Researchers have pinpointed a single genetic alteration that confers resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The study provides a molecular diagnostic tool for detecting metabolic resistance and informs efforts to understand its spread across Africa.
The Hayabusa2 mission has provided new insights into the composition and origin of the Ryugu asteroid, revealing it to be a porous 'rubble pile' with a highly porous interior and low density. The asteroid's surface is also characterized by hydrated minerals, which are ubiquitous across its dark surface.
Researchers discovered that labiodentals, made by touching lower lip to upper teeth, increased dramatically in recent millennia following agriculture development. This finding suggests language is shaped by culturally-induced changes in human biology to a previously underrecognized extent.
Researchers designed engineered ion-channels activated by low doses of varenicline to study cell activation and silencing in live animals. The new toolset, tested in mice and a monkey, showed promise for silencing neurons and inducing behavioral changes.
Asexual female nematodes M. belari produce limited male offspring to exploit their sperm for reproduction and maintain a stable population. This unique strategy allows females to control the reproductive process and ensures that male genes do not re-enter the gene pool.
Researchers have reconstructed an 8,000-year genetic history of the Iberian Peninsula using ancient DNA from over 270 individuals. The study reveals complex population structures and unexpected interactions with North Africa and the Pontic-Caspian steppe.
A study of pig remains around Stonehenge henge complexes reveals large-scale human movement across Britain during the Late Neolithic period. The findings suggest that feasts at these sites drew people and animals from throughout the country.
Scientists have developed a retrievable wire-like device that safely delivers large dosages of drugs over several weeks to treat tuberculosis (TB) in pigs. The device, tested successfully, could help patients adhere to treatment regimens more easily, particularly in remote areas where healthcare resources are limited.
A new study on Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park shows that the loss of top carnivores can have far-reaching consequences for prey and plant populations, turning 'landscapes of fear' into 'landscapes of fearlessness'. However, carnivore restoration in these areas could help reverse any ill effects of human activity.
A new study found that a slowing of ocean circulation in Antarctica's waters drastically altered global ice age cycles, making them colder and longer. The mid-Pleistocene transition, with no obvious orbital cause, remains largely unexplained.
A new study on African chimpanzee communities reveals human impact significantly reduces behavioral diversity, with communities near human habitats experiencing 88% lower occurrence of specific behaviors.
Researchers have discovered a role for programmed cell death in wound healing and tissue regeneration, potentially paving the way to novel regenerative medicine therapies. Adult stem cells undergo apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, which can impact their function and fate.
Researchers have identified a small molecule that mimics broadly neutralizing antibodies and provides protection against lethal doses of influenza. The discovery paves the way for a new class of 'antibody mimetic' drugs that could be used to neutralize various viral infections.
A comprehensive analysis of 14 IBD patient groups and 1,800 intestinal biopsies pinpointed a key genetic component linked to more severe cases. The protein PAI-1 was found to exacerbate colon inflammation by targeting tPA, which protected against injury in mice
Researchers re-dated giant ground sloth remains, challenging popular hypothesis that megamammals survived into the Holocene. Their findings suggest humans hunted and butchered the animal near a swamp during the end of the Pleistocene.
Researchers discovered areas within the motor cortex responsible for muscle control and rapid sensorimotor transformations required for vocal interactions in Alston's singing mice. The study's findings suggest that effective vocal communication may rely on functional separation of sound generation and timing functions.
A new wireless system overcomes limitations of traditional systems by using ultrathin sensors and wirelessly streaming vital sign data. This approach enables parents to have skin-to-skin contact with preterm or sick newborns, a crucial aspect of clinical care.
Researchers mapped scars on Pluto and Charon to determine size distribution of small Kuiper belt objects, revealing a lack of craters smaller than 13 km in diameter. This finding suggests that constituent objects may have survived intact since the Solar System's earliest days.
A new study forecasts changes in fisheries productivity due to ocean warming, with some species expected to thrive and others decline. The research evaluated 235 marine species and found that temperature-driven changes will affect different species differently.
Researchers analyzed a fossilized tooth of an extinct giant ground sloth found in Belize to understand its diet and climatic exposure. The study revealed seasonal fluctuations in the animal's diet, with grasses and shrubs likely comprising its diet during wet seasons.
Researchers examined antibody isotype and B cell receptor composition in young children, finding associations between environmental exposures and increased somatic hypermutation frequencies. This study sheds light on the complex relationships between environmental factors and immune system development in childhood.
Researchers used high-precision dating methods to study the timing and impact of Deccan Traps volcanism on dinosaur extinction. The studies suggest that massive volcanic eruptions could have dramatically altered Earth's climate, triggering mass extinctions before the Chicxulub asteroid impact.
Researchers used a global network of radio telescopes to detect a compact jet of material expanding at close to the speed of light. The jet's existence challenges previous models of binary neutron star mergers, which suggested it was not possible for such a structure to form.
Researchers expand the genetic alphabet from four to eight letters, demonstrating a double increase in information density. The new DNA and RNA-like systems may be useful for future synthetic biological applications, including larger molecular structures.
The lack of regulatory standards in clinical artificial intelligence poses concerns about safety and efficacy, according to a recent study. The authors propose five standards to guide evaluation and regulation of clinical predictive analytics, emphasizing the importance of established clinical standards and clinician agency.
