A new CRISPR-based gene therapy platform will be developed to target genetic brain diseases like Angelman syndrome and H1-4 syndrome. The platform utilizes a novel delivery technology called STEP (Stimuli-responsive Traceless Engineering Platform), which has the capacity to revolutionize genome-editing therapy.
Researchers created a tiny 3D cell culture model that mimics the function of lymphatic vessels to explore how inflammatory substances affect the lymphatic system. They found that certain cytokines cause cells to tighten their junctions, leading to reduced fluid drainage and swelling. Inhibiting a protein called ROCK2 reversed lymphedem...
Researchers at Curtin University have created a piezoresistor the size of a human hair, revolutionizing chemical and biosensors. This breakthrough enables detection of diseases through molecular shape changes, offering new possibilities for health monitoring devices.
Current WHO TB prevention guidelines do not adequately address the needs of imprisoned populations, who are disproportionately affected by the disease. Researchers call for programs to prioritize prison inmates' access to preventive treatment.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that global sugary drink consumption increased by at least 16% since 1990, with the highest intakes observed in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The study also reveals significant regional differences and correlations between sugary drink intake and socio-economic status.
The study found an increase in eating disorder emergency department visits and hospitalizations among females aged 10-17, 18-26, 27-40, and 41-105 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors such as isolation, social media use, and decreased access to care may have contributed to this surge.
Researchers found that relying on existing diagnostic CT scans instead of new ones for simple palliative radiation treatments reduced patient wait times from nearly five hours to under 30 minutes. This novel workflow can improve the patient experience and reduce costs, making it a promising approach for expedited care.
Research by Jamila Michener shows that organized tenants can immediately resolve direct problems and advance health equity through collective action. Tenants from diverse backgrounds across the US were interviewed for the study, highlighting the potential for power-sharing in rental housing.
Research reveals UK immigration system's reliance on anger, disgust, suspicion, and fear to cast migrants as 'threatening, polluting and irrelevant', leading to deportability and disposability. The system employs emotional governance to disenfranchise migrants, fostering racial categorization and domination.
A new clinical trial has found that administering metformin to pregnant women with gestational diabetes does not increase adverse neonatal outcomes or maternal health risks. The study provides hope for expectant mothers and healthcare providers seeking a safe alternative to traditional insulin-based treatments.
A study by Swansea University found that 85% of powdered infant formula preparation machines failed to reach a temperature of at least 70°C, a crucial step in killing bacteria. The researchers recommend stronger consumer protections and updated labelling requirements for infant formula preparation devices.
A team of researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI capable of intelligently designing robots from scratch, compressing evolution into lightning speed. The AI designed a successfully walking robot in mere seconds, with a novel structure and three legs, fins along its back, and a flat face.
A phase 1/2 study shows that a stem cell-derived islet therapy has improved blood sugar control in all six adult patients with type 1 diabetes. Three patients achieved insulin independence and showed sustained improvements in blood glucose levels.
A recent study has found that rural US counties have worse health outcomes than their urban counterparts, with declines in health measures accelerating over time. The researchers developed a publicly available dashboard to visualize health disparities and identify areas for policy interventions.
The EBMT has introduced an upgraded patient Registry database to improve data collection, retrieval, and analysis in haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) research. The new platform offers enhanced features for healthcare professionals and researchers to access clinical data effectively.
A scoping review found that surgical scorecards can lower surgical procedure expenses by providing surgeons with direct feedback on their costs. The study analyzed data from 21 studies and identified key elements such as surgical supplies and operative time, revealing no significant impact on patient outcomes.
A special issue of SLAS Discovery magazine highlights the Virginia Drug Discovery Consortium's efforts to promote drug discovery and development in Virginia. The issue features original research, protocols, and perspectives on novel technologies and approaches for understanding and treating human disease.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel approach to capture carbon from ambient environmental conditions, using innovative kinetic methodologies and a diversity of ions. The 'moisture-swing' technique captures CO2 at low humidities and releases it at high humidities, enabling carbon removal from virtually anywhere.
A study finds that microplastics are transported out of seawater and into the air through small droplets called 'jet drops' ejected by bursting bubbles. The authors estimate that between 0.02 and 7.4 Mt of plastic is emitted by the world's seas each year, affecting global climate dynamics.
