Researchers found a link between mid-14th-century volcanic activity and the start of the Black Death, which killed millions across Europe. The study suggests that climate-driven trade changes carried the deadly bacterium Yersinia pestis, leading to widespread devastation.
The 48th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium brings together over 10,000 global experts to share cutting-edge research on breast cancer discovery, therapeutics, and standard of care. Key findings include the effectiveness of active monitoring for low-risk DCIS patients and a new estrogen-blocking pill that slows cancer progression.
The UK has published a new clinical guideline recommending pharmacogenetic testing for all patients prescribed clopidogrel to determine their individual genetic response to the medication. This is due to variations in the CYP2C19 enzyme, which affects how clopidogrel works in different people.
Michael Blanton will lead the Carnegie Science Observatories as its 12th director, focusing on large-scale astronomical surveys to constrain cosmological history. The new director brings a deep well of knowledge of instrumentation and data collection to oversee research at Pasadena's campus and Las Campanas Observatory.
A survey study found that overall trust in scientists as sources of cancer information is high, but ideologically diverse. The results suggest the need for tailored messaging and trusted messengers to reach diverse audiences with evidence-based cancer information.
The new PLAMseq technique enables simultaneous analysis of chromatin-associated proteins and their location in the genome, opening up new avenues for researching human diseases. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of epigenetic mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.
Researchers at CU Anschutz have discovered a novel therapy combination to offer new hope to ovarian cancer patients who do not respond to existing treatments. The combination of a PARP inhibitor and SM08502 boosts the effectiveness of treatment, even for patients resistant to PARP inhibitors.
The ACRF MATRIX Centre will enable researchers to study cancer cells and their surrounding environment with unprecedented molecular resolution. This will help develop combination therapies targeting both cancer cells and the microenvironment.
A new systematic review examines nearly 200 scientific articles to gather knowledge on biophobia, a negative relationship with nature. The study reveals that both external and internal factors contribute to negative emotions towards nature, threatening conservation efforts.
A new study by linguist Theresa Matzinger found that the sound quality of words influences how beautiful they are perceived to be and how easily they can be learned. Researchers tested artificial pseudowords with no meaning and found that words with pleasing sounds were also more memorable.
The TIER2 project is hosting its final online event to celebrate its achievements and explore the future of reproducible research. The event will examine technological developments, varied research practices, and evolving policy frameworks shaping expectations for transparent science.
The study reveals that GPI-anchored proteins shield chitin from host immune recognition, compromising cell wall integrity and reducing virulence. Deleting ChGPI7 or treating with hydro fluoric acid eliminates these proteins, exposing chitin and disrupting infection structures.
A new organ-on-a-chip platform recapitulates age-dependent immune responses, allowing for more accurate testing of cancer vaccines in older adults. The platform reveals functional differences in immune responses between young and old lymphocytes, which are not detectable with traditional 2D cultures.
Researchers have assembled mitogenomes from various sugarcane species, revealing diverse configurations and phylogenetic implications. The analysis identified multiple potential conformations and RNA editing sites in the protein-coding genes, providing insights into the genetic diversity of the Saccharum complex.
A team of researchers analyzed the chemical structures of Acinetobacter baumannii's capsular polysaccharides and lipopolysaccharides, revealing over 200 distinct types of sugars. These sugars are promising targets for new therapies, including glycoconjugate vaccines that can trigger a strong immune response.
Researchers discovered that moderate ROS levels increase cell vitality and resistance to senescence in endometrial stromal cells, contributing to endometriosis progression. Identifying the CHK1/SGK1 axis as a crucial sensor of ROS, the study suggests that targeting this pathway could lead to more effective treatments for endometriosis.
The summit brings together experts and professionals to discuss best practices in quantum education, with a focus on increasing accessibility and visibility of quantum science. The event aims to cultivate a stronger pipeline of talent and knowledge in the field.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have identified three bisphenols with negligible estrogenic effects, suitable for replacing BPA in consumer products. The safe and sustainable alternatives are made from renewable resources and demonstrate thermal stability and mechanical properties comparable to BPA-based plastics.
A study has created an atlas of Denmark's environmental microbiomes, showing the nationwide abundance distribution of key players like nitrifiers and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. This could lead to more precise and sustainable agriculture practices.
