Scientists have isolated a microbial enzyme that converts CO2 to formate with high efficiency when attached to an electrode, making it a potential candidate for capturing the greenhouse gas. The system uses renewable energy from wind or solar power to drive the conversion process, storing energy in the form of formate.
This study used phosphoproteomics to characterize CK1's function in Arabidopsis, revealing its role in regulating embryonic development and plant reproductive processes. The analysis identified 3985 CK1-dependent phosphopeptides and defined 1032 phosphoproteins.
Novel metabolomics techniques offer insights into metabolic processes from subcellular organelles to complex tissues. Single-cell and single-organelle metabolomics reveal cellular heterogeneity, capturing the diverse nature of metabolism.
A team at Hokkaido University has set a size record for dynamic motion in crystals, demonstrating the largest molecular rotor operational in the solid-state. The rotors consist of a central rotating molecule connected to stationary stator molecules, and can rotate at frequencies of 100–400 kHz.
A new interdisciplinary center at the University of Utah aims to fortify the region's power infrastructure against climate-related threats, including floods, high winds, and drought. The $14 million center will gather and distribute climate and grid data to develop customized models for risk quantification and forecasting.
Researchers have developed a novel wearable patch that can continuously analyze sweat for three weeks, detecting specific glucose levels while monitoring body temperature and pH. The device uses a laser-modified graphene nanocomposite material and has shown greater stability over time compared to previous sensors.
Alcohol promotion detracted from the success of the record-breaking Women's World Cup tournament, say researchers. The 'thorny issue of alcohol' was highlighted in a broadcast of the final match between England and Spain, where a fan celebrating with beer was featured.
A new study by Flinders University researchers found that viewing sexualized Instagram posts increases negative mood and body dissatisfaction among young female adults. Exposure to influencer imagery led to greater negative mood, body dissatisfaction, appearance comparison, and self-objectification compared to control images.
Cancer cells exploit enhancer DNA to accelerate tumor growth, according to researchers at the University of Toronto. The study found that specific proteins regulate this process, suggesting potential treatments through FOXA1 or NFIB suppression.
The University of Manchester will advance understanding of microbial communities and their impact on the world. The £5.4m project aims to engineer bespoke microbial communities for applications such as CO2 conversion, contributing to a more sustainable Net Zero future.
A team developed a double-layer polysaccharide hydrogel that enhances the bioavailability, intestinal colonization, and effectiveness of probiotics. The hydrogel successfully encapsulates and delivers probiotics in a targeted manner within the body.
Researchers at Caltech developed a wearable sensor that detects estradiol levels in sweat, allowing for real-time monitoring of female hormones. The sensor can track changing estradiol levels throughout the reproductive cycle, providing valuable insights for fertility and hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered that a tiny chemical modification on mRNAs, known as m6A, is key to the formation of stress granules during cell stress. Longer mRNAs dominate stress granules because they have high levels of m6A, which triggers their sequestration.
Researchers analyzed 78 documented incidents of porpoise harassment by Southern Resident killer whales from 1962 to 2020. The study suggests three plausible explanations: mismothering behavior, limited opportunities to care for young due to malnutrition, and a specialized salmon diet that makes eating porpoises highly unlikely.
Researchers identify somatostatin-positive interneurons as crucial in maintaining cognitive function, and their dysfunction leads to impaired memory and learning. The study uses a toxin to ablate these cells, resulting in mice exhibiting cognitive deficits similar to those seen in aging humans.
Research finds climate change depletes resource-acquisitive plant species in temperate grasslands, reducing diversity. Resource-conservative plants remain stable, maintaining ecosystem productivity.
A new study explores how alpha-synuclein disrupts metabolic processes in neurons. Researchers used NanoSIMS imaging techniques to visualize isotopic variations and found changes in carbon turnover, suggesting increased metabolic demands on affected cells.
A new sauropod dinosaur species, Garumbatitan morellensis, was discovered in the Iberian Peninsula. The fossil remains found in Sant Antoni de la Vespa exhibit unique characteristics, including a morphology similar to modern sauropods from the Late Cretaceous.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found a small increased risk of depression and anxiety among higher education students compared to their peers. By age 25, the difference had disappeared between graduates and non-graduates.