Researchers from SUTD successfully applied reinforcement learning to a video game problem, creating complex movement designs that outperformed top human players. The study's findings have the potential to impact robotics and automation, ushering in a new era of movement design.
The Oregon Death with Dignity Act has been in place since 1997, but a review found significant data gaps, including missing clinical complications and key decision-making information. The study analyzed 25 years of annual reports, revealing a decline in doctor-patient relationships and referrals for psychiatric evaluations.
A mathematical model suggests females infer attractiveness by watching peers' choices, learning to prefer rare traits that distinguish successful males. This learning process helps maintain variation in male traits and female preferences over time.
A new study reveals that language recognition speed varies significantly across the lifespan, peaking in the mid-20s to early-30s and declining in the mid-40s. Despite controlling for hearing ability, researchers found variations in processing speed among older adults, suggesting cognitive processes may be at play.
A team of researchers led by Saptarshi Das is working on developing an all-in-one semiconductor device that can both store data and perform computations. The device uses ferroelectric materials, which can be both stored in and used for computing, offering a potential solution to the limitations of current technology.
Researchers found that antigen testing significantly reduces the probability of cluster occurrence by identifying and isolating infected persons. However, it may not be effective against highly infectious mutant strains like Omicron, highlighting the need for booster vaccination campaigns and other infection control measures.
A study of Atlantic hurricanes found that people with lower socioeconomic status wait significantly longer for power to be restored after outages. The research suggests that investing in energy infrastructure and renewable energy may help mitigate the negative impacts of power outages on vulnerable communities.
Researchers developed a machine learning system to predict polymer miscibility with organic solvents, allowing for efficient recycling of plastics. The model can calculate χ parameters up to 40 times faster than conventional quantum chemistry calculations and has proven accurate in predicting suitable blends.
Nick Burton's research aims to identify bacteria that influence insulin production and signaling, with the goal of finding new therapeutic strategies for Type 2 diabetes. Preliminary results from a small-scale pilot study are promising, suggesting that certain bacteria may play a role in regulating insulin levels.
A Singapore study found that drinking coffee and tea at midlife is associated with reduced likelihood of physical frailty in late life. The study, led by Professor Koh Woon Puay, analyzed data from over 12,000 participants aged 45-74 years old.
A VHIO-led study has identified DPPA3 as a regulator of dormant cancer cells and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. High levels of DPPA3 are found to predict disease relapse, while HIF1 is proposed as a potential therapeutic target to sensitize CRC cells to chemotherapy.
Researchers at Princeton University demonstrated that ocean bursting bubbles can transport microplastics into the atmosphere, adding to evidence of plastic pollution's oceanic reach. The study projects an annual emission of around 100,000 metric tons of microplastics from the ocean.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed an AI-powered drone system that analyzes young plants to predict their expected growth characteristics. By identifying optimal harvest times, farmers can reduce waste and improve their income by up to 20.4%, while also benefiting consumers and the environment.
A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...
Researchers at Northwestern University identified a new evolutionarily conserved RNAi-based form of cell death called Death Induced by Survival gene Elimination (DISE), which targets essential survival genes in cancer cells. This mechanism is ancient and effective against all cancers tested.
A new compound developed at the University of Illinois Chicago potentially offers an alternative to injections for wet age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. The drug targets End Binding-3 and has been shown to reverse damage and promote regenerative processes in animal models.
Holford's research will focus on developing new directions for using cephalopod venoms in drug discovery and exploring their evolutionary dynamics. Her study has broad applications for science, including understanding venom gland biology and the molecular mechanisms behind bioactive compounds.
A new NIH grant will survey healthcare workers caring for people with dementia, gathering data to inform better care and policy. The study aims to understand workforce shortages, payment policies, and regulation, with a focus on direct care workers often overlooked.
A meta-analysis found that CPAP treatment adherence is associated with a lower risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Adherence to CPAP therapy may be a key factor in secondary cardiovascular prevention.
A UK study found that emergency department screening for type 2 diabetes could identify tens of thousands of previously undiagnosed cases every year. The study used the glycated haemoglobin test to screen 1,388 patients, yielding an additional 9% of type 2 diabetes cases and 30% of prediabetes cases.
Research found that women, Black and Asian people, and those from deprived areas are less likely to receive life-saving heart valve replacement in England. Timely intervention occurred in around two-thirds of those from the least deprived areas compared to just over half of those from the most deprived.