Food allergies are associated with unique skin properties and abnormalities in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis. The study found decreased filaggrin, elevated type 2 immune responses, and increased keratin expression in skin samples from patients with food allergy and dermatitis.
In a five-year study, over 87% of golden snub-nosed monkey infants were nursed by females other than their mothers, highlighting the behavior in Old World monkeys for the first time. This phenomenon, called allomaternal nursing, was found to be reciprocal and beneficial for infant survival.
Researchers discovered a link between Escherichia coli and colorectal cancer risk through colibactin, a genotoxic warhead that damages DNA. The study identified potential biomarkers for assessing colorectal cancer risk and provides significant mechanistic insights into the carcinogenic activities of colibactin.
Researchers developed a near-weightless material with exceptional structural stability and superinsulation, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. The unique ceramic aerogel features unusual double-negative-index properties, demonstrating robustness against high-temperature exposure and rapid temperature swings.
Researchers found that genetic variation in immune systems of rabbits allowed them to rapidly evolve resistance to the myxoma virus. The study discovered a multi-gene basis for this resistance, which emerged similarly in populations across Australia, France, and the UK.
A significant gap exists between scientific identification of species threatened by international trade and their provision of international protection. One-third of currently endangered species due to trade are not protected, highlighting the need for accelerated action.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has recognized Boston University, University of California, Davis, and University of Massachusetts Lowell for their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. The institutions have made significant changes to address barriers to equity and inclusion.
Researchers have developed a new nano-painkiller that bypasses the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to be effective in treating intense pain without severe side effects. The new approach uses Leu-enkephalin-based nanoparticles that target peripherally located opioid receptors with lower abuse potential than morphine.
Researchers created platelet decoys that prevent blood clots and combat cancer spread, offering a promising new therapy. The fast-reversible approach could one day treat life-threatening bleeding in emergencies or surgical settings.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has selected 10 human augmentation researchers as its 2019-2020 Leshner Public Engagement Fellows. The fellows will receive intensive public engagement and science communication training, networking opportunities, and resources to develop their public engagement activities.
Elisabeth Gwinn, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the 2019 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her significant impact on promoting diversity and inclusion in physics. Her mentorship has led to a disproportionate number of women and underrepresented minority students pursuing Ph.D.s in physics.
Erika Camacho, an associate professor at Arizona State University, received the 2019 AAAS Mentor Award for guiding hundreds of underrepresented Ph.D. students to completion. Her research focuses on mathematical modeling for biology and sociology, and she has also mentored over 600 undergraduates.
A new ingestible device, inspired by a tortoise's shell, can inject drugs through the stomach wall, overcoming challenges of oral delivery. The device has been shown to achieve similar insulin plasma levels as traditional subcutaneous injections in animal studies.
Research reveals how gut bacteria influence drug response and effectiveness through metabolization processes. The study provides a new framework to disentangle host and microbiome interactions, enabling the development of tailored medications.
Researchers found that prior dengue virus immunity reduces risk of Zika infection and severity of symptoms in a Brazilian favela study. Nearly 73% of community residents were infected with ZIKV during the outbreak.
Researchers developed an adaptive textile that self-regulates its thermal properties based on the wearer's body temperature and humidity. The textile, made from infrared-sensitive yarn, can passively cool the body through radiative cooling and alter heat radiation by up to 35%.
Scientists have identified four distinct brain pattern profiles associated with conscious and unconscious states, shedding light on the neural dynamics underlying human consciousness. The findings hold potential for developing reliable biomarkers of consciousness and externally induced manipulations to restore awareness.
Monica Ramirez-Andreotta has received the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science for her innovative approaches to involve communities in scientific research. Her work on projects like Gardenroots and Project Harvest aims to address environmental health issues, particularly among underserved populations.
A new study reveals that certain children with strep throat are more susceptible to repeated tonsil infections due to smaller germinal centers in their tonsils and lower antibody levels against a key bacterial toxin. Genetic variations have also been identified as a risk factor for the disease.
Joanna Verran, a former microbiology professor, received the 2019 Mani L. Bhaumik Award for her innovative approaches to science communication, leveraging popular culture to engage diverse audiences.
The new webinar series aims to bridge the gap between scientists and the public by exploring success, fake science, impact, and evil through expert discussions. The series will run through 2019 with at least 11 more webinars planned.
The first 'OSNAP' results show that deep water formation in the Labrador Sea plays a minor role in Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) variability. Instead, deep waters moving south through the abyssal basins east of Greenland dominate AMOC variability.
Researchers used Curiosity's repurposed inertial measurement units to detect subtle variations in gravitational fields, contradicting the theory of a buried rock layer. The study suggests that Mount Sharp formed largely in its current form as a free-standing mound within Gale crater.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in quantum entanglement, enabling secure communication over long distances. A new technique allows particles to degrade rapidly, overcoming previous limitations and paving the way for a future internet.
Researchers have developed a new 3D printing method that allows for the rapid rendering of complex objects by rotating photosensitive material in an evolving light field. This approach enables printing times of under two minutes and has potential applications in fields such as patient-specific medical devices, optics, and aerospace.