A groundbreaking study has unveiled the positional transmitter of statoliths, a high-density organelle in plants that responds to gravity. The research found that LZY proteins translocate from statoliths to the plasma membrane, generating cell polarity linked to gravity sensing.
Pregnant individuals who received a full course of COVID-19 vaccination and a booster have the strongest immune protection from the disease. Boosting after previous infection increases antibody levels in both mothers and newborns, providing maximum possible protection to infants as SARS-CoV-2 evolves.
Researchers have developed a new gene-editing tool that enables the precise study of single-base mutations in cancer-causing genes. This technology allows for detailed experiments in tissues, which may lead to better understanding of genetic changes influencing patient response to cancer therapies.
A Monash University-led study proposes standardizing medical terminology to capture climate-driven disaster events impacting human health. The research highlights the need for comprehensive clinical terminologies, particularly those linked to environmental factors, to improve disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Paleontologists discovered a tiny fossil mammal that thrived in Arctic conditions 73 million years ago. The 'ice mouse', weighing only 11 grams, likely weathered four months of winter darkness and freezing temperatures.
A new study reveals that extreme glacial cooling around 1.1 million years ago caused the extinction of early humans on the continent. The research suggests that the cooling pushed European climate to levels beyond what archaic humans could tolerate, emptying the continent.
A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that speech production and singing are supported by the same neural network in the brain, challenging previous notions about their separate functions. The left hemisphere plays a crucial role in both abilities, particularly in terms of singing.
Researchers have identified a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease by finding that inhibiting an ion pump can slow down cognitive decline and partially restore brain function. The study's findings suggest that maintaining the ion pump could be key to preventing or reversing the disease.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Augusta University have identified a link between
A new species of extinct whale, Tutcetus rayanensis, has been discovered in Egypt's ancient sea, providing unprecedented insights into the life history and phylogeny of early whales. The discovery sheds light on the transition from land to sea and the evolution of whales.
Researchers develop methods to upcycle polyethylene and polypropylene plastics into alcohols, aldehydes, surfactants, and detergents through thermal depolymerization reactions. These approaches aim to create a sustainable supply of high-value chemicals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Scientists developed an AI algorithm to recognize and characterize white and red blood cells in microscopic images of blood samples. The Haemorasis algorithm can suggest diagnoses of blood disorders and distinguish genetic subtypes, revealing correlations between certain cell morphologies and diseases.
A new approach to immunotherapy has shown long-term survival rates exceeding 50% in children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Stem cell transplantation from a parent provides a renewed immune system that responds better to immunotherapies, improving outcomes.
A team of researchers from Harvard and Hong Kong Baptist University identified patterns to predict extreme heat and ozone days in China. The model correlated sea surface temperature anomalies with increases in heat waves and ozone about 80% of the time, providing a forecast for the government to prepare resources.
Scientists discover unique immune cells in skull's bone marrow, facilitating movement of immune cells between brain and skull, offering new possibilities for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases. Non-invasive skull imaging may enable early detection and monitoring of conditions like Alzheimer's and stroke.
Researchers at UC San Diego demonstrate that hematopoietic stem cell transplants can protect against multiple signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's in a mouse model of the disease. The therapy leads to enhanced microglia health, which protects against Alzheimer's pathology, including β-amyloid build-up and neuroinflammation.
A new study out of the University of Alberta found that high-intensity interval training poses little risk to expecting mothers and their babies. The research suggests that engaging in physical activity during pregnancy can reduce the risk of major complications by 40%.
A new study has identified four genetic variants associated with the direction of human scalp hair whorls, revealing a polygenic inheritance pattern. The findings may help unravel biological processes related to abnormal neurological development.
Research found that electrical activity between melanocytes and keratinocytes is critical to melanoma initiation, with GABA signaling playing a key role. The study's findings suggest that molecules carried by vesicles from melanocytes to keratinocytes may trigger the secretion of tumor-promoting proteins.
Researchers identified a new approach to treat poxviruses by targeting a cellular protein, making the virus more susceptible to natural defences. Existing immunosuppressive drugs can restrict replication and spread of poxviruses.