A University of Melbourne research team is developing an oral therapeutic to restore the activity of common antibiotics used to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. The project aims to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and reduce healthcare costs, with potential applications in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a new method for DNA detection that is 100 times more sensitive than traditional methods. This breakthrough enables fast and accurate disease diagnosis, reducing wait times for lab processing from days to minutes.
Researchers from The University of Queensland and The Alfred hospital in Melbourne have identified gene variants associated with a higher risk of nodular melanoma. The study found that four genes with rare DNA variants were linked to the aggressive subtype, which accounts for most melanoma deaths.
Studies show that people with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) have a 50% increased risk of coronary heart disease, despite not exhibiting metabolic complications. This raises questions about the validity of the MHO concept.
Researchers found that administering precursors of Elovanoids improved neurological deficit in an experimental model of ischemic stroke. The study identified a cascade of gene responses and sheds light on potential new therapeutic avenues for treating ischemic strokes.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully tested quantum annealing on a D-Wave 2000Q quantum computer for optimizing continuous-variable functions. The study found that QA can significantly outperform state-of-the-art classical algorithms, especially when the energy barrier is high.
A new AI model integrates imaging and non-imaging patient data for improved diagnostic performance on chest X-rays. The multimodal model outperformed other models for diagnosing up to 25 conditions, showing potential as an aid to clinicians in high-pressure diagnoses.
Researchers developed three new two-photon probes that can visualize organelles in cells, enabling better understanding of cellular functions and tissue imaging. The probes are designed to detect pH levels, viscosity, and ionic species, providing more specific insights into cell viability and treatment responses.
Researchers found that humans can inherit AI biases after interacting with a biased system, leading to a permanent negative impact on human decisions. This effect was observed in three experiments, where participants who were aided by a biased AI system continued to replicate its bias even when unaided.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a persistent increase in psychotropic medication dispensation among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The findings highlight the need for integrated pediatric diabetes care and mental health services to detect psychological needs early on.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has been awarded $5 million to lead an Energy Earthshot Research Center focused on producing clean hydrogen. The center aims to reduce the cost of hydrogen by 80% and could lead to a paradigm shift in clean hydrogen production.
A machine learning model developed by researchers can predict lung cancer risk with an 83.9% sensitivity, identifying those who need screening for the disease. The model uses just three predictors: age, smoking duration, and pack-years of smoking, making it a simplified approach to determine high-risk populations.
A new study reveals that independent physician practices experienced a smaller drop in patient volume than their larger counterparts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding suggests that independent practices can thrive and provide quality care to patients with chronic conditions.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have conducted a study on rats, showing that small doses of psilocybin can increase resilience to stress and reduce compulsive behaviors. The study lends support to the benefits of microdosing as a therapeutic intervention.
Utilization and spending on mental health services for children and youths with commercial insurance significantly increased from January 2019 to August 2022. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder accounted for most visits and spending across all phases of the study.
A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that severe bushfires followed by heavy rainfall are causing platypuses to abandon their homes. The research used environmental DNA sampling to track platypus movement before and after the 2019-2020 megafires, revealing a significant decline in platypus populations in affected areas.
Duke researchers demonstrate that incorporating rhythm into movement designs can optimize performance and efficiency for robots and animals. By varying the timing of movements, optimal rhythms can be achieved, affecting all aspects of design.
The Illinois-led project will sequence at least 50 soybean genomes from cultivated lines and wild relatives, as well as 350 high-quality draft genomes. This will enable the identification of genetic variation and its incorporation into better crops, ultimately leading to climate-resilient soybean varieties.
A new study has detected high levels of bacterial resistance to antibiotics in two Australian aged care facilities, highlighting a concerning trend in the sector. The study used wastewater-based surveillance to detect antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and found above-average levels of gentamicin resistance in one facility.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that liverwort Marchantia polymorpha uses gibberellin precursors to produce a signaling molecule aiding survival under shaded conditions. This metabolic pathway inheritance provides insight into the evolution of plant hormone responses.