A new treatment called MA-5 has been developed to target mitochondrial diseases, a rare and intractable condition with severe symptoms like neurological disorders and organ damage. The Phase II clinical trial is expected to slow the progression of the disease and improve hearing loss, a common complication.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute present efficient and low-CO2 process to extract copper, nickel, and cobalt from deep-sea ore nodules. The method generates significantly less waste and deforestation compared to traditional land-based mining.
A study found that mitochondria in people with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease have impaired ability to utilize ketone bodies for energy production. This defect was greater than the overall decline in mitochondrial function, suggesting a potential new target for improving energy metabolism in diabetes.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial demonstrates the advantages of continuous real-time glucose monitoring over finger-prick testing in managing gestational diabetes. The study found that only four percent of women with rt-CGM gave birth to above-average weight children, compared to ten percent in the control group.
The LHC accelerator confirms an improved model of proton collisions, with implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics. The generalized dipole model describes existing data more accurately and works well in a wider range of energies.
Researchers found that sudden cardiac death (SCD) among colorectal cancer patients decreased overall, but disparities remained based on age, sex, and geographic location. The study highlights the need for tailored heart monitoring and care strategies for cancer patients, particularly in underserved groups.
Renuka Iyer, a leading oncologist with extensive experience in cancer care and research, has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. She will oversee the development of evidence-based guidelines for cancer prevention and treatment.
Researchers investigated the geochemical behavior of calcium isotopes during carbonate weathering in the Lancang River. The study found that dissolved Ca showed variations of δ44/40Ca values along the river flow, with suspended sediments enriched in light Ca isotopes controlled by mineralogy.
Researchers have developed silver-based atomic switches that create stable electrical connections between individual molecules and electrodes, enabling the scalable integration of molecular components. This breakthrough paves the way for ultra-compact and energy-efficient circuits built from single molecules.
Researchers at EPFL's CREATE Lab have developed bio-hybrid robots that use discarded crustacean shells to create a robotic manipulator, grippers, and a swimming robot. The devices combine the strength and flexibility of natural materials with synthetic components for sustainable design and reuse.
Researchers found elevated levels of lead, arsenic, copper, cadmium, and antimony in metal recycling workers' blood and urine, highlighting the need for better cleaning practices and respiratory protection. The study's results emphasize the importance of monitoring rare earth metals and implementing measures to reduce workplace exposure.
Researchers have developed a method to fabricate multilayer optical coatings using natural mineral powders, reducing material costs and environmental impact. The use of raw materials like SiO2, TiO2, and iron/copper oxides enables the creation of vibrant colors with high durability and resistance.
A new study in Botswana explores the effectiveness of bee-sound barriers in deterring elephants from raiding crops. While results show a positive reaction from some elephants, differences in response rates between Botswana and other countries suggest context-specific factors are at play.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study reveals that raw ecological data is not enough to protect ecosystems; knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement are crucial. The research proposes the PRISM model to strategically frame ecological data and improve planning decisions.
A study found that parental anhedonic depressive symptoms are associated with a reduced neural response in children to positive and negative feedback. This suggests a specific risk factor for developing depression in children of parents with this symptom, potentially impacting their ability to engage in activities.
Astrocytic glutamine synthetase plays a key role in regulating glutamate signaling, contributing to nicotine-induced brain changes and locomotor sensitization. A custom-designed peptide inhibits this process, demonstrating the importance of astrocyte communication in nicotine addiction.
A new study by Waseda University researchers explores the role of morphological processing in L2 French ambiguity, finding that it plays a significant role in causing speech errors. The study suggests that educators should integrate pronunciation and vocabulary exercises more holistically to help learners overcome hidden ambiguities.
Researchers have discovered a pathway that makes estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer tumors responsive to immunotherapy. By inhibiting the estrogen receptor, LCOR molecule activation is enabled, allowing tumor cells to become visible to the immune system.
Extracellular vesicles can mediate communication between cells and tissues, influencing processes like immune signaling and cancer progression. Researchers have developed a practical, scalable EV-isolation platform that operates without preprocessing steps or specialized equipment.
Researchers investigate poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gel structure and function under mechanical forces and heat, revealing changes in electrical conductivity and internal structure. The study provides valuable insights for developing smart polymers and understanding their functional mechanisms.
Scientists successfully visualize two distinct mechanisms of magnetism switching in antiferromagnets, providing insights into ultrafast magnetic memory and logic devices. The findings suggest that the material itself could switch even faster under appropriate conditions.
