News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
The completed Arabidopsis genome provides a roadmap for understanding plants to improve nutrition and health. Monsanto contributed to the effort through Cereon Genomics, releasing over 40,000 genetic markers that increased the resolution of genetic maps used by researchers.
Researchers have found a new bonding arrangement for carbon molecules, which could shed light on how carbon bonds with atoms to form molecules. The discovery challenges traditional understanding of carbon's basic structure and opens up new ideas about life's most basic element.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a crucial region of the hepatitis C virus protein NS5A, which plays an essential role in viral replication. This breakthrough discovery could accelerate the development of effective drugs and vaccines against HCV, a leading cause of liver disease.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered a web browser design flaw that allows sites to collect users' recent browsing histories. This technique, dubbed a 'timing attack,' is undetectable and defeats most available privacy measures.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new mechanism for an existing antiviral drug that can alter the genetic makeup of RNA viruses. The discovery uses ribavirin to change the structure of viral RNA, preventing the virus from producing faithful copies and ultimately leading to its collapse.
Researchers Clifford G. Venier and Edward W. Casserly developed a new lubricant called Pennzane® Synthesized Hydrocarbon Fluid X2000 that can withstand extremely low temperatures and prolong satellite life. The lubricant also enhances the longevity of car oils and provides thin coatings for computer disk drives.
Susan Daluge, a North Carolina researcher, has developed a new ant-HIV drug called Ziagen that increases the anti-viral potency of AZT and 3TC. This simplifies treatment for patients who cannot tolerate protease inhibitors due to side effects.
Alka Agrawal's groundbreaking research reveals the role of 'jumping DNA' in creating our modern-day immune system, which has evolved over 450 million years. Her discovery, made possible by a unique petri-dish system, shows how genes like RAG1 and RAG2 enable complex immune responses.
The university will support its new Clinical Research Scholars Program, which aims to improve patient care quality through translational research. The program will teach physicians and researchers essential skills in biostatistics, clinical epidemiology, and study design.
Researchers at UNC-CH find that electrical resistance varies according to how nanotubes are oriented on a flat surface, with peaks six times as much when rotated 360 degrees. This discovery could be useful for telecommunications and electronics industries.
Researchers at UNC-CH have identified a small group of 30 genes that respond similarly to different conditions, providing a potential universal switch for the immune system among many plant species. This discovery could lead to engineered plants with improved disease resistance and increased crop yields.
A comprehensive study found a high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in the general population, affecting up to 50% of older women. The research highlights the need for increased medical attention and awareness about these often-stigmatized conditions.
A team of Virginia Tech chemists and colleagues have created a family of fullerene molecules that break the sacrosanct isolated-pentagon rule. The new structure has only 68 carbon atoms, which are stabilized by three metal atoms, allowing for a molecular cluster of four atoms to be encapsulated.
Researchers have developed a method to directly observe three-dimensional nanostructured glass, which has the potential to solve macro-level problems in technology and the environment. The material can be used for various applications such as optical fibers, coatings for computer chips and sensors for detecting biotoxins.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that sleeping the first night improves task performance and memory consolidation. Despite two additional nights of sleep, those who stayed up all night initially showed no improvement.
Scientists discover a solution to protect healthy human liver cells from destruction by the promising cancer treatment TRAIL, opening up a new direction for clinical trials. The treatment triggers a sweeping death response in its target, destroying cancerous and pre-cancerous cells.
Researchers at Yale have discovered that the Golgi apparatus is an independent organelle that exists independently of the endoplasmic reticulum. This finding gives researchers a better understanding of cell division and uncontrolled cell division in cancer.
Researchers have discovered a genetic biomarker that can be detected in tumor tissue and patient blood, helping doctors diagnose esophageal cancer more accurately. The biomarker, an altered APC gene, has been found in 92% of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma and 50% of those with squamous cell carcinoma.
Researchers found that pre-menopausal levels of LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk factors were predictive of post-menopausal coronary artery calcium deposits. Women who developed coronary calcium were significantly heavier with higher body mass index and larger waists.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Oncology Center discovered a genetic alteration in tumor samples that predicts patient response to chemotherapy. The methyl-guanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene was found to be altered in 19 patients, resulting in better responses to chemotherapy and increased long-term survival.
