A research team discovered an evolutionarily distinct variant of the Hmgn2 gene, oHmgn2, which influences shape preference in medaka fish. The study found that medaka lacking functional oHmgn2 had difficulty distinguishing between shapes.
Researchers found that omitting the bolus-specific 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) portion from common chemotherapy regimens improves tolerability without sacrificing treatment effectiveness. The study of 11,765 patients shows no decrease in overall survival but a notable reduction in cytopenias.
A literature review examines key cell-cell interactions driving pulmonary fibrosis, revealing complex interplay between diverse lung cell types and intricate processes. The study highlights potential ligands involved in PF, including tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1β, and ADAM17, and suggests targeting CCIs for novel therapies.
Researchers found that recreational tubing and swimming have a short-term impact on stream chemistry and microbiome, increasing levels of metals and human-associated microbes.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a method to apply an FDA-approved dye to make mouse skin transparent, allowing for non-invasive visualization of internal organs. This breakthrough enables new approaches to biological and diagnostic testing, with potential applications in cancer treatment, blood draws, and cosmetic procedures.
A Phase 1/2 clinical trial found significant vision improvements in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited condition causing early childhood blindness. The gene therapy, ATSN-101, demonstrated efficacy in correcting genetic mutations and restoring vision for up to 12 months.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham will develop a credentialed curriculum for research administration and grants management through a three-year, $2.8 million NSF grant. The program aims to provide a professional career path for future research administrators and managers.
Researchers discovered that low testosterone levels stimulate cancer cell proliferation, while high doses cause differentiation and suppress growth. This finding could help physicians select patients for bi-polar androgen therapy, a technique using monthly high-dose testosterone injections.
A new framework uses multiphysics and machine learning models to predict lithium-ion battery overheating and prevent thermal runaway. This could be integrated into an electric vehicle's battery management system to stop a battery from overheating, protecting drivers and passengers.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 4 in 10 cat owners report their feline companions playing fetch, while 78% of dog owners say their canine friends engage in the behavior. The research also highlights differences in fetching behavior between breeds and demographic factors.
The new AI model, CHIEF, can diagnose cancer, guide treatment choice, and predict survival across multiple cancer types. It detects cancer cells and predicts a tumor's molecular profile with superior accuracy to most current AI systems.
Researchers from Leipzig University studied cloud movement in the Arctic using a large-scale international research campaign called HALO (AC)³. They observed air mass transformations over open ocean, sea ice, and central Arctic sea ice.
A recent study found that actively managed habitats can slow or reverse population declines in at-risk butterflies. Habitat management, such as prescribed burns and planting nectar plants, appeared to dampen the effect of climate change on butterfly timing.
A new study from the University of Leeds reveals that uncollected waste and open burning of plastic waste are major contributors to the plastic pollution crisis. The research estimates that 52 million tonnes of plastic products entered the environment in 2020, with over two-thirds of it coming from uncollected rubbish.
Contrary to popular assumptions, a new study found that pet ownership does not improve mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, pet owners reported slightly worse mental health symptoms compared to non-owners. However, owning pets may help alleviate loneliness, particularly among individuals living alone.
A recent study demonstrates how real-time haptic feedback can enhance interoceptive awareness, improving mental and physical health. Participants showed improved accuracy in heart rate discrimination tasks after receiving haptic feedback, suggesting a deeper connection between the mind and body.
Scientists have discovered that epigenetic changes can reprogram astrocytes into brain stem cells, which can potentially be used to replace damaged nerve cells in regenerative medicine. This breakthrough is made possible by the methylation of genetic material, allowing these special astrocytes to acquire stem cell properties.
Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will use long-read genome sequencing to identify genetic contributors to rare diseases in children. The technology has shown promise in uncovering relevant genetic findings in undiagnosed cases, with early studies suggesting a 5-10% diagnostic success rate.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated high-quality feline induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) without a genetic footprint. These cells exhibit properties similar to human iPSCs and can differentiate into various cell types, making them a promising tool for veterinary regenerative medicine research.
Researchers from Edith Cowan University suggest that travel could have positive health benefits, including slowing down the signs of ageing. Positive travel experiences enhance individuals' physical and mental wellness through exposure to novel environments, engagement in physical activities, and fostering of positive emotions.
