Researchers have identified a protein, nemuri, that promotes sleep after sleep deprivation or infection in fruit flies. The protein also increases the ability of flies to survive bacterial infections. This dual action suggests a link between sleep and immune function.
A new assay accurately measures TNF concentrations during adalimumab treatment, revealing that circulating TNF levels increase 50-fold before stabilizing. Lower TNF concentrations after the fourth week are associated with more antibodies against the drug and a lower chance of remission.
The Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East laboratory, SESAME, has been recognized for its unprecedented scientific cooperation between political adversaries. The award honors the efforts of five scientists who made central contributions to its founding and development.
A new study finds that a sea star wasting disease and warmer sea surface temperatures led to the dramatic decline of sunflower starfish in both nearshore and deep waters. This collapse has broader effects on kelp beds and other marine ecosystems.
Dr. Cato T. Laurencin is being honored for his groundbreaking contributions to biomedical engineering, including the development of biocomposite interference screws and soft tissue implants that have transformed orthopedic therapies. He has also played a key role in shaping US technology policy and mentoring minority scientists.
A new study finds that sleep deprivation increases tau levels in the brain, a key protein associated with neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest optimizing the sleep-wake cycle as a potential treatment target to prevent Alzheimer's.
A study by Nir Grinberg and colleagues found that only a small fraction of Twitter users accounted for the vast majority of fake news exposures and shares. Most people, including liberals, got their political news from factual media outlets.
A new study reveals that polar marine predators have a metabolic advantage in cold temperatures, allowing them to thrive with greater species richness at the poles than in the tropics. This challenges the typical latitudinal gradient of increasing diversity towards the equator.
Advances in weather forecasting have significantly improved accuracy, enabling reliable predictions up to 10 days in advance. This has enabled timely emergency preparations and evacuations for hazardous events like hurricanes and tornadoes, saving countless lives.
Researchers developed a virus-based therapy VCN-01 that targets retinoblastoma, a tumor affecting mainly children, by infecting cancer cells with a dysfunctional RB1 pathway. The treatment successfully replicated in tumor cells without causing systemic inflammation and extended time to enucleation compared to chemotherapy.
A new study challenges typical admissions criteria for physics Ph.D. programs by finding that GRE scores don't predict successful completion of doctoral degrees. Undergraduate GPA is the only robust predictor of Ph.D. completion, with no correlation between GRE test scores and completion rates across various demographics.
New gravity field data reveal Saturn's rings are significantly younger than the planet, with ages estimated at 10-100 million years. The findings contradict previous assumptions and shed light on the formation of Saturn's ring system.
Research reveals an important cerebellar function in cognitive and emotional control, shedding light on connections between cerebellar damage and mental challenges. The study also identifies a direct pathway between the cerebellum and the ventral tegmental area, which regulates dopamine release.
The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prizes for Excellence in Science Books recognize outstanding science writing and illustration for children. The winners include Elizabeth Suneby, Elizabeth Rusch, Roma Agrawal, and Mary Kay Carson for their books on sustainable science, asteroid research, building design, and hands-on science.
Researchers identified a potential pathway for creating effective treatments against CMV, a common viral infection that can be deadly for stem cell transplant patients. A serum containing antibodies matched to the infecting viral strain prevented CMV reactivation after periods of dormancy.
A decade-long analysis of bee activity in New York apple orchards reveals decreased pollination services with agricultural activity; Phylogenetic diversity is a better gauge of pollinator services than standard approaches.
A promising compound TTP399 targets glucokinase protein implicated in type 2 diabetes, improving glycemic control and reducing liver fat. Phase 2 clinical trial of 190 participants shows no adverse effects, paving way for potential new treatment options.
Forest termites play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem function during droughts by decomposing organic matter, mixing soil nutrients, and regulating moisture. Their increased activity during drought helps buffer important soil processes critical for tropical forest survival.
Researchers observed newborn rats navigating environments to understand brain development of episodic memory. The hippocampus plays a critical role in turning experiences into memories.
A study found that male budgies who exhibit intelligent behavior, such as solving problems for food, become more appealing to females. The research suggests a possible evolutionary link between cognitive abilities and mate selection in birds.
A new study found that only 8.5% of users shared one or more fake news articles on Facebook during the 2016 US presidential election, mostly from older Americans and self-identified Republicans over 65 who shared nearly seven times as many fake news articles
A new smartphone software system can quickly detect early signs of opioid overdoses through acoustic signals and breathing patterns. The technology holds potential as a cost-effective tool for prompt medical intervention in cases where timely action is crucial.
A new study has discovered that oscillating X-rays from consumed stars can reveal the mass and spin of a black hole. By analyzing the quasi-periodic oscillation every 131 seconds, researchers found that the signal is representative of the physical properties of the black hole itself.
A new study engineered transgenic tobacco plants with synthetic metabolic pathways to bypass photorespiration, increasing dry weight biomass by large margins. The approach has potential implications for improving crop yields globally, especially for crops like rice and wheat.
Researchers used metagenomic nanopore sequencing to analyze 120 Lassa virus samples, implicating rodent contamination as the main driver of the outbreak. The technology provided rapid, real-time characterization of the pathogen, allowing for prompt public health responses and alleviating concerns about novel strains.
Large human crowds behave like fluid-like systems, where movement can be mathematically predicted using hydrodynamic theory. The study's findings suggest this approach could provide quantitative guidance in crowd management and lay the foundation for an empirically grounded theory of group behavior.