Research reveals that threatened species are overrepresented in professional sports emblems, offering a powerful new avenue for biodiversity conservation partnerships. Fans' emotional connections with team mascots can mobilize audiences to support conservation initiatives.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University used X-ray spectroscopy to measure the amount of chlorine and potassium inside a supernova remnant, revealing that these elements were created in intense environments deep inside stars. The study suggests that strong mixing inside massive stars can enhance the production of these elements.
A large-scale study of over 11,000 adults found that even low-level air pollution is associated with advanced coronary artery disease, often before symptoms appear. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was linked to higher calcium scores and more severe narrowing of the arteries in both men and women.
The C-COMPASS tool uses neural networks to predict protein localizations and incorporates proteome data for reproducible analyses. It enables the exploration of spatial lipidomics by combining proteome and lipidome data, revealing changes in lipid distribution associated with metabolic perturbations.
Scientists have successfully used fullerenes as polarizing agents to improve MRI imaging capabilities, enabling clearer images with greater sensitivity. This breakthrough technique could lead to enhanced diagnostic capabilities and faster detection of diseases, potentially revolutionizing medical imaging.
A new USF-led study found a dramatic decline in some historic sargassum populations due to ocean warming and changes in their distribution. This shift could affect the health of marine ecosystems as sargassum supports high biodiversity for various marine species.
A study by MIT researchers examines two policy approaches to expanding the US electricity grid: one focusing on regions with more renewable energy sources and another creating more interconnections across the country. The study found that a geographically unbalanced grid buildout would be less expensive, while reducing carbon emissions...
The new LimbNET platform enables direct simulation of complex biological growth processes, empowering researchers to test and compare hypotheses. The project aims to enhance collaboration, transparency, and knowledge building in the limb development community.
A new international study reveals that nearly 25% of professional sports teams worldwide feature a wild animal in its name, logo, or fan identity, with over half of these teams using threatened species. The researchers argue that sport organisations could actively support conservation through awareness campaigns and partnerships.
Researchers have developed a new microscopy technique that reveals influenza viruses actively recruit clathrin proteins to facilitate their entry into living cells. The study provides key insights into the development of antiviral drugs and the behavior of other viruses.
A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that nearly all Americans are unaware of the comprehensive women's health services provided by certified nurse-midwives. Only 20% know about annual gynecology exams, while 93% are aware of pregnancy and birth support.
The KIST team created a soft robot named OCTOID inspired by the camouflage and movement of octopuses. It can change color in response to electrical stimulation, move to match its surroundings, and grasp objects. This breakthrough technology demonstrates new possibilities for biomimetic soft robotics.
A new study published in Gut Microbes reveals that married individuals with higher perceived emotional support have a lower body mass index and fewer food addiction behaviors. The study found that oxytocin pathways linking the brain, gut microbiome, and eating behaviors play a crucial role in shaping obesity risk.
Researchers found a robust and healthy population of critically endangered Sumatran tigers in the Leuser ecosystem, with over 282 high-quality images captured. The team identified 27 individuals, including females with high densities indicating a thriving social system and adequate habitats.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that Fibulin-5 levels increase as liver fibrosis advances, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. This finding holds promise for developing a more accurate method to detect liver damage in chronic hepatitis C patients.
A study by Kobe University ecologist Shinji Sugiura reveals that adult pond frogs actively attack and consume hornet workers despite being stung repeatedly. The frogs showed no noticeable harm from the venomous stings, making them a unique model organism for studying mechanisms underlying venom tolerance.
Researchers have successfully induced sexual reversal in all-female mandarin fish using functionalized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as a delivery vehicle. Key genes amh and amhy were introduced into juvenile fish through an immersion bath, leading to detectable gene expression in the gonads.
Collaborative robots require adaptive solutions to handle dynamic environments. A new approach integrates reactive planning and control, enabling seamless interaction with humans and surroundings. The method uses combined learning and optimization to generate feasible motion for mobile manipulators, improving efficiency and performance.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown sodium-binding site on GlyT2, which supplies the energetic drive required for glycine transport. The study also uncovered a distinctive allosteric binding pocket for lipid-based inhibitors, providing a foundation for rational design of improved analgesics.
A research team developed a hydrogel that senses changes in wound pH and responds with antibacterial agents to fight infection. As healing progresses, the gel releases ions supporting angiogenesis and tissue regeneration, achieving over 90% wound closure in just 14 days.