Scientists have discovered a new species of sauropod dinosaur, Qunkasaura pintiquiniestra, from the Cretaceous period in Spain. The fossil record reveals that Europe was home to both endemic and immigrant sauropods, challenging previous assumptions about regional isolation.
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that slow fluctuations in neural activity can give rise to the spontaneous actions we take. The researchers propose that these slow background fluctuations emerge from networks of neurons and contribute to a threshold-crossing event, which may underlie movement and other phenomena.
A clinical trial led by Washington University School of Medicine found that two anti-coagulant drugs did not improve outcomes for patients who received vessel-clearing interventions after a blood clot in the brain. The study aimed to test whether adding these medications could prevent further clots, but results showed no benefit.
Scientists create integrated metadevice that combines optical and terahertz metasurfaces, enabling 2-bit terahertz code modulation with ultrafast modulation within 1 ns. The device uses photonic crystals to control its non-radiative loss for ultrafast modulation behavior.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified a protein called OSER1 that influences longevity in various animals and humans. The discovery opens up possibilities for understanding age-related diseases and developing new drug targets.
The underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) technique demonstrates promising outcomes in the treatment of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, particularly in rectal tumors. UEMR achieves complete histological resection at a lower cost with minimal requirement for advanced endoscopic skills.
A genetic variant in the Syntaxin 17 gene determines the speed of hair greying and susceptibility to skin melanoma in horses. The study found three gene variants at the Grey locus, with the G3 variant associated with a higher risk of melanoma.
A new 'deep scanning' approach reveals that individuals with depression have a larger salience network in the frontal cortex and striatum, increasing their risk for depression. This finding suggests that people may be pre-wired for depression if they have this brain feature in childhood.
Researchers found stress, BMI, exercise, and hormonal birth control use contribute to varying experiences of post-vaccine symptoms. Women reported higher levels of stress and less regular exercise than men, while those on hormonal birth control experienced more side effects.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that middle-aged and older women are more susceptible to extreme heat due to physiological changes. The study identified specific temperature/humidity levels safe for women as they age, providing valuable information for setting policies during heat waves.
A new mpox mRNA vaccine has shown improved responses in nonhuman primate models, reducing symptoms and disease duration compared to a currently licensed modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine. The investigational vaccine resulted in fewer lesions, shorter disease duration, and lower viral shedding.
A team of researchers from Osaka University has pinpointed the B cells responsible for boosting COVID-19 immunity after vaccination. They found that activated atypical B cells are the main responders to mRNA vaccines, providing a new way to assess vaccine response and underlying biology.
A new study reveals that the menstrual cycle plays a role in spreading mutant cells within mammary tissue, leading to large fields prone to tumor formation. Researchers observed that the growth and removal of extra milk ducts during the menstrual cycle can contribute to this process.
Researchers at CABBI used genetic engineering to improve water use efficiency in climate-friendly C4 crops like sorghum and sugarcane, maximizing biomass production while minimizing water usage. The breakthrough could aid crops in mitigating drought stress and support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.
Notre Dame researchers have created a new tool to analyze embodied carbon in over 1 million buildings in Chicago, providing policymakers with actionable data to inform urban development decisions. The study found that extending the lifespan of buildings and reducing their size can decrease carbon emissions by two-thirds.
Researchers have captured sub-adult male northern elephant seals returning to a deep-sea cabled observatory off Canada's British Columbia coast. The footage provides new insight into their fish foraging behavior at depth.
A new survey by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that 69.2% of U.S. hospitals affiliated with a medical school host at least one fast-food restaurant. The most common fast-food chains include Starbucks, Subway, Chick-fil-A, Au Bon Pain, and McDonald's.
A new study by Mass General Brigham has found that obesity may be an important risk factor for infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Individuals with obesity were 34% more likely to become COVID positive after reported exposure than those without obesity, indicating a possible link between obesity and increased transmission risk.
The authors recommend short-term voluntary vaccination of farm workers at exposure risk, medium-term refreshment of vaccine stockpiles, and long-term exploration of pre-pandemic immunization strategies to build population immunity. They call on global partners and governments to address H5N1 and other pandemic influenza threats through...
Over 12,000 years ago, humans in Europe increased their ability to digest carbohydrates by expanding the number of genes for enzymes that break down starch. This rapid increase in gene copies provided a survival advantage and tracks the spread of agriculture across Europe.