A new study has found evidence of a centuries-long cold snap in the deep Pacific, with ongoing cooling indicating the ocean is still adjusting to surface cooling during the Little Ice Age. The research suggests that the heat loss in the deep Pacific since 1750 offsets nearly a quarter of global heat gain in the upper ocean.
A new study reveals that a quarter of all Holocaust victims were murdered during only three months of Operation Reinhard. The majority of deaths occurred during this time period, which was 83% higher than the Rwanda genocide.
A new bioscavenger molecule has been developed to protect against toxic nerve agents, providing up to five days of protection and near-total safety against sarin. The therapy represents a major breakthrough in the field and could have translational potential for medical and military applications.
The discovery of exceptionally preserved late-Permian plant fossils in Jordan pushes back the ages of important seed plant lineages and suggests that drought-prone tropical habitats served as evolutionary cradles for early plant diversification. The findings indicate that these plant lineages survived the mass extinction event at the e...
Researchers have discovered strong, long-range social ties that bridge vast gaps in social networks, providing high-bandwidth shortcuts. These 'wormholes' can spread information and ideas, including potentially unhealthy ones, across extreme network distances.
Single-cell RNA-seq technology reveals which genes are active in early embryo cells, offering a snapshot of cellular behavior. Researchers use molecular trackers to monitor individual cells' fate during development, shedding light on organ formation and tissue regeneration.
A new report reveals that only 41% of European MPAs are fished less intensely than non-protected waters, while trawling activity is 38% higher inside MPAs. The findings suggest that stronger regulations are needed for MPAs to effectively protect sensitive species and biodiversity.
A study of over 1,700 individuals found distinct gut microbiome compositions between IBD and IBS patients. The results may help identify new therapeutic targets for these gastrointestinal disorders.
A new study uses ancient nuclear genomes to determine the geographic origins of Aboriginal Australian remains, enabling their return to ancestral lands. The analysis shows that for most all of the ancient nuclear genomes, the most closely related contemporary genome was from people living today in the same geographic region.
Researchers develop a new technique called Implosion Fabrication, which prints nanomaterials inside shrinking gel to create complex shapes and geometries. This method surpasses previous techniques in terms of material versatility and design complexity.
Recent PsychENCODE research provides a better understanding of brain development and neuropsychiatric risks, with critical expression differences in genes identified during early brain development and adolescence. The findings highlight the importance of studying specific cell types and time points in brain development to model disease...
A comprehensive review assesses growing climate change science, strengthening the Endangerment Finding's conclusion on public health risks. The study highlights new evidence on climate change impacts, including extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and national security threats.
A new study reveals southwestern Amazonia as a secondary improvement center for early maize, contradicting previous understanding of its history. The analysis of ancient grains' genetic heritage provides insight into human-mediated evolutionary processes that led to one of the world's most important staple crops.
A new Ebola diagnostic test developed by David Sebba and colleagues offers a simple solution for detecting the disease in low-resource settings. The point-of-care test can distinguish between Ebola and other endemic diseases like Lassa fever and malaria within 30 minutes.
Delaying high school start times in Seattle increased daily sleep by over half an hour and was linked to improved academic performance. The change also showed promise for reducing absenteeism and improving punctuality among economically disadvantaged students.
A new study identifies key molecular features that predict clinical outcomes in neuroblastoma patients. The research suggests a molecular classification scheme to select the best treatment for each patient, with tumors lacking telomere maintenance mechanisms considered low-risk and those with these features deemed higher-risk.
Researchers developed a method for creating a fluoride-ion electrochemical cell capable of operating at room temperature using a chemically stable liquid fluoride-conducting electrolyte. The new study presents a breakthrough in achieving low-temperature operating FIBs, with potential applications in high-energy-density batteries.
A new study has found that increased marine temperatures and reduced oxygen availability led to the extinction of nearly 96% of ancient ocean life during the catastrophic end-Permian mass extinction event. Tropical marine animals were more resilient to these changes, highlighting a potential pattern for future extinction events.
Researchers developed AlphaZero, a generalized game-playing program that can learn any game through self-play reinforcement learning. The system mastered complex games like chess, shogi and Go within hours of self-learning and outperformed state-of-the-art AI programs.
Researchers have developed wireless, battery-free sensors that monitor skin exposure to solar radiation in real-time, providing a flexible method to track UV light. The devices overcome existing drawbacks such as limited battery life, allowing for broader use in outdoor activities and optimizing light-based treatments for skin conditions.
Scientists used radiocarbon dating to re-evaluate the history of key indigenous sites in Canada, finding that European trade goods were not reliable chronological markers. The study suggests that notable 'contact-era' events may need to be revaluated, as previously dated sites now date 50-100 years later than assumed.
A new study reveals that jumping spiders exhibit lactation-like provisioning behavior, where motherly care and nutritious milk are provided to offspring until they become independent. Spiderlings remained in the nest and nursed on spider milk for nearly 40 days, ensuring their overall health and adult survival.
A new approach to automate chemical synthesis has been developed, achieving yields and purities comparable to manual efforts. The robotic platform uses a conductivity sensor to outperform human vision in assembling molecules, with instructions that can be coded by users with little programming knowledge.
A new study by Etienne Danchin and colleagues found that female fruit flies learn mating preferences from others and copy them when choosing a mate. This social learning can produce and maintain local traditions for potentially thousands of generations, with significant evolutionary implications.