A recent study found that emphasizing financial benefits in advertising messages significantly increases demand for solar panels, with a 40% increase in customer queries. The research suggests that effective communication is a cost-effective and scalable method for promoting green technologies.
Researchers constructed the most complete map yet of the microbial communities in Yucatán's underwater caves, revealing distinct patterns and a core set of organisms performing key roles. The study found that Comamonadaceae, a family of bacteria typically found in groundwater systems, lived in several niches across the cave system.
Researchers at CNIC reveal the essential role of neuregulin-1 in transforming the delicate primordial heart structure into a powerful pumping organ. The study sheds light on the pathways of human heart formation and suggests new strategies for heart health and regenerative medicine.
The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation has identified 10 steps to improve in-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes, including planning and preparation, prevention, and delivering evidence-based resuscitation care. These steps aim to enhance survival outcomes and quality of care for patients experiencing IHCA.
Experts have developed a reliable method to predict the free energy of crystals, addressing the challenge of understanding physical properties and environmental factors. The new approach uses high-performance computing and has been successfully applied to seven pharmaceutical companies.
A recent study published in ScienceDirect found hundreds of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets from 13 countries. The findings highlight the risks associated with recycling plastics and the need to phase out harmful chemicals. The researchers urge policymakers to take action to limit hazardous chemicals in plastics.
Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have uncovered a group of T cells known as mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. These cells can recognize the same markers whether they come from humans or mice, opening up new possibilities for treating infectious diseases and improving cancer immunotherapies. The study also ...
The UTHealth Houston Institute for Implementation Science has received a five-year, $5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to support research and training in implementation science. Researchers will focus on improving cancer control efforts in Mexico and Latin America.
A new risk calculator estimates a person's risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) over the next 30 years by combining measures of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health. The PREVENT risk calculator uniquely quantifies risks for CVD for each biological sex, without including race as a factor.
A study on rhesus macaques found that spontaneous pelvic organ prolapse (POP) shares similar histological changes with human POP. The research also identified conserved molecular pathways underlying the disease, including ECM dysregulation and immune disorder.
A study of 48,000 Black women found that those who reported experiences of interpersonal racism faced a higher risk of stroke, even after accounting for other risk factors. This finding suggests a link between racism and racial disparities in stroke incidence among U.S. Black women.
Researchers have developed a system that enables accurate force measurement in soft material-based actuators, allowing for arbitrarily long periods of constant force. The new material combinations reduce energy consumption by up to thousandfold, enabling the creation of low-cost and high-performance solutions for assistive devices and ...
Researchers found that well-designed urban land patterns can moderate or even reduce population exposures to weather extremes, regardless of city size. Properly designed cities can generate a meaningful reduction in the increase in risks from climate change.
Researchers adapted a COVID-19 collaboration to monitor near-real-time trends in substance use-related hospital and emergency department visits. Detailed data shows large increases in methamphetamine- and opioid-involved hospital and ED visits among Native American, Black, and multiple-race populations.
Treatment with obinutuzumab has been shown to preserve kidney function and prevent flares in patients with lupus nephritis. The addition of obinutuzumab to standard treatment reduced the risk of composite outcomes, such as death or treatment failure, by 60%.
Dr. Sabine Krabbe is investigating the function of the brain's emotion center in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which often co-occur with depression and anxiety. Her research aims to find common mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for patients.
A study published in JAHA found that sleep-related hypoxia is associated with a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation over time. Regular screening and treatment of sleep apnea may help reduce the likelihood of AFib, especially in those already at high risk.
A recent study published in Circulation found that non-ischemic or dual cardiomyopathy occurs in 1 out of every 6 patients with coronary artery disease. These conditions are characterized by heart muscle damage and can lead to worse long-term outcomes. The researchers used cardiac MRI to determine the cause of cardiomyopathy, which has...
A Northwestern University study found that consumers are more willing to accept automated vehicle delivery than drones or robots as a substitute for human drivers. However, tech-savvy consumers and those who prioritize speed and efficiency are more accepting of these technologies.
A new study found that public spending on social safety net programs and education independently affects high school graduation rates. The researchers discovered that investing in these areas results in a positive impact, with higher spending associated with higher graduation rates for historically underserved student groups. By analyz...
Researchers controlled spin dynamics in a Heusler compound using extreme ultraviolet high-harmonic probes, enabling precise manipulation of magnetic behavior and potential for redefining electronics and data storage. The study's results matched theoretical models, offering insights into spintronics and its applications.