Entanglement with lost and discarded fishing gear accounts for most turtle strandings and injuries in the Maldives. The study reveals a high prevalence of ghost net entanglement in sea turtles across 12 years.
A team at Osaka University has simulated photon-photon collisions to produce electron-positron pairs, paving the way for experimental confirmation of quantum physics theories. The simulation uses ultra-intense laser pulses and demonstrates the feasibility of creating matter solely from light.
Researchers from Macquarie University have found that the Earth's gradual cooling led to a flip in the deep cycling of carbon and chlorine between the surface and interior. Most carbon accumulates into solid carbonate sediments, while chlorine typically returns to the surface as volcanic gases.
Researchers explore CDK9 inhibitors as a promising combination partner in treating hematological malignancies. They discuss the role of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in these diseases and highlight the potential synergism with other drugs.
Scientists have found several genes that produce minimal RNA fluctuations, shedding light on gene expression and noise. These ultra-low noise genes provide a unique window into understanding how cells function optimally.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch deployed an autonomous wave glider to survey marine managed areas off Puerto Rico, recording grouper mating calls and determining spatiotemporal distribution of the two species. The study highlights the importance of spatial and temporal expansion of existing regulations to protect threatened species.
A WVU team is developing technology to detect and track lethal non-trackable space debris. The project aims to identify objects that can cause mission-ending damage to satellites and other space assets. The researchers will use a digital twin and simulation environment to test and evaluate their findings.
A small pilot study found associations between specific microbe species and infants' performance in tests of social attention and rhythmic processing. The researchers observed higher levels of Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium microbes in infants with better cognitive abilities.
Researchers found that carpets are a stubborn reservoir of thirdhand smoke contaminants, and ozonation is only partially effective at removing them. Replacing carpets may be the best solution to eliminate these pollutants.
A new survey confirms the need for more menopause education in US residency programs, with only 31.3% of directors reporting a standardized curriculum. Most residents feel they lack knowledge on managing menopause symptoms and related conditions.
Researchers found that dopamine and acetylcholine hormones follow constant 'ebb and flow' cycles in the brain, enabling self-driven learning and memory formation. This discovery challenges current understanding of how dopamine and acetylcholine work together in the brain.
Researchers have discovered a potential fertility benefit associated with the APOE-ε4 allele, which is also known for increasing the risk of Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease. Tsimane women with one or two copies of the allele had an average increase in live births compared to those without the allele.
A research team discovered deposits of salts forming a hexagonal pattern in Martian sedimentary layers, indicating a regular climate with dry and wet seasons. This environment is thought to provide ideal conditions for the formation of complex organic compounds essential for life.
Researchers found a pre-historic climate tipping point that explains why the Horn of Africa is getting drier despite rising temperatures. The study suggests that the region will become even drier in the future, contradicting most climate models' predictions.
Researchers developed Fibro-Gel, an injectable hydrogel with tunable release profiles and biocompatibility, addressing limitations of conventional drug delivery via hydrogel. The system promotes wound healing with accelerated rates of new tissue regeneration and de novo tissue formation.
A new University of British Columbia study found that simple home workouts using exercise apps can effectively reduce depressive symptoms in healthcare workers. The research suggests that offering accessible, easy ways to exercise could be a major tool to combat the global mental health crisis in the sector.
A study in Cancer Medicine reveals that access to assisted suicide does not decrease conventional suicide among patients with cancer. In fact, the percentage of cancer-associated deaths by assisted suicide increased over time, while conventional cancer-related suicides showed a downward trend.
A new DNA study reveals that the intermingling of hunter-gatherer groups in Europe was strongly linked to geography, with certain groups remaining isolated for thousands of years. The research adds detail to the puzzle of European Stone Age history.
Climate change scenarios may increase Grand Canyon heat-related illnesses by 29-137% by 2100. Shoulder season months are at highest risk due to visitors' lower preparedness for extreme heat.
Researchers have made a significant discovery in gene therapy, showing that genetically engineered blood stem cells can be created while still in the bone marrow. This approach eliminates the need for chemotherapy and transplantation of corrected cells, cutting costs and improving access to critical treatments.