Researchers discovered a cell signaling pathway that allows effector memory T cells to drive innate cytokine storms in autoimmune diseases. Targeting the STING pathway may prevent inflammation chain reactions, offering new hope for treating conditions like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have developed an oral lipid nanoparticle drug that prevents tumor development in mice, demonstrating its potential as a treatment for colitis-associated cancer. The study, led by Georgia State University researchers, used M13-loaded nanoliposomes to target diseased tissue and reduce side effects.
New research finds that cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by affecting various metabolites in the bloodstream. A unique metabolic signature, identified through analysis of over 93,000 UK Biobank participants, can predict which smokers are more likely to develop the condition.
Researchers at the Technion have made a breakthrough in understanding sporadic Alzheimer's disease by identifying the mechanism behind protein accumulation. The study found that damage to the ubiquitin system leads to the accumulation of toxic proteins, even in healthy tissue, mimicking typical Alzheimer's pathology.
Research suggests that universal screening for type 1 diabetes at two ages could predict most cases of T1D by age 15. Dr. Emily K. Sims emphasizes the importance of identifying individuals with early, presymptomatic stages of disease to prevent life-threatening episodes and improve outcomes.
Researchers have identified a specific area of the amygdala brain region that can cause prolonged loss of breathing after a seizure. This finding offers new insight into the mechanisms underlying Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare but fatal complication of epilepsy.
A 15-minute reflection exercise strengthens job seekers' belief in themselves, making them more effective applicants. The study found that this self-reflection increased the chances of finding a job, even for those over 50 and long-term unemployed.
Recent satellite deployments have reached record-breaking brightness levels, posing a threat to ground-based astronomy. The addition of 400,000 satellites in the near future could completely alter the night sky.
Researchers developed a new base modification, Z-mRNA, that demonstrates low immunogenicity and reduced cytotoxicity compared to unmodified mRNAs. The modified mRNA can induce a substantial immune response and has potential therapeutic applications beyond COVID-19 vaccines.
Spending on mental health services for children and adolescents increased by 26% from March 2020 to August 2022, with telehealth use rising 30-fold during the early pandemic phase. In-person care returned to 75% of pre-pandemic levels by August 2022.
Scientists at IISc have developed an enzyme mimetic called NanoPtA that can degrade toxic chemicals in industrial wastewater effectively in the presence of sunlight. The nanozyme is highly specific and robust, making it suitable for large-scale industrial use.
A study by Duke University psychologists finds that White people tend to see Multiracial faces as Black, while Black people see them as White. Multiracial participants show less bias when forced to choose one race, categorizing faces as White more often than Black.
Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 30 can lead to a reduced life expectancy of up to 14 years due to complications such as heart attack, stroke, and cancer. The analysis found that every decade of earlier diagnosis was associated with about four years of reduced life expectancy.
Ecologists say that carbon-capture tree plantations have a negative impact on tropical biodiversity and ecosystem services, despite their potential to offset climate change. In contrast, intact ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and savannahs store large quantities of carbon below ground and provide multiple ecosystem services.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed Lattice, a device that simulates human disease in multiple organs to analyze interactions and test new drugs. The technology can replicate complex disease processes, allowing scientists to study the effects of obesity on endometrial cancer, for example.
A Cornell-led collaboration created a 3D in-vitro model of human lymphatic vessels that revealed a surprising mechanism jamming up drainage: the protein ROCK2. Inhibiting ROCK2 reverses lymphedema effects, offering potential treatment for this condition.
Researchers discovered that around 13% of brain proteins differ between males and females, with some proteins more abundant in females and others in males. The study also found that genetic variation influences protein expression, with sex-related differences prominent at the protein level.
A team from Kanazawa University and international partners report their groundbreaking study on dynamic friction, shedding light on the force needed to maintain molecule movement. The research provides fresh insights into a long-studied phenomenon and paves the way for future studies on energy dissipation relaxation processes.
Researchers at CABBI developed an economical method for producing succinic acid, a key chemical in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products, using acid-tolerant yeast. The new pipeline eliminates costly downstream processing steps, significantly reducing costs and emissions.
A Northwestern University-led team of astrophysicists has discovered that young galaxies appear brighter than anticipated due to irregular bursts of star formation. This finding explains the puzzling appearance of massive galaxies too soon after the Big Bang, fitting within the standard model of cosmology.
University of Minnesota researchers identified top-performing primary care practices that deliver high-quality diabetes care through proactive patient outreach. These practices prioritize good communication and engagement with patients, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship essential for overall health.
