A study of 188 Hadza hunter-gatherers reveals that their diet affects the composition of their gut microbiome. The researchers found that traditional diets rich in plants and hunting were associated with higher levels of beneficial bacteria, while Western diets were linked to reduced diversity.
Researchers have developed a twistron harvester that harnesses energy from ocean waves, achieving a voltage of 46 mV and average output power of 1.79 mW. The device also acts as a motion sensor, demonstrating its potential for self-powered devices and natural energy harvesting.
Researchers discovered that carbon nanotubes with a width of 0.8 nanometers can filter water with better efficiency than biological proteins, known as aquaporins. The narrow nanotube porins (nCNTPs) maintain permeability even at high salt concentrations and can be tailored for specific ion selectivity.
A comprehensive study found high arsenic concentrations in groundwater throughout the Indus Plain, threatening public health. The researchers recommend urgent action, including testing and treating affected wells, to address this significant global health risk.
A compound has been identified that enhances tumor-targeting viruses' ability to selectively kill liver cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. The oncolytic virus M1 was boosted by combining it with Eeyarestatin I, increasing its potency 3,600-fold against cancer cells in culture and animal models.
Researchers reprogrammed cells carrying an extra chromosome in mice, resulting in the loss of the extra chromosome. This technique, known as trisomy-biased chromosome loss, successfully generated fertile offspring and offers a potential solution to infertility related to extra chromosomes.
Astronomers have discovered a white dwarf with low mass, high velocity and strange composition that may be the remnants of a Type Iax supernova. The calculated age of the explosion suggests it occurred between five and 50 million years ago.
Researchers Fei Zhao and colleagues discovered a hormone-sensing nuclear receptor that contributes to Wolffian duct degeneration in females. The finding challenges the long-held assumption that androgens are essential for Wolffian duct retention, suggesting alternative mechanisms may be at play.
A lubricant-infused polymer coating has been developed to prevent mussel fouling, a significant problem in marine environments. The coating tricks mussels into not producing their adhesive threads, reducing the problem of fouling on ship hulls and marine pipes.
Researchers developed a DNA sequencing-based method to detect early stage cancers by analyzing circulating tumor DNA in blood plasma. The approach, called TEC-Seq, identified cancer driver genes in over 90% of patients with colorectal, ovarian, lung, and breast cancers.
Giant larvaceans, a type of plankton, consume tiny pieces of plastic and pass them in their fecal pellets, which sink to the ocean bottom. This process suggests that these filter feeders may contribute to faster transfer of plastic pollution from surface to sea floor.
A new study suggests that auditory hallucinations may arise from top-down brain processing, driven by strong associations between sensory inputs and mental concepts. Participants who experienced hallucinations showed strong beliefs about the association, which drove their tone hallucinations.
An analysis of 50 years' worth of data reveals that climate change is causing rivers to flood earlier in the spring in western and northeastern Europe. This shift is largely attributed to changes in soil moisture retention and increased snowmelt due to warmer temperatures.
Scientists have identified two new brain regions, perirhinal cortex and temporal pole, that facilitate the recognition of familiar faces in monkeys. These regions were found to be specifically involved in recognizing personally familiar faces, but not unfamiliar objects or faces.
Researchers have successfully edited the pig genome to deactivate a family of retroviruses, which can be passed on to human cells. The achievement holds important implications for transplant medicine and may one day enable pig-to-human organ transplants.
A new study found that motivating high school classroom environments can positively influence students' STEM interests, with 65% of students showing STEM career intentions in classrooms with perceived high levels of peer interest. Peer interest was also linked to improved or maintained grades in science and math courses.
A recent study demonstrates the safety of immunotherapy in treating type 1 diabetes. The treatment showed metabolic effects without accelerating β-cell destruction, suggesting a viable option for patients.
A group of dark asteroids with related orbits have been identified as part of a previously unknown family, estimated to be roughly 4 billion years old. The discovery provides valuable information on the size distribution of original planetesimal bodies and challenges traditional theories of asteroid formation.
Researchers detect coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) using a specialized setup at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The observation validates theoretical predictions and paves the way for technological applications such as non-intrusive nuclear reactor monitoring.
Scientists analyzed ancient maize genomes to understand its adoption at high elevations. They found that desirable phenotypes were selected for by high-altitude farmers over thousands of years, rather than being introduced from modern-day Mexico.
Researchers have developed a novel method to treat addiction using optogenetically-inspired deep-brain stimulation, which could provide continued benefits and improve on existing treatments. The method targets brain circuits responsible for addiction and shows promise in animal models.
A study found that green anole lizards in the south developed greater resistance to cold temperatures after a severe winter, similar to their northern counterparts. The population showed significant genetic divergence in response to the extreme weather event.
By the late 21st century, South Asia is projected to experience deadly heat waves, with wet-bulb temperatures surpassing human survivability limits. Climate change mitigation efforts could reduce population exposure by up to 70%, according to new research.
Researchers have pinpointed a specific subset of immune cells, known as TH2 subset or type 2 "helper" T cells, which are central to allergies. The identified cells, dubbed TH2A, were found to produce multiple inflammatory signaling molecules and unique gene expression patterns that drive allergic responses.
Researchers have developed a new type of adhesive substance that mimics the properties of slug mucus, effectively sealing wounds after surgery. The substance was found to be strong, flexible and non-toxic, with performance comparable to using a hemostat in emergency surgical procedures.
