Researchers found that metformin inhibited the spread of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in three study models, including cell cultures and mouse models. The treatment reduced C. diff proliferation and increased the growth of closely related nonpathogenic bacteria.
The International Culture Collection of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi will be relocated to the University of Kansas due to a grant from the National Science Foundation. WVU researchers will duplicate the collection and send it to Jim Bever at KU for cultivation, with the goal of sustaining cultures in perpetuity.
Recent studies point to links between environmental exposures and health risks, including respiratory problems from hog farms and inflammation caused by triclosan. Gulf War veterans may also be more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver damage due to environmental factors.
Researchers have found a way to make cell cultures respond more closely to normal cells, allowing drugs to be screened for toxicity earlier in the research timeline. By changing two components of the media used to culture the cells, they can make liver cancer cells behave more like normal liver cells.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 prefers to replicate at temperatures typical of the upper airways, whereas replication of SARS-CoV was not impacted by temperature. This understanding provides new insights into virus-host interactions and potential targets for intervention strategies.
A series of land-based learning retreats is helping Indigenous youth reconnect with their cultures, emphasizing knowledge-sharing, survival skills, and ceremonies. The retreats provide a safe space for young people to learn about their heritage, including cultural workshops, arts-based activities, and storytelling sessions.
The study of 111 ancient genomes sheds light on the history of the Scythians, a legendary horse warrior culture. Genetic analysis reveals two main sources of origin for nomadic Iron Age groups, with one from the Altai Mountains and another from the western Ural Mountains.
Researchers at CNIO describe how embryonic stem cells are maintained in optimal conditions for use in regenerative medicine. The study reveals the molecular events that help stabilize these valuable cells, which can differentiate into any cell type.
The study reveals how neural circuits balance excitation and inhibition, crucial for normal functionality of our brain. The results provide a clearer picture of how this balance is preserved and where it fails in living neural networks.
Scientists have developed a novel technology combining 3-D bioelectronic systems with human neural cultures to study brain development and repair. The device can record electrical activity, manipulate neural activity using light pulses, and perform optogenetic experiments.
An international study published in Affective Science found that Western countries are the most affected by parental burnout, with individualism playing a predominant role. The study suggests that collectivist cultures, like those in Africa, may protect against parental burnout due to their emphasis on community and mutual aid.
Researchers at the University of Miami have successfully cultured cells from coral and sea anemones for up to 12 days, opening new avenues for studying evolutionary biology and human health. The breakthrough uses antibiotic treatment to prime tissues before culture, allowing for longer and more robust cell cultures.
The study demonstrates MEK inhibitors as a promising targeted therapy for basal subtype bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of 3D cell culture drug screening. Established genomic and transcriptomic data are correlated with drug response to identify novel groups of tumors vulnerable to specific drugs.
A new study assesses consumers' likelihood of adopting robo-advisory services, which provide automated investment advice. The analysis reveals that attitudes across cultures shape differences in local consumers' adoption of AI-based services.
Research highlights grandmothers' significant role in newborn care across collectivist cultures in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite this, initiatives focus primarily on young mothers and nuclear families, excluding grandmothers and their valuable knowledge and practices.
A new technique developed by Brown University researchers reveals the forces involved at the cellular level during biological tissue formation and growth processes. The technique makes use of cell-sized spheres made from a highly compliant polymer material, which can be placed in laboratory cultures of tissue-forming cells.
Scientists at University of Warwick and Monash University discovered the molecular basis of a biological mechanism controlling antibiotic production in soil bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to improved manufacturing of existing antibiotics and uncovering new ones.
The University of Konstanz and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior host a virtual TEDxKonstanz event from March 2-5, 2021, featuring talks on animal intelligence, patterns in nature and society. Talks will be available in both English and German.
A study of 2,356 people reveals that sensory absorption and a porous mental model explain divine experiences. The research, conducted across multiple cultures and religions, highlights the complex factors influencing spiritual encounters.
Researchers found that women's involvement with dogs strengthened the human-dog bond, leading to increased personhood and utility. Hunting cultures also showed a stronger connection between humans and dogs.