Researchers at ANU have developed a new high-resolution map of the energy surface of molecules using quantum dynamics to analyze hydrogen reacting with heavy water. This new methodology allows for faster and more accurate analysis of chemical reactions, enabling scientists to study other reactions more effectively.
A 290 million-year-old reptile's nearly complete skeleton reveals it was a bipedal runner that probably used its speed to escape predators. Its unique posture, with long legs and short arms, indicates an upright locomotion similar to humans'.
A new study reveals that bullfrogs employ a rule-driven strategy in their calling behavior, which is both competitive and cooperative. By homing in on calls from distant neighbors or inhibiting close-by calls, male bullfrogs conserve energy while attracting females and maintaining territories.
A 373-year-old white oak in Ohio's Dysart Woods provides a clear picture of a forest without human intervention. The tree's rings reveal information on droughts, weather patterns, and the impact of human activity on the environment.
Researchers like Dr. Melanie Mormile are exploring the possibility of finding ancient bacteria on Mars, which could provide evidence for life on the planet. By dating salt-loving bacteria on Earth, scientists aim to confirm whether similar organisms can survive for hundreds of millions of years.
Researchers have determined the structure of a key protein from paramyxoviruses, which causes respiratory diseases in children and animals. The study reveals clues for effective new drugs and highlights the benefits of structural biology in guiding drug design against communicable diseases.
Robert C. Gallo and Luc Montagnier receive Spain's top science award for their groundbreaking work on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The Prince of Asturias Award recognizes their originality and relevance to the scientific community.
Scientists have identified a molecule called VR-OAC that senses osmotic pressure in vertebrates, including humans. This discovery may provide insight into the biological basis of inner ear function and the sense of touch.
Lawrence J. Marnett's research focuses on identifying functional biochemical differences between COX-1 and COX-2, which play a crucial role in cancer development. The grant will support the development of more specific and effective drugs to prevent and treat cancer.
The Fogarty International Center has awarded a total of $15 million to support six new awards, three competing renewal awards, and 32 competing supplements for U.S. universities under the AITRP. The program focuses on building global HIV/AIDS research capacity and preventing HIV transmission in developing countries.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding how birds regenerate their hair cells, a process that could lead to new treatments for human deafness. By studying the sequence of events involved in this process, researchers hope to develop strategies to prevent or reverse certain forms of hearing loss.
David Julius, PhD, has made a groundbreaking discovery about the capsaicin receptor, VR1, which mediates responses to painful stimuli. His work builds on the pioneering research of Edward R. Perl, who first identified nociceptors as responsible for pain perception.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a gene responsible for hereditary benign intraepithelial dyskeratosis (HBID), a rare eye disease primarily among the Haliwa-Saponi tribe. The gene causes a 'founder's effect,' leading to abnormal growths on mucosal linings, affecting vision and bloodshot eyes.
INEEL researchers discovered a way to make rare earth magnets more powerful and durable by tweaking their formula. By adding extra elements, they improved the temperature resistance and magnetic field strength of the magnets.
The NHLBI launched a $37 million genomic applications initiative to identify human genes relevant to heart, lung, blood, and sleep functions. The program aims to decipher individual gene functions and develop better prevention, diagnosis, and therapy methods.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center discovered a way to protect ovaries from radiation and chemotherapy damage by 'knocking out' a particular gene. A compound called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to preserve ovarian function, allowing mice to continue producing eggs.
Researchers have discovered a potential new target for therapy by understanding how Onyx-015 works against cancer cells. The study suggests that the drug's effectiveness may be linked to p14 ARF, which could lead to the development of new cancer treatments.
A $1.1-million study led by LSU will examine marine life on offshore platforms for pharmaceutical value, while also investigating the potential for better glues and adhesives. The research aims to identify new treatments for diseases such as cancer and AIDS.
Scientists have identified a gene mutation on chromosome 22 that causes Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 10 (SCA10), a neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor incoordination and epilepsy. The discovery may lead to preventative measures by identifying ways to prevent neuron death.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a new gene, AXIN2, linked to colorectal cancer development. Mutations in this gene elevate Beta-catenin levels, contributing to the disease.