A recent study reveals that emerging infectious diseases are accumulating rapidly globally, particularly in Holarctic trees. The 'big data' approach used in the study characterizes the growing threat posed by emergent infectious diseases, with some tree species, such as pines and oaks, showing high new disease accumulation.
Researchers have developed a synthetic peptide that could help reduce vascular problems associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19. The peptide, called TIP, works by binding to a subunit of the epithelial sodium channel, which helps maintain barrier function and prevent damage from viral proteins.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia alter cardiac energy production by interfering with metabolic substrate uptake. The research reveals early changes in apparently healthy middle-aged individuals, highlighting the importance of identifying mechanisms involved in heart disease onset.
Rice University bioengineers Jerzy Szablowski and Julea Vlassakis have received the National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award for their creative research projects on gene expression and cancer interactions. Szablowski is developing noninvasive methods to map gene expression, while Vlassakis is studying complex single...
A recent study found that households headed by single women of color in Brazil are four times more likely to experience food insecurity compared to those headed by married white men. The researchers argue that policies addressing gender equality, antiracism, and family considerations can help reduce poverty and hunger.
In a randomized clinical trial, weekly tirzepatide showed greater reductions in HbA1c levels and body weight compared to prandial insulin as an additional treatment in people with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes. The study also found less hypoglycemia with tirzepatide.
Dr. On-Yee Lo receives $50,000 seed funding to develop personalized non-invasive brain stimulation targeting shared networks to improve physical and cognitive functions in older adults. The project aims to demonstrate direct evidence that modulating between-network connectivity can be linked to changes in physical and cognitive behaviors.
Researchers have developed a wearable sensor patch capable of continuously monitoring vancomycin levels, a critical antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections. The sensor system detects changes in vancomycin concentration using aptamers and gold wires, providing real-time measurements for effective treatment.
State hospital regulations encouraging breastfeeding increased breastfeeding rates by 4% and up to 7%, but also reduced mothers' labor force participation by 3%. The policies have been shown to benefit women with higher education and incomes, but may not necessarily provide a health benefit due to confounding factors.
A randomized clinical trial found that early metformin treatment did not improve insulin initiation or fasting glucose levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Further investigation into larger trials is warranted based on prespecified secondary outcome data.
A real-world study confirms the reliability and effectiveness of the Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) in assessing cardiovascular risk, regardless of statin use. The PCE performed well across different demographics and retained accuracy with measurement factors outside its original risk profile range.
A new study by UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain finds that climate change is limiting the use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfires. The research projects a 17% reduction in favorable days across the Western US, with most reductions coming in spring and summer.
Researchers discovered that monk parakeets possess a unique tone of voice, known as a voice print, similar to humans. This finding raises the possibility that other vocally flexible species may also have a voice print.
Researchers add graphene to Bi-2223 superconductors, increasing critical current density and improving phase formation. The findings suggest potential applications in various fields, including power generation, transportation, and quantum computing.
A new study published in JAMA found that a consensus-based risk-stratification algorithm reduced unnecessary ovary removals in girls with benign masses from 16.1% to 8.4%. The algorithm accurately identified lesions highly likely to be benign, allowing for ovary-sparing surgery.
A new SwRI study posits that the large mounds on Kuiper Belt object Arrokoth are similar in size and shape, suggesting a common origin. This finding supports the streaming instability model of planetesimal formation, where gentle collision speeds allowed objects to accumulate and form Arrokoth.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein mutation in CD8+ T cells that can make them more effective against cancer and infections. The mutated T cells were found to be more active when stimulated, persist longer, and expand in great numbers during the initial immune response.
The research aims to understand the molecular response of plants to environmental stress by investigating the connection between two independent biochemical signaling pathways, ethylene biosynthesis and autophagy. The findings could lead to the development of high-yield, pathogen-resistant, stress-tolerant plants.
A new AI-based predictive tool called PARMESAN helps scientists discover potential treatments for genetic disorders by analyzing public biomedical literature databases. The tool assigns weighted scores to gene-protein interactions, identifying promising drugs and accelerating research speed.
Researchers at DESY have developed a method to deflect laser beams in air without contact, preserving the beam's quality. The technique uses acoustic density waves to create an invisible grating that changes the direction of the laser light.