Corning Life Sciences is sharing its latest 3D cell culture technologies at SLAS2021 to support critical research in the industry. The company's new products, including Matrigel matrix-3D plates and Corning Elplasia plates, feature microcavity technology for high-volume spheroid production and enable rapid imaging of 3D cultures.
A study of 323,200 participants from 99 countries found that friendships have health benefits regardless of location. In cultures with more individualism, those without resources benefit most from friendships for physical and psychological health.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers shows that people from independent cultures create similar category systems when working in large groups, but not in small groups. This challenges the idea that categories are innate and instead suggests that social network interactions shape our categorization methods.
A team of researchers found that diverse biologically and culturally rich regions exhibit even greater diversity than expected. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests a link between complexity and diversity across different domains.
A clinical study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that an antifungal drug improved key biomarkers in lung tissue cultures and nasal cells of patients with cystic fibrosis. The study suggests that the drug could benefit all patients, regardless of their mutation, offering a new approach to treatment.
A study by Penn State researchers found that cultural factors significantly impact gesture choices, with some gestures differing between American and Chinese participants. The team identified common ground among cultures for similar purposes and actions.
Research aims to examine impact of organisational cultural tightness on employee creativity and firm innovation in Asia. Tight cultures may hinder certain aspects but potentially foster other creative aspects.
A new study found that high national math achievement combined with societal pressures can lead to decreased enthusiasm for learning math among girls. Girls are more susceptible to this effect, highlighting the need for schools to promote both interest and achievement in mathematics.
A combination of remdesivir and hrsACE2 reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load and inhibited replication in cell cultures. The therapy achieved a dual effect with low doses and lower toxicity, paving the way for clinical trials. HrsACE2 is currently being evaluated in a phase II trial involving 200 people with severe COVID-19.
A new paper argues that robots designed for older adults can provide essential human values like social interaction, emotional fulfillment, and bodily integrity. The author suggests that Western cultures' narrow view of sex as lust needs to be challenged, and that robots can enable people to experience physical affection and self-respect.
A study of ancient China's staple cereals reveals a complex history of environmental and cultural influences on food systems. Researchers analyzed isotopic data from human skeletal samples to infer patterns of changing cuisines over time and space.
Researchers have discovered a highly developed social system in the sugarcane shot-hole borer beetle, where females can reproduce and help with caring for fungal cultures. The beetles' cooperative brood care is rare in nature and may provide insights into the evolution of sociality.
A new study examines 12,000 years of sea-level rise and finds that changes in land area and human cultures happened at variable rates, out of step with the prevailing rate of sea-level rise. Researchers warn that future sea-level rise will not always be simple and that human responses will be equally localized.
This study examines the effects of talc on mesothelial and neoplastic cells, revealing high levels of IL-6 and TNFRI. The results suggest that normal mesothelium is the main stimulus for the inflammatory process, with talc inducing higher rates of apoptosis in neoplastic cells.
A new assay using HEPATOPAC model identifies drugs with high DILI risk, showing high sensitivity and specificity. BioIVT's advanced in vitro liver model provides a promising solution for preclinical DILI risk assessment.
Researchers have developed a computational approach called EpiMogrify that can predict the molecules needed to keep cells healthy in laboratory cultures. The model successfully identified molecules to maintain healthy nerve cells and heart cells, and predicted molecules that trigger stem cells to turn into specific cell types.
A new paper by Berkeley Haas Prof. Jennifer Chatman and colleagues shows narcissistic leaders 'infect' their organizations' cultures, leading to decreased collaboration and integrity. The researchers reveal how narcissists create lasting damage on employee morale and performance.
Scientists have created a 3D tumour model for ovarian cancer, which can mimic the way tumour cells grow and respond to chemotherapy drugs. The new model has the potential to improve understanding and treatment of the disease.
Researchers repurpose anti-malarial compounds to target the intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium, killing it in cell cultures and immunocompromised mice. The compounds work by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for protein production within the parasite.
The TL1 program requires students to shadow physicians treating patients with diseases at the center of their research, bridging basic science and clinical cultures. This rotation provides a two-way street of education, where students learn about patient problems and bring basic science questions to address them.
A polygenic risk score has been developed to predict drug-induced liver injury, using genomic data and organoid models. The score can identify patients at risk of liver damage, allowing for safer medication choice and dosage.