A Rutgers-led consortium has received a five-year, $25 million NIH grant to determine the structures and functions of proteins. The project aims to develop integrated technologies for high-throughput protein production and 3-D structure determination.
Researchers have discovered a virus with an armored coat made of interlocking rings of protein, similar to medieval chain mail suits. The discovery could lead to new designs for nanotechnology, as the unique structure allows for stability while maintaining mobility.
Researchers found that urban living increases the risk of asthma among black children in the US, while highly active antiretroviral therapy reduces TB and Mycobacterium avium complex infections in HIV patients. Prenatal corticosteroid treatment also boosts surfactant production in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.
A national center for dietary supplement research will be established at Purdue University, combining expertise in plants and natural compounds with analytical technology. The center aims to understand the mechanisms of disease prevention and develop 'designer botanicals' to test their anticancer properties.
The Alliance For Cellular Signaling will map thousands of molecular interactions in cells using a collaborative approach. Researchers will publish data on the Internet immediately, enabling free access to enhance medical treatment discoveries.
Researchers have discovered a biological marker associated with depression in children, who produce less growth hormone than normal peers when given a specific hormone. This finding could give doctors an early warning system to treat children at risk for major depression before they develop the illness.
OHSU researchers discovered that bacteria like E. coli and Neisseria use pili to congregate into microcolonies before invading cells, which can lead to disease spread. The study provides strong data on the mechanism of bacterial movement, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute discover a novel light-absorbing pigment in oceanic bacteria, which can generate cellular energy using light. This finding suggests that a new type of microorganism is capable of harnessing light energy in the ocean's sunlit surface zone.
Scientists have discovered a new light-activated protein in surface water bacteria, which may represent a new mechanism for cycling carbon in the oceans. The protein, called proteorhodopsin, pumps ions across the cell membrane when exposed to light, generating energy for marine microbes.
The MACE-II experiment, launched on September 8 aboard the space shuttle Atlantis, will test techniques for predicting motion and controlling vibrations in zero gravity. With multiple months of testing, researchers will interact with the experiment remotely to refine its performance.
A recent study published in Thyroid journal found paclitaxel to have significant clinical activity against ATC, with 53% of patients showing improved survival time. The drug was infused continuously over 96 hours every three weeks for one to six treatments.
A $10 million-per-year project allows researchers worldwide to collaborate on studying cell signaling, with the goal of developing a 'virtual cell' for testing new drugs. The Alliance for Cellular Signaling (AFCS) will help understand the global properties of cellular signaling, leading to breakthroughs in medical research.
The study found that the Gz protein conveys signals from epinephrine, supporting the body's ability to stave off lethal blood clots and avoid strokes. The research also sheds light on human drug dependency and holds promise for the development of more effective painkillers, anti-depressants, and clot-busters.
Researchers at UCSD Institute of Molecular Medicine have discovered a new genetic pathway that plays a pivotal role in the onset of sudden cardiac death. The study found defects in genes controlling heart's electrical wiring may lead to ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death.
Two studies reveal that half of parents using donor insemination are not telling their children about their biological origins, putting them at risk. Meanwhile, a UK study of adults conceived through DI found they faced identity issues, feelings of abandonment and deceit within their families.
Researchers have found a pore-like hole in the membranes of red blood cells infected by Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. This discovery may lead to new treatments for malaria, a devastating disease that kills over one million people each year. The study provides a new target for potential new malaria treatments.
Researchers have found pore-like holes in red blood cells infected by Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly form of the malaria parasite. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for malaria, a widespread and devastating disease that affects over 40% of the world's population.
OHSU researchers have successfully recorded individual nerve cell transmissions for the first time, revealing how synapses enable cells to communicate. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of neural communication and has potential implications for understanding neurological and mental diseases.
Chemists at the University of Georgia have developed a new approach to synthesizing key components of Heparin, a widely used anti-coagulant. This method could lead to novel ways to fight disease or improve human health by understanding the structure-function relationships of Heparin.
Researchers have discovered a protein called p110g that suppresses colorectal cancer growth in mice and human cell cultures. The absence of the protein leads to spontaneous development of colorectal cancer, while its presence stops tumour growth.