Researchers optimized polygenic risk scores using ancestrally diverse genomic data to improve accuracy across diverse populations. The recalibrated tests provided a more accurate assessment of disease risk for individuals with varied ancestral backgrounds.
A Husker research duo has won a $25,000 prize in the NIH’s Targeted Genome Editor Delivery Challenge. They will advance development of universal milk exosomes capable of transporting gene editors to any location in the body, overcoming a significant challenge in using gene editing to treat disease.
Researchers discover dopamine signals affect movement sequence length, shedding light on Parkinson's Disease symptoms and potential therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest a complex role of dopamine neurons in movement, with distinct effects on movement-related and reward-related dopamine neurons.
Research at the University of Bristol found that droughts trigger behavioral changes leading to higher instances of HIV transmission among women in rural sub-Saharan Africa. The study suggests that climate change may exacerbate this issue, particularly for women who rely on farming as their livelihood.
Researchers create a simple method to instantly bond layers made of the same or different types of hydrogels using a thin film of chitosan. The new approach has potential to broadly advance new biomaterials solutions for multiple unmet clinical needs, including regenerative medicine and surgical care.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel monoclonal antibody targeting HER2-positive breast cancer cells, providing a new tool for treating this aggressive subtype. The antibody disrupts cell growth and proliferation while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
Researchers at HKUMed developed a PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine that induces sustained virus-specific CD8+ T cell immunity in an AIDS monkey model. The vaccinated monkeys remained free of AIDS for six years without cART, demonstrating the potential of this strategy as a third-generation DNA vaccine for AIDS prevention and immunotherapy.
A new study from the Computational Social Science Lab at the University of Pennsylvania found that YouTube's recommendation system has a moderating effect on user behavior. Contrary to popular narratives, users' own political interests and preferences play the primary role in what they choose to watch.
A study of over 250 patients with Cushing's disease and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas found that those who achieved remission were more likely to develop new-onset autoimmune disease within three years. Higher prevalence of adrenal insufficiency may have contributed to this development.
A recent study used AI trained on cell-to-cell communication networks to predict drug responsiveness in immunotherapy for cancer. The model demonstrated high accuracy in analyzing samples from 700 patients with four types of cancer, identifying key communication pathways related to responsiveness and resistance.
A recent study by Cleveland Clinic researchers discovered a connection between elevated niacin levels and an increased risk of heart disease. The study found that high levels of 4PY, a breakdown product from excess niacin, were strongly linked to the development of heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers have developed a straightforward process to create all eight possible variants of polypropionate building blocks from a single starting material. This technique enables the production of high-purity, specific variants needed in drug manufacture, potentially leading to more effective medicines.
Researchers found that fungus gnats lay eggs in the flowers, which then feed on decaying flowers to develop into adult gnats. However, some gnats may escape the trap, suggesting a nuanced interaction between plant and insect.
A new study by University of Eastern Finland identifies four main drivers for home care worker turnover: mismatch between client needs and available resources, digital systems taking up time, inflexible work demands, and ethical burden. Home care workers seek personal management and consideration of employee and client needs.
Fossils of pony-sized duckbill dinosaurs in Morocco reveal a new species, Minqaria bata, with anatomy resembling European species. The discovery suggests that duckbills swam or floated across open water to colonize North Africa.
Researchers found that people do not reward the expression of anger with more status, perceiving it as inappropriate and counter-instrumental for workplace goals. The study challenges previous research suggesting a positive correlation between expressing anger and achieving high status in the workplace.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics found a correlation between hookah use and increased symptoms of postpartum depression. Pregnant women who used hookahs before or during pregnancy were more likely to experience depressive symptoms, particularly among mothers from historically marginaliz...
Researchers discovered that consuming over 22% of daily calories from protein can lead to increased activation of immune cells contributing to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Leucine, an amino acid found in animal-derived foods, plays a disproportionate role in driving pathological pathways linked to atherosclerosis.
The team developed a 'catch-and-release' mechanism to oxidize hydrophobic compounds, selectively and efficiently producing hydrophilic products under mild conditions. This breakthrough enables the selective two-electron oxidation of anthracene and aromatic compounds from mixtures, solving a long-standing challenge.
A rapid scoping review found that homeless pet owners and their pets benefit from interventions such as free veterinary clinics, interdisciplinary relationships, and pet-friendly lodging. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive care package that addresses the unique challenges facing this population.