A study by Indiana University researchers reveals two distinct scientific cultures within the movements of open science and reproducibility. Open science is associated with more prosocial language, increased participation from women and underrepresented groups, and a culture that promotes transparency and collaboration.
Researchers at University of Luxembourg have identified a genetic form of Parkinson's disease caused by a splicing error, offering new potential pharmacological treatments. The discovery was made using patient-based cell cultures reprogrammed into nerve cells in vitro.
Researchers analyzed facial expressions in ancient American art, finding that some emotions like elation and anger are universally conveyed. This study supports the idea that feelings can be expressed nonverbally across cultures.
Researchers studied how microbes in fermented sausages influence fatty acid production, revealing differences between microbe combinations. The study found that specific bacteria alter the composition of fatty acids, contributing to desirable traits like antifungal activity and flavor profiles.
The study establishes relationships between game progress and entertainment experiences using Newtonian laws of motion, revealing the player's mental state. The game refinement theory explores fundamental mechanisms of game playing mechanics, mapping different cultures to human mind sophistication.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center report that remdesivir potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 in human lung cell cultures and improved lung function in mice. The study provides the first rigorous demonstration of potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2.
A new COVID-19 strain with the D614G mutation has become the globally dominant form, according to a recent study published in Cell. The variant is more infectious in cell cultures under laboratory conditions, leading to higher viral loads in patients with Covid-19.
Researchers at the University of Bonn identified a receptor that regulates two side effects of aging: increased abdominal girth and shrinking muscles. The A2B receptor is found in mice and human cell cultures, and its activation increases heat generation and muscle growth.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 25 Stone Age individuals and found that those buried in typical Pitted Ware culture graves were genetically similar to earlier Scandinavian hunter-gatherers. The presence of Battle Axe culture influences in some graves suggested trade and cultural exchange between the groups, rather than genetic migration.
Researchers have discovered biochemical alterations in skin cells, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Lesch-Nyhan disease. High levels of folic acid reversed these alterations in cell cultures, suggesting a possible treatment strategy.
French prehistory saw two significant migration waves: Neolithic and Bronze Age, which mixed with native hunter-gatherers. The study found that 7,000 years of admixture between these groups still influences the genomes of French people.
A study from Carnegie Mellon University and Columbia Business School found that women entrepreneurs are more motivated by social impact than money, while men are more driven by financial gains. The research also revealed that individuals from altruistic cultures are more likely to respond to messages focused on social impact.
Researchers at Penn State have successfully developed a novel plasma medicine technique that effectively targets and kills bacteria in liquid cultures without developing resistance. The process uses low-temperature plasma generated from atmospheric pressure or liquids, creating reactive particles with antibacterial effects.
Researchers analyzed DNA of 89 ancient humans in the central Andes, finding early genetic differences between regions and surprising continuity. Genetic analysis revealed a north-south substructure of the Highlands developing by 5,800 BP, with minimal changes to the genetic structure of the central Andean region between 2,000 and 500 BP.
Cognitive neuroscientists are using computers to illuminate human emotions, overturning old ideas about emotion structure. Facial expression recognition across cultures reveals only four cross-cultural expressions, while digital agents can now generate nuanced, culturally sensitive expressions.
Researchers use computer simulations to model the expansions of four archaeological cultures in South America, showing that some expansions may be due to similar demographic processes as the Neolithic in Eurasia. The study found that population growth and migration can explain the spread of these cultures across vast distances.
Researchers developed a low-toxicity antimicrobial peptide that effectively fought drug-resistant bacteria in laboratory cell cultures and mice, offering hope for treating respiratory infections. The new peptide, D8, showed remarkable stability and activity against superbugs, posing less risk to human cells.
A new systematic review highlights the importance of emotional and psychological support, community involvement, and personal growth for new mothers during the postnatal period. The study identified four recurring themes that shape a positive post-birth experience, providing insights for caregivers to improve maternal care.
A new study finds that cultural orientation significantly affects how individuals perceive the relationship between power and status. In cultures with a vertical collectivist orientation, powerful leaders are often seen as having high status, while in horizontal collectivistic cultures, high-status individuals are viewed as powerful. T...