Researchers developed an electroencephalography-based model that accurately predicts response to specific antidepressant medications. The study suggests this method may help match patients with depression to optimized treatment, improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers analyzed over 2 million cells from 400 postmortem brain samples to identify cellular pathways that could become new drug targets for Alzheimer's treatments. They found impairments in mitochondrial function, synaptic signaling, and protein complexes, as well as disrupted lipid metabolism.
Researchers discovered an epigenetic clock in plants that accurately tracks time over generations, shedding light on invasive species and human activities. The clock resolves divergence times of phylogenetic trees, providing a novel tool for dating plant clones.
A new study has found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attacks and strokes. Adults with cannabis use disorder in Canada experienced a 60% higher risk of first-time cardiovascular disease events compared to those without the disorder.
A new review suggests that dietary lipids, particularly phospholipids, hold great promise in preventing brain aging and cognitive decline. Plasmalogen, a nutrient found in the postsynaptic membrane of neurons, shows promising results in alleviating cognitive impairment associated with aging.
A genome study of over 600 carrot types finds that recessive genes controlling orange carotenoids are essential for the vegetable's orange color. The study also sheds light on carrot domestication in Western Asia and Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, respectively.
Researchers at Tianjin University have discovered a novel approach to combating multidrug-resistant bacteria, inspired by the selective biocatalytic property of macrophages. The biomimetic intelligent catalysis system, consisting of living macrophages and nanoparticles, shows promise in killing MDR E. coli without harming normal cells.
A UCLA study found that exposure to critical Black history can contribute to white people's recognition of health disparities faced by Black Americans and lead to support for policies aimed at equity. The study also found that perspective-taking, regardless of instruction, leads to greater recognition of racism in healthcare.
Researchers say current models fail to project oxygen dynamics in coastal ecosystems with high photosynthetic activity, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Fluctuations in oxygen levels have been observed in systems like the Venice Lagoon and Red Sea coral reefs, where marine species adapt to changing conditions.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego developed screen-printed, flexible sensors that can record brain activity and lactate levels in earbuds. The sensors allow for long-term health monitoring and detection of neuro-degenerative conditions.
Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical known to cause cancer but also plays an important role in human biology. New compounds developed by University of Leicester researchers allow for controlled release of formaldehyde in cells, enabling precise measurement of its effects.
A new approach is being developed to identify sepsis in newborn babies, with the potential to transform sepsis testing. The Neosepsis project aims to reduce neonatal deaths in Uganda by providing a quick and reliable test using a small drop of blood.
A new UBC study found that people who use alternative health care tend to be wealthier, more open to novelty, and distrust conventional medicine. The study suggests that better advertising regulations are needed to protect Canadians from potential harm.
Researchers at Dana-Farber and MD Anderson Cancer Center found that MTA buildup in tumor cells impairs T cell function. Depleting MTA with enzymes restores T cell activity, improving checkpoint inhibitor effectiveness in MTAP-deleted cancers.
The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of phosphate release from actin filaments, which is crucial for cell movement and disassembly. The researchers found that phosphate escapes through a molecular backdoor in the filament core, but the door remains closed for most of the time.
Researchers found that lonely individuals' brains show a blurred boundary between real friends and favorite fictional characters, such as those in Game of Thrones. The study suggests that lonelier people may turn to fictional characters for a sense of belonging lacking in their real life.
Researchers discovered that a mutation in the gene ACTA2 causes moyamoya disease and strokes in young children. The mutation leads to dysfunctional smooth muscle cells in arteries, resulting in blockages and increased risk of stroke. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new treatments for moyamoya disease.
A study published in PLOS Biology identifies key genetic loci that distinguish Penstemon species with flowers adapted to different pollinators. The research reveals surprisingly few genetic differences between species with different pollination syndromes, suggesting strong selection to maintain flower traits.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that patients with acute kidney injury on outpatient dialysis may not need lifelong treatment if they have the potential to recover. The study tracked data from over 1,700 patients and showed that approximately three-quarters of those who recovered kidney function discontinued dialysis with...
A new study found that only about 3% of adults in England with overweight or obesity were referred to publicly funded weight management programs. The study also showed large regional differences in access to these programs, with some areas having much higher rates of referral.
A new technology using facial recognition software is being used to monitor wildlife and improve animal welfare. The software was tested on Greylag Geese in Europe with 97% accuracy and found that geese approach images of their partners more quickly, giving friendly contact calls and feeding for longer.
