Viruses play a key role in regulating microbial populations and accelerating carbon release in dark environments, with implications for climate change. A new study identified viruses targeting rare but productive microbes that drive carbon fixation.
A new study by UNC Charlotte scientists has discovered a self-clustering mechanism in the Polycomb protein CBX2 that is essential for initiating gene-repressive condensates and guiding stem cells toward their proper fates. The researchers found that CBX2 clusters recruit two Polycomb repressive complexes, creating multicomponent repres...
A multidisciplinary team has successfully mapped the entire genome of Phage G, a massive bacterial virus that can be grown in labs and studied directly. This achievement uses cutting-edge AI analysis to unlock new insights into phages and their applications in fighting disease.
A new study by UNC Charlotte researchers reveals the H5N1 influenza virus is adapting to escape human immunity, increasing the risk of transmission in humans. The team's computational modeling finds a worsening trend in antibody affinity to more recent viral isolates, indicating a greater risk to human health.
Advanced research identifies potential molecular instructions determining echinoderms' ability to adapt and regenerate tissues. The breakthrough could lead to new regenerative therapies and smart collagen-based biomaterials for treating human health conditions.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the function of APE1 in DNA damage response, showing that it promotes SSB-induced ATM DDR through two mechanisms. The study provides direct evidence for APE1's active role in activating ATM kinase to promote the repair of single-strand DNA damage.
Researchers found that the recent SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and JN.1 have only minor changes in immune evasion compared to their predecessor Omicron, contradicting initial public health concerns.
A new study by UNC Charlotte Professor Abigail Leavitt LaBella and colleagues reveals that yeasts do not fit the 'jack of all trades, master of none' adage. They found that yeasts with a broad ability to metabolize different carbon sources are actually efficient growers.
Researchers identified a unique autoantibody signature in approximately 10% of patients with MS, appearing years before symptom onset. This finding could revolutionize patient care and treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis.
A new study reveals that a common genetic variant among people, HLA-B*15:01, is responsible for mediating asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Individuals with this variant can quickly kill infected cells due to cross-reactive immunological responses, allowing them to avoid symptoms.
Scientists from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte review nucleolar DNA damage response pathways to combat cancer. By attacking these mechanisms, researchers aim to disrupt cancer's reproduction and growth.
A UNC Charlotte-led team has invented a new biomolecular anticoagulant platform that holds promise as a revolutionary advancement over current blood thinners. The technology uses programmable RNA-DNA fibers to prevent blood clotting as needed, then be swiftly eliminated from the body.
The UNC Charlotte team developed a universal AI algorithm called AutoClass to clean noisy single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data. The algorithm effectively removes noise and enhances downstream analysis in multiple aspects, demonstrating its robustness and scalability.
A study suggests that immunity from natural infection is short-lived and can wane over time, increasing the risk of reinfection. This could lead to a shift in the disease's progression from pandemic to endemic, making vaccination crucial for those who have been naturally infected.
Researchers from UNC Charlotte analyzed over 2,000 coronavirus genomes to clarify the origins of human infections. They found that bats are ancestral hosts of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and other coronaviruses, with transmission occurring episodically.
A recent study discovered a significant gap in leadership opportunities for women, particularly mothers, who demonstrate high academic achievement. Despite having similar leadership prospects as fathers with low GPAs, women face barriers in securing promotions due to factors such as household responsibilities and biased promotion pract...
A study by UNC Charlotte researchers found that 85% of large pharmaceutical firms had financial penalties for illegal activities, with the top offenders including GlaxoSmithKline and Schering-Plough. The majority of penalties were related to pricing violations, off-label marketing, and kickbacks.
A comprehensive study from UNC Charlotte shows that the Housing First program successfully housed over 1,000 people in Charlotte, reducing trauma, mental illness, and substance use. The program also had a significant impact on the community, decreasing emergency shelter visits and arrests.
Researchers develop reproducible protocol to assess immune effects of nucleic acid nanoparticles, a promising area of biomedical treatment. The protocol measures both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the immune response, enabling more accurate predictions and potential therapeutic uses.
A new study finds that excessive human interference is causing bacteria to become
A study by University of North Carolina at Charlotte researchers found that unemployed men are more likely to transition to female-dominated jobs, resulting in higher wages (4% increase) and increased occupational prestige. This shift may help offset the negative effects of unemployment on job status.
Researchers propose a link between microbial infections and various cancers, centered around the mucin protein MUC1. The protein's dual role in combating bacterial attacks and triggering inflammation processes may contribute to malignancy.
The NSF Convergence Accelerator program aims to accelerate use-inspired convergence research in areas of national importance. Two faculty teams at UNC Charlotte received Phase 1 awards to develop innovative solutions, including a digital resource hub and data analytics tools for studying public policy.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Charlotte researcher Jill Yavorsky and colleagues finds that men control the majority of income resources in top one percent U.S. income distributions. Women's income alone is sufficient for one percent status in only 5% of elite households, highlighting a glass ceiling that extends beyond...
The study found that different shapes and formulations of nucleic acid nanoparticles triggered specific responses from immune cells, with varying effects on cytokine production. The researchers discovered an 'auxiliary' system for managing immune response, using a molecular alphabet to communicate with the human immune system.
A recent study suggests that college-age football linemen may be at higher risk for sleep-disordered breathing due to their physical conditioning. The study compared data from football linemen and track athletes, finding that the linemen had significantly larger necks and increased risk for sleep apnea despite having less body fat.
Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in dry preservation of mammalian sperm cells, allowing for the possibility of preserving feline reproductive cells and expanding conservation efforts. The new method uses rapid microwave dehydration, enabling minimal DNA damage and viability.
A team of researchers is using genomic breeding approaches to develop disease-resistant, nutrient-rich banana varieties for smallholder farmers in East Africa. The goal is to boost yields by 30% and create high-yielding hybrids by 2019.
Researchers have characterized the critical function of the Zf-GRF domain in manipulating DNA during repair processes. The domain is essential for APE2 enzyme activity, enabling it to bind to single-stranded DNA and facilitate its 3'-5' resection.
Researchers analyzed genetic sequences of the virus and found specific mutations that occurred as it crossed the Pacific Ocean, suggesting new hypotheses for its association with microcephaly and GBS. The analysis also revealed potential relationships between viral infection and severe symptoms in adults and infants.
Researchers identified a limit where dehydration kills cells due to trehalose network rigidity and mechanical force. The study suggests a new working hypothesis for cell injury during dry preservation.
Researchers have identified a structural weakness in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, revealing a potential therapeutic target. The analysis of four beta-lactamase enzymes found that their flexible structures are cooperatively correlated, making them vulnerable to disruption by small molecules.
A recent study found that sudden growth of Burkholderia multivorans preceded periods of acute illness in a CF patient. The team used an extensive collection of lung sputum samples to analyze the bacterial community, providing critical context for their research.
A new report reveals that H7 influenza viruses regularly shuffle combinations of genetic segments, each with its own history of travel among hosts and geographic places. The study uses genomic analysis to visualize the spread of H7 genes across vast distances, identifying transboundary and transcontinental transmission.
Researchers analyzed microbial communities from sandy tidal flats, finding three key factors controlling denitrification and ammonification: nitrite to nitrate ratio, carbon to nitrogen ratio, and generation time. The study's findings shed light on the complex interactions between microbes and their environment.
A new database created by UNC Charlotte researchers identifies 306 'health legacy foundations' in 43 states, with critical information on location, asset values, and grant awards. The database helps bridge the gap in documenting philanthropic assets, which are expected to increase due to healthcare reform.
A new study analyzed dynamical properties in antibiotic resistance enzyme β-lactamase, finding significant evolution across bacterial families without limiting new antibiotic resistance. Minor changes in the enzyme's active site can adapt it to new antibiotics.
Researchers at UNC Charlotte have uncovered a previously unknown surveillance mechanism to monitor oxidatively damaged DNA. A novel trigger has been found for the ATR-Chk1 checkpoint pathway, providing new insights into cell response and repair mechanisms in oxidative stress.
A study by UNC Charlotte researchers found that teacher collaboration and professional communities can significantly improve math performance among elementary school students. However, many schools fail to provide such environments, leading to persistent achievement gaps between racial and socioeconomic groups.
A team led by UNC Charlotte researcher Deborah Strumsky is forecasting optimal energy investments using novel methods from network theory, performance curve analysis, and ecological systems. The project aims to provide a detailed picture of the solar technology ecosystem, influencing technological progress and informing policy decisions.
Scientists have underestimated the impact of large numbers of wind turbines on energy production within large farms, suggesting a more limited capacity than previously thought. The new modeling results indicate that wind power production may be as low as 1 watt per square meter at wind farms larger than 100 square kilometers.
A recent mouse study found a clear link between inflammation in the gut and changes in bacterial communities. The research team discovered that inflammation leads to simplification of diverse microbial communities, allowing new bacteria to establish footholds, such as E. coli, which promotes tumor formation.
The Human Microbiome Project found that the human body contains trillions of microorganisms, contributing millions of unique protein-coding genes. These microbes play a vital role in human health, enabling digestion and absorption of nutrients, and producing beneficial compounds.
A study by University of North Carolina at Charlotte researchers confirms the connection between metastatic breast cancer and autoimmune arthritis. Mast cells play a critical role in facilitating breast cancer metastasis, with SCF/Kit signaling inducing mast cell differentiation in arthritic conditions. This finding suggests a potentia...
Researchers discovered that bundling boron nanoribbons can significantly increase their thermal conductivity. The flat surface structure of the nanoribbons allows for tighter contact between individual structures through van der Waals interactions, enabling efficient phonon transmission and enhanced heat transfer.
Researchers successfully fabricate and test a new type of solar cell using inorganic core/shell nanowire structures with high bandgap semiconductors. The device efficiently absorbs visible wavelength light and shows potential as an affordable and durable solar energy solution.
A new study of primate aging patterns reveals that humans are not unique in their aging process. By analyzing data from seven species of wild primates, researchers found that human mortality rates increase with age at a similar rate to other primates. The study also confirms the long-held pattern that males die sooner than females as t...
A new study links specific groups of gut bacteria to the development of fatty liver disease. The researchers found that certain bacterial populations correlated with increased fat in the liver during a restricted choline diet. These findings suggest that individual variations in gut bacteria may play a role in the disease, and could le...
Researchers at UNC Charlotte are using Charlotte as an ideal living laboratory to study urban growth and sustainability. The project aims to determine if there are possibilities for alternative futures where urbanization, forest, and working lands can co-exist in an economic and environmentally sustainable fashion.
A research team from UNC Charlotte and Y-12 National Security Complex developed a method to eliminate long, dangerous strips of metal (chips) in machining ductile materials. The 'Modulated Tool-Path (MTP) Chip Breaking System' produces user-selectable chip lengths and workpiece finishes, preventing injuries and reducing costs.