A new study found that four in ten children in Central London switched to walking or cycling after the ULEZ was introduced, while only two in ten in Luton made this switch. This shift is linked to reduced air pollution and increased physical activity, with benefits for children's health and development.
Researchers developed a new type of temperature-adaptive radiative cooling device with improved performance, reducing solar absorptance by 7.54% and increasing emissivity by 13.3%. This advancement holds promise for optimizing energy use and advancing sustainable thermal management solutions.
Researchers engineered miniature linear and split-belt treadmills to study insect locomotion, gaining insights into proprioception's role in natural activities like walking. The study showed that flies can modify their steps to continue walking straight despite rotational perturbations.
A team of researchers has developed a new membrane material that can detect and remove pharmaceutical chemicals from water at trace levels. The new approach uses a polymer membrane with an interconnected network of pores, which are designed to capture larger molecules, allowing for more effective filtration.
A recent survey conducted by PLOS ONE found that both cats and dogs often enjoy playing fetch with their owners. The study involved a large sample size of pet owners, providing evidence for the universal appeal of this popular dog activity.
Scientists studied the effects of Antarctica's record-breaking heat wave on its ecosystem, finding that extreme temperatures disrupted the life cycles of organisms. The study highlights the potential impacts of climate change on fragile Antarctic ecosystems, where even small changes can have significant consequences.
Researchers have discovered a significant link between viruses and disease-causing nematodes, opening up new avenues for treatment. The study identified 91 RNA viruses in 28 species of parasitic nematodes, which may contribute to chronic debilitating conditions.
A major new review of evidence has identified three top ways to stop smoking: combining behaviour support with medication like bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy. The Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group's systematic reviews also found strong evidence for behavioural counselling and financial incentives.
A new study by ISGlobal reveals that nearly half of children with severe illnesses in low- and middle-income countries exhibit neurological symptoms before death. The most common causes of death were lack of oxygen, meningitis, and cerebral malaria. However, lumbar punctures are seldom performed, making diagnosis challenging.
Researchers found that exposure to PFAS triggers altered activity of the ppar gene group, leading to changes in swimming behaviour and startle response in zebrafish larvae. The study suggests that PFAS may also have effects on human brain development and behavior.
A Danish study found long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise increases the risk of infertility in both men and women. Men exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 had a 24% increased risk of infertility, while women over 35 years old exposed to louder road traffic noise had a 14% increased risk.
Researchers have identified a unique biomarker in human blood serum that shows potential for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The study's findings suggest that this test could be used to diagnose AD before cognitive decline or symptoms become apparent, enabling earlier lifestyle changes and medication to slow disease progression.
Research from Bar-Ilan University reveals RNA editing is essential for fruit flies to detect odors that warn of danger and engage in social interactions necessary for survival. The study found that flies with unedited RNA struggled with their sense of smell and social communication.
The 'Our Way Model' reveals four phases of human dispersal, including a slow expansion from the Levant to western Europe and rapid advancements into previously unsettled areas. Climate change significantly impacted human dispersal, with periods of severe cold and warming influencing population growth and decline.
A new study in Frontiers in Nutrition found that well-constructed low-carb eating patterns can meet and sometimes exceed nutrient needs. The study assessed three different 7-day low-carb meal plans, which safely exceeded nutrient needs for vitamins A to K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12.
Researchers discovered that high cholesterol levels at a young age can be a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis. Fluctuating levels of cholesterol were found to cause the most damage and may increase the risk of heart attack even in those taking statin medication.
A global therapeutics development coalition is proposed to invigorate the pipeline and drive advocacy for increased investment. The coalition aims to develop two Phase-2 ready therapeutics for virus families of pandemic potential, with a focus on equitable access.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the diversity and abundance of flowers in a garden, rather than its surroundings, have a greater impact on attracting pollinators. The researchers discovered that providing blooms all season long is crucial for promoting local pollinator communities.
A new study from Aarhus University reveals that older individuals' brains work harder to compensate for age-related changes in memory function when listening to familiar music. The study uses classical music by Johann Sebastian Bach to map brain activity and identify potential biomarkers for dementia.
The new journal aims to facilitate constructive dialogues among scholars from diverse disciplines, including social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. It will publish work by academics globally, promoting informed conversations, bridging divides, and inspiring meaningful climate action.