Moderately sized groups of hominins may have successfully scavenged carcasses, even competing with giant hyenas, according to a new study. The research suggests that scavenged remains were an important source of meat and fat for early humans.
A new program, Recipe 4 Success, helps toddlers develop essential self-control skills like paying attention, controlling their bodies, and cooperating with parents. By involving them in cooking activities, toddlers learn to try new foods and improve their eating habits.
A recent study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that a community-wide naloxone distribution program did not significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths. The study, which ran from 2017 to 2019, saw no significant change in median monthly opioid overdose rates despite widespread availability of the medication.
Peter A. Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc., receives a seven-year, nearly $7.9 million grant to study epigenetic errors driving cancer development and explore potential new treatments. The funding will support his research into the molecule DNMT3A, which is involved in brain development and cancer development.
A breakthrough in battery technology has been achieved by City University of Hong Kong, overcoming the persistent challenge of voltage decay in lithium-ion batteries. The new development stabilises a unique honeycomb-like structure within the cathode material, resulting in longer-lasting and more efficient batteries.
Scientists at the University of California - Riverside have developed a fire-safe fuel that cannot ignite without an external electrical current. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the risk of wildfires and improve energy efficiency.
Researchers have documented the development of bonnethead sharks, showing how their skulls widen and distort to form a hammer-like shape. The study provides insight into the formation of this unique feature, which is thought to amplify their field of vision and ability to detect prey.
For decades, scientists wondered how an 'anti-apple' made of antimatter would fall. Now, researchers at CERN's Antimatter Factory have confirmed that gravity affects antimatter in the same way as regular matter. The experiment was conducted by the ALPHA collaboration and published in Nature.
A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital predicts the formation of condensates in cancer-associated fusion oncoproteins, which promotes cancer development. The researchers used machine learning to analyze biomolecular features and established a framework for understanding the mechanisms underlying oncogenic properties.
The American Heart Association calls for building on existing research and implementing cross-sector approaches to Food Is Medicine. FIM programs aim to improve health outcomes by providing healthy food resources to treat, manage, and prevent specific chronic conditions.
A research team has discovered a novel approach to increase terpenoid production by fine-tuning isoprene pyrophosphate metabolism. The technique, which involves genetically encoded circuits, resulted in a remarkable increase in IPP synthesis and led to the production of high-value terpenoids.
A new framework aims to ensure Indigenous communities reap benefits from their microbiome samples, promoting equitable and beneficial research. Researchers highlight the need for community ownership of microbiomes, collaboration, and respect for Indigenous sovereignty.
A panel of experts recommends new guidelines for conducting ethical research on humans aboard commercial spaceflights, prioritizing social responsibility and scientific excellence while minimizing risks and balancing benefits. The guidelines aim to ensure that research benefits society at large and respects participants' autonomy.
A new study, COOPERATE, provides tools to facilitate autonomy and control over individual’s own healthcare, resulting in improved patient activation, increased confidence in expressing pain-related goals, and better quality of life. The coaching program also showed a positive impact on depression and anxiety.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 triggers a dangerous immune response in hardened fatty deposits lining the heart's largest blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to immediate and longer-lasting heart issues, including plaque rupture and blockage of blood flow.
A new study published in Obesity found that fitness and preventing weight gain may be more important than weight loss for preventing chronic kidney disease in obese adults. Weight gain was associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease, while low physical fitness was linked to rapid kidney function decline.
An international team recommends a new ethical framework for human research on commercial spaceflight, aiming to address underrepresentation and ensure benefits are relevant to all. The framework is anchored in four guiding principles, including promoting diversity among researchers and participants.
A study found that reduced mobility during the pandemic led to greater risk for depressive symptoms, even after controlling for local COVID-19 activity and other factors. The research suggests that increasing social engagement and limiting social isolation may be crucial for mitigating mental health impacts during future pandemics.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that children of parents with higher work-related stress have lower socioemotional competency at age 4-5. Meanwhile, mothers' job dissatisfaction does not impact family mealtimes, but fathers' financial dissatisfaction leads to reduced attendance and negative child development outcomes.
A recent study from China found that comprehensive treatment, including CRS, chemotherapy, and HIPEC, significantly improved patient outcomes for CRC with SPM. Complete cytoreductive surgery was an independent predictor of improved survival. More research is needed to refine treatment strategies.