A team from Chiba University created an AuNi alloy on Au electrodes, showing increased hydrogen evolution reaction activity due to surface defects formed through Ni dealloying. The study used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and surface X-ray diffraction techniques to analyze the surface properties of the AuNi/Au catalyst.
Weizmann Institute researchers discovered a biomarker that may enable personalized drug treatment for lung cancer patients carrying the L858R mutation. This biomarker could lead to relapse-free treatment by predicting which patients will respond well to therapy according to their specific mutations.
The study examines statutory regulation and government reimbursement of traditional and complementary medicine practitioners in the US. It finds a mixed picture of laws and policies governing these practices, with significant variations across states.
Researchers develop low-cost 3D nanoprinting system with nanometer-level accuracy for printing microlenses, metamaterials, and micro-optical devices. The system uses a two-step absorption process and integrated fiber-coupled laser diode, making it accessible to scientists beyond optical experts.
Researchers demonstrate the potential of optical imaging for safely measuring vocal fold elasticity and pliability. The study found good agreement between Brillouin microspectroscopy results and conventional elasticity measurements.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze ChatGPT-generated and human-written Japanese texts, finding that the AI's style could be distinguished with high accuracy. The study suggests a new method for detecting AI-generated content in academic papers written in Japanese.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have shown that sound waves can tunnel through vacuum gaps in certain situations, particularly with piezoelectric materials. The phenomenon has potential applications in microelectromechanical components and heat control.
Scientists have created ultra-thin layers of human cells in tube-like structures using the RIFLE technique, enabling the development of lifelike tissue models. This innovation has significant implications for drug development and disease research, offering a more accurate alternative to animal models.
A literature review found that several commonly used natural gas odorants may induce a range of adverse health symptoms at very low concentrations. The review's findings suggest that these odorants could pose health risks at much lower exposure levels than previously suspected.
Researchers found that nematode worm larvae can leap through the air and attach themselves to passing insects when exposed to certain electric fields. They observed dauer larvae consistently moving towards the lid of a petri dish, some reaching it in a fraction of a second.
A new tool called PRESTO identifies patients with psoriasis at high risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. The tool uses a mathematical model to estimate a patient's risk based on factors such as age, sex, family history, and disease severity.
Researchers developed an eco-friendly thermoplastic polyurethane using biomass-based polyester polyols and butane diols, boasting exceptional properties. The resulting material exhibits a remarkable biocarbon content of up to 97% and comparable mechanical properties to petroleum-based alternatives.
The study of bacterial circadian clocks has revealed complex mechanisms reminiscent of those in more complex organisms. Researchers observed that the widespread soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis has a pervasive circadian clock regulating multiple genes and behaviors, with specific responses to light intensity and wavelengths.
LSU Health researchers found combining an investigational oral drug with standard-of-care medications reverts hormone resistance and increases effectiveness in experimental models of ER+ and TNBC. The study's findings suggest a new approach for treating treatment-resistant breast cancers.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that COVID-19 affects mitochondrial function in multiple organs beyond the lungs, leading to long-term damage. Mitochondrial gene expression was suppressed in the heart, kidneys, and liver, while recovering in the lungs.
Researchers from Osaka University have shed light on how certain proteins contribute to the formation of piRNAs, a type of RNA that protects the genome. Tejas plays a key role in recruiting Vas and Spn-E, facilitating nuage formation and piRNA processing.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have designed a probiotic to suppress autoimmunity in the brain, which is at the core of several diseases including MS. The treatment offers a more precise way to target brain inflammation with reduced negative side effects compared to standard therapies.
Coral reefs benefit from reduced land-sea impacts under ocean warming, with pollutants and over-fishing putting immense stress on ecosystems. Human-caused threats were most clearly demonstrated in 2015's record-breaking marine heatwave, which showed coral cover remained unchanged despite extreme heat stress.
Scientists used distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) on a 37.4-kilometer-long fiber optic cable to track sea ice formation and retreat with fine spatiotemporal detail, revealing rapid changes up to 10 kilometers in less than a day. The technique offers improved resolution compared to satellite images.
For the past 66 million years, Earth's climate has been dominated by two significant climate events that marked distinct eras. The analysis reveals a hierarchy of abrupt transitions in climate evolution during the Cenozoic era.