A new study finds that climate change will lead to a significant increase in nitrogen runoff in the US, with projected increases of up to 19% by 2100. This excess nitrogen can cause algal blooms, harming human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.
A massive circular blob of partially molten rock, approximately 800 kilometers in diameter and 15 kilometers high, has been detected at the core-mantle boundary beneath Iceland. This discovery suggests a link between the ulvazs and rising plumes that feed active hotspots.
In a new study, researchers identified the mechanism that suppresses development of connections between corticospinal neurons and motor neurons in mice shortly after birth. By selectively deleting receptors, they found that one particular receptor, PlexA1, is responsible for suppressing these connections.
A study by Hirojuki Hikichi and colleagues found that group relocation increased informal socializing and social participation among older adults. Nearly three years after the disaster, respondents who relocated with their community showed increases in meeting with friends and participating in sports clubs.
Soft robotic exosuits have been developed to assist stroke patients in walking with more efficiency and reduced asymmetry. The devices provide forward propulsion and correct problems with ankle dorsiflexion, a common issue affecting up to 20% of stroke survivors.
Researchers used polyrotaxane to create a silicon anode that expands and contracts more easily, boosting battery performance. The technique allows for high volumetric and energy densities similar to commercialized lithium-ion batteries.
A new study in Uganda found that payment programs to protect forests can be highly effective in reducing deforestation and mitigating global carbon emissions. The program, which offered modest payments to landowners for leaving trees intact, resulted in a 50% reduction in tree loss compared to a control group.
A global data set reveals that volcanic arcs mobilize carbon from crustal carbonate platforms, particularly in Italy and Indonesia. This finding requires a downward revision of past organic carbon burial estimates.
A new study reveals that tuna's precise control over their fins is enabled by the hydraulic activity of their lymphatic system. This specialization is also observed in other scombrid species, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to high-performance swimming needs.
Scientists developed an algorithm for a robotic harness that provides personalized support to address motor defects in stroke and spinal cord injury patients. Wearing the harness allows participants to walk with abilities comparable to healthy individuals, offering a promising alternative to traditional rehabilitation programs.
Since 1950s, over 9.1 billion tons of plastic have been manufactured, with the majority ending up in landfills or natural settings. Recycling plastic merely delays disposal unless it reduces new production, while incineration can have negative environmental and health effects.
A new study reveals ravens can plan ahead for different events, such as using tools to access rewards, with a high success rate of 86%. Ravens demonstrated self-control by choosing less appealing immediate rewards over better ones, similar to great apes.
Researchers discovered a neural circuit in mice that enhances social dominance, boosting chances of becoming an alpha male during aggressive encounters. Stimulating this circuit increased the mouse's winning rate to 90% without affecting motor performance or anxiety levels.
A new study resolves the ongoing debate about the Sun's cyclic behavior by showing it follows the same pattern as other nearby solar-type stars. The research suggests that the Sun's magnetic cycle depends on its rotation rate and luminosity, advancing scientists' understanding of stellar magnetic fields.
When natural early adopters (NEAs) are prevented from accessing a new technology, it can lead to a cascading negative effect on adoption across the population. The experiment found that among self-proclaimed NEAs, cash-out rates increased significantly when access was delayed, indicating they were more likely to abandon the technology.
Researchers have identified an anti-CRISPR protein that can block the Cas9 component of CRISPR-Cas9 from interacting with DNA, reducing off-target cuts. This protein, AcrIIA4, was found to inhibit CRISPR-Cas9's ability to cut target DNA while still allowing on-target editing.
Researchers developed a metric to identify dangerous blood vessel plaques from CT scans, correlating with markers of inflammation. This new measure may help doctors deploy preventative interventions for at-risk patients, offering a more effective diagnostic tool than current methods.
Researchers identified a gene in wheat that protects against a deadly fungus, which was lost from many wheat crops in the 1980s. Restoring this gene could limit impacts of the fungal pathogen.
Researchers at AAAS found that Indian preschoolers who played math games for four months showed significant improvements in math assessments, with gains lasting up to a year. The study suggests that preschool-level training with numerate adults can help prepare children for primary school math curricula.
Researchers used 3-D genetic sequencing data to study the evolution of wheat from wild tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum) to domesticated wheat. They found two gene clusters that lost their function, leading to changes in spike morphology and grain development.
A study in Jakarta found that ending a carpooling policy increased morning rush-hour travel times by 46%, while evening travel times surged by 87%. The research suggests the policy helped reduce overall cars on the road, but had negative effects on traffic flow.
Scientists developed a method to compare climate model sensitivities with historical data, showing good agreement. Accounting for slow mode feedback, the temperature range of climate sensitivity from historical data is consistent with climate models, implying a higher sensitivity to carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers have adapted a diagnostic test for malaria to predict post-treatment anemia risk with 89% sensitivity and 73% specificity. The BinaxNOW malaria kit measures HRP2 remnants on red blood cells, offering a potential alternative to mandatory monitoring for high-risk patients.
The expansion of agriculture has led to a decline in burned areas globally, particularly in tropical savannas and grasslands. Long-term declines were more associated with transitions from natural to managed landscapes.
A new study by AAAS predicts climate change will have a devastating impact on certain US counties, with losses exceeding 20% of gross county product in some areas. Southern and midwestern populations are projected to suffer the largest economic damage due to increased cyclone intensification and sea level rise.