A new study explores how non-verbal communication can support individual learning around abstract math concepts. The research, led by Professor Hortensia Soto, showcases the effectiveness of gestures and body language in explaining complex ideas.
Researchers discovered that exposure to atrazine increases intestinal rotation in reverse direction, disrupting metabolism and cellular processes in frog embryos. This finding suggests a potential link between environmental chemicals and human intestinal malrotation.
Recent research suggests that problems with sleep and internal body clock can trigger or worsen psychiatric disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health, which could lead to new preventative measures and therapies.
Researchers at NDORMS identified how cells work to resolve frozen shoulder, opening up potential new targets for treatment. The study found that distinct populations of macrophages in the shoulder capsule promote tissue remodelling and reduce inflammation.
MOFs-based flame retardants have gained attention due to their physicochemical properties and tunable composition. Post-synthesis strategies, including coordination bond cleavage, have increased their application scope. The review highlights the importance of design and structure modification in improving flame retardant efficiency.
The development of asymmetric fire-retardant electrolytes in lithium metal batteries has shown significantly enhanced safety performance and cycling stability. The novel quasi-solid polymer electrolyte meets the stringent requirements of high-voltage LMBs, addressing safety concerns and improving overall battery performance.
A study published in the Yearbook of the German Cognitive Linguistics Association investigated over 500 English synonyms for 'drunk'. The researchers found that these words mainly occur in specific combinations, such as "too/so/very drunk", and are often used to express drunkenness in a humorous or indirect way. The study suggests that...
Researchers found an association between the number of ciprofloxacin prescriptions and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant S. Typhi isolates with QRDR mutations. The study suggests that increased antimicrobial use contributed to the emergence of resistance, highlighting the need for better diagnostics and vaccines.
Flu vaccines significantly reduced the risk of both moderate and severe disease for children and adults in the US during the 2022-2023 flu season. Vaccination effectiveness was found to be around 40-45% for all age groups, with greater reductions in younger populations.
A study by Lehigh University researchers found an increase in psychological distress among Latinos in the US from 2011-2018, with the deportation threat impacting both citizens and noncitizens. The research highlights the need for policy change and cultural practices of inclusion to address this issue.
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation offers limited international journalist travel grants to report on the event. Journalists can apply until April 28, 2024, and will cover travel and visa costs, as well as room and board during their stay in Heidelberg.
A study of 8,859 samples from Danish meadows and pastures reveals a decline in plants with large seeds and thin leaves, contradicting theoretical expectations. The data suggests that nature is changing and acting unexpectedly, with fewer weeds and less grazing, despite the expected increase in heavy-seeded species.
Researchers found three oak species have become invasive along riverbanks and urban-wildland interfaces in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, threatening century-old oaks. The polyphagous shot hole borer disease is also affecting widespread species like English oak.
Prescription opioids linked to increased risk of serious falls among adults, with older individuals most vulnerable. Targeted prevention efforts may be most effective within the first month after opioid initiation.
A new blood test uses the biomarker BD-tau to predict functional outcomes in patients after ischemic stroke. Higher levels of BD-tau are associated with more severe outcomes.
A new study found that potassium deficiency is a significant threat to global food security, affecting 20% of agricultural soils worldwide. The researchers recommend six policies and practices to mitigate the issue, including better management of soil potassium and intergovernmental coordination.
Researchers have confirmed a new method for precise body composition analysis using 3D surface scans and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. This approach yields accurate measurements of fat, lean muscle, and bone, surpassing commercial software in clinical settings.
Segregated neighborhoods contribute to racial disparities in live donor kidney transplantation. Targeted interventions, such as community outreach clinics, can help mitigate these effects and promote equitable access.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed highly accurate synthetic human mini hearts that can be studied in a dish. This advancement is facilitating the development of new therapies and pharmaceutical drugs to treat various heart-related diseases. The mini heart organoids are becoming increasingly complex and realistic, ...
Researchers used CALIFA survey data to study the mass of stars and their rotation, finding that dark matter affects galaxy evolution. Galaxies with equal star masses behave differently depending on their halo mass, revealing a connection between dark matter and stellar properties.