Experts from Regenstrief Institute, IMIA, IAHSI and AMIA will address the role of health informatics in resolving climate-related health issues. The mini-summit aims to bring together national and international experts to form an informatics infrastructure that highlights climate change's effects on health.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a passive radiative cooling material that achieves high-performance optical properties. The cooling ceramic reduces thermal load, provides stable cooling performance, and can be used in various building applications.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that AI's deep convolutional neural networks can identify faces but struggle to capture other important information like emotional state and trustworthiness. Brain activity scans revealed a weak correlation between AI's codes and human brain represent...
A new study has found that northern peatlands have accelerated in expansion over the past 1,500 years, with an average growth rate of approximately one centimeter per year. This increase in peatland area is significant for carbon sequestration and storing ecosystems.
A Michigan State University study of 767 people found no reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pet owners reported pets improved their lives, but this was not reflected in their overall happiness levels.
A new study shows that autologous stem cell transplant can improve nearly all measures for two years following treatment in patients with refractory juvenile systemic sclerosis. The procedure significantly reduces disease severity and improves skin thickness, intestinal symptoms, and lung function, offering a life-saving intervention f...
A recent study led by Duke-NUS Medical School found that prior maternal dengue immunity substantially increases the risk of severe birth defects induced by Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers with pre-existing dengue antibodies are more likely to experience microcephaly and brain damage in their foetuses after Zika ...
Researchers have found that halophilic fungi can restructure their cell walls to withstand extremely salty conditions, minimizing water loss and maintaining structure. This discovery could lead to the development of new technologies harnessing these microbes for industrial processes.
The study found that Ryugu and CIs share a common genetic heritage, but the asteroid's Cr isotopes exhibit anomalies that could be caused by water-driven processes. These anomalies are thought to have arisen from the physicochemical fractionation of presolar nanoparticles and secondary minerals.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified a critical gene for muscle repair and regeneration, enabling the creation of muscle in the lab that can support human stem cells. The discovery has immense implications for treating various chronic muscle disorders and injuries, including rotator cuff tears and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Researchers have shrunk a mode-locked laser to the size of an optical chip using a novel integrated platform. The device generates ultrashort pulses with high peak power and coherence properties.
A multinational study of almost one million individuals found a strong association between exposure to radiation from CT scans in young people and an increased risk of blood cancers. The study confirms that the benefits of computed tomography outweigh the risks, but emphasizes the need for strict radiological protection measures, parti...
New studies presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting highlight the dangers of excess mold on individuals with asthma. Effective methods for getting rid of mold and airborne allergens include HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UV-based technology.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new technique using liquid metals to replace energy-intensive chemical engineering processes. The method reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15% and enables the production of high-energy fuels like propylene, crucial for various industries.
A new study reveals a disturbing trend of increased short-duration extreme precipitation over mountainous regions in Southwest China, exacerbating climate change impacts. The research finds that these events are more frequent and intense than total precipitation, posing significant risks to lives and ecosystems.
Researchers found that breast cancer cells rely on vitamin B5 to grow and survive. In a study published in Nature Metabolism, scientists discovered that limiting vitamin B5 intake slowed the growth of breast cancer tumours in mice.
A new study finds that people with antibodies to common foods like dairy and peanuts are at a higher risk of cardiovascular-related death. The research suggests that these subtle immune responses may lead to inflammation and contribute to heart disease over time.
Researchers have successfully used a specially formulated toothpaste for Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT) to desensitize adults with peanut allergies. The study showed that 100% of participants consistently tolerated the highest dose without severe reactions, and 97% adhered to treatment.
Scientists at Nagoya University have discovered a reliable cancer marker, stromal cell-derived factor 4 (SDF-4), that detects gastric cancer with high accuracy. The protein is found in high levels even in patients with stage I gastric cancer, suggesting its potential for early detection.
A study found that language difficulties lead to underdiagnosis of allergic conditions like asthma and eczema in children who speak a language other than English. A case report highlights the risks of pharmacy translation software interfering with prescription filling, causing delays in securing life-saving medications.
A team of researchers developed synthetic enzymes that can control the behavior of the signaling protein Vg1, which plays a key role in vertebrate embryonic development. The study uses zebrafish to investigate how Vg1 is formed and found that it must undergo additional processing before it can be activated.
New data from the James Webb Space Telescope reveals a surge in oxygen content within 500-700 million years after the Big Bang. This early appearance of oxygen suggests that life may have appeared sooner than previously thought.