Researchers from Oxford University have developed a breakthrough in creating and designing magnetic whirls in membranes that can be seamlessly integrated with silicon. The findings reveal the existence of a robust family of magnetic whirls in free-standing layers, which could enable ultra-fast information processing.
A study published in British Journal of Psychology found that regular gamers performed better on tasks measuring cognitive functions such as attention and memory. They were able to complete number-letter tasks and maze activities faster than non-gamers, with no significant difference in cognitive fatigue experienced.
A Princeton-led study found that flexible geothermal power can provide over 100 gigawatts of clean energy in the western US, surpassing the existing nuclear fleet. By leveraging enhanced geothermal's energy storage properties, plants can generate electricity on demand, complementing intermittent sources like solar and wind.
A 46% increase in gonorrhoea cases in Denmark has been reported, particularly among younger women and men who have sex with women. Genomic analysis reveals distinct clones driving the increase, which may be more susceptible to treatment and have higher transmissibility.
Researchers developed a sustainable technique to 3D print multiple dynamic colors from a single ink using UV-assisted direct-ink-write printing. The new method produces structural colors in the visible wavelength spectrum, offering vibrant and potentially more sustainable alternatives.
Researchers identified rare variants in the SLC6A9 gene linked to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), disrupting glycine uptake and leading to aberrant glycinergic neurotransmission. The study suggests sodium benzoate as a potential preventive therapy, paving the way for targeted treatments and personalized medicine.
Researchers identified NTRK gene fusion in 1.5% of Finnish papillary thyroid cancer patients, with notable co-occurring genetic alterations and favorable treatment outcomes. The study highlights the potential for biobank samples linked to electronic health records to describe patient characteristics and outcomes.
A Tel Aviv University study found that women in this age group experience increased AMH secretion when exposed to UV radiation from the sun. This increase in hormone levels is associated with a positive effect on fertility.
HKU Engineering researchers developed a groundbreaking quantum sensing technology using neuromorphic vision sensors, improving speed and resolution in widefield sensing. This breakthrough holds potential for various applications in fields like monitoring dynamic processes in biological systems.
Chromatin accessibility is a vital process that allows specific proteins to access DNA fragments. Researchers from Nano Life Science Institute identified new pathways and individual players involved in this process, including the protein TFDP1. Suppressing TFDP1 increased chromatin accessibility and made gene editing easier.
Scientists used cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the structure of the LH1-RC complex in Allochromatium vinosum, a model species thriving in low-calcium environments. The study found calcium binding at specific sites, enabling the bacteria to detoxify hydrogen sulfide and improve photosynthesis.
Researchers have developed a blood test that accurately detects Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with high accuracy rates of over 96% and 87%, respectively. The test measures multiple biomarkers and is applicable across ethnic populations, offering a global solution for diagnosis and management.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that melatonin treatment significantly improved sleep quality in night shift workers, but had no effect on insulin resistance or glucose tolerance. The research suggests that alternative methods to improve insulin resistance and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes may be needed.
A new study finds that Neolithic peoples' wetland management created a habitat for birds, allowing them to stay year-round and breed in the area. This suggests that human activities can have a positive effect on biodiversity.
A study found that regular exercise lowers women's risk of premature death by 24%, while men experience a 15% reduced risk. Women can reap benefits from moderate aerobic activity as little as 140 minutes per week, compared to 300 minutes for men.
Researchers have published novel spatial omics algorithms and tools in GigaScience and GigaByte journals to analyze biological data-based spatial information. These new methods enable the discovery of spatial domains, improvement of data quality, and better clustering of cells.
Two prehistoric shark species, previously named the same, were given new names based on their discovery location. A wealth of fossil fishes discovered during the renaming process had been stored at an Ohio State museum for years but were largely forgotten.
A new study by Rice University researchers found that mainstream Americans are feeling increasingly polarized, despite a decline in survey response rates. The study used the General Social Survey to gauge polarization and found that people's negative feelings toward the other party have increased over time.
Recent research by scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute reveals that a specific fatty acid produced by gut bacteria directly influences fat metabolism in animals. This discovery sheds light on the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and host metabolic health.
Scientists have mapped out the proteins involved in motor neurone disease (MND) across its trajectory, identifying potential therapeutic pathways for further investigation. The study found that a protein-folding factor called DNAJB5 is elevated early on in MND, sparking curiosity about its role in disease progression.