News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in the TIE-2 gene responsible for venous malformations, the most common type of birthmark. The mutation disrupts the normal molecular dialog between endothelial cells and their environment, leading to abnormal blood vessel formation.
Researchers at University of Rochester and NIH discover new HAT that plays critical role in transcription, providing strong evidence for chromatin-unfolding mechanism of gene activation. The finding has significant implications for understanding cell survival, proper development, and evolution.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study reveals that women with non-ischemic heart failure have a significantly higher survival rate than men, even after accounting for differences in age and other factors. In contrast, men with ischemic heart failure were more likely to die prematurely.
A multinational team of researchers, led by Syracuse University's K. Douglas Nelson, has discovered a partially molten crust beneath the Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau using seismic reflection and other techniques. This finding challenges traditional views of plate tectonics and may explain the flatness of the Tibetan Plateau.
Scientists have discovered that randomness in lubricants is a major contributor to friction at the molecular level. This finding could lead to reduced wear and tear on machinery. By understanding how lubricants fracture and heal, researchers may develop new methods to control friction and minimize wear.
A UC Davis researcher has discovered that damage to the insula region is a crucial impediment to motor control necessary for words and sentences. The insula, located deep within each hemisphere, is about two inches wide and contains a small area critical for coordinating speech sounds.
Scientists have identified a major gene, HPC-1, that predisposes men to prostate cancer, located on chromosome 1. The gene is believed to contribute to at least a third of familial prostate cancer cases.
Scientists at the University of Georgia have discovered a three-dimensional structure of a fluorescent protein found in jellyfish that resembles a glowing green lantern. This discovery could help make it easier to use the protein as a biomarker for studying gene expression and cell lineage.
Researchers localized the gene responsible for Parkinson's disease to a small region of chromosome 4, marking a significant advancement in understanding the disease. This finding is based on a large family study with multiple cases of Parkinson's disease over several generations.
A new technique called laser capture microdissection enables researchers to extract and analyze small clusters of cells from tissue samples in as little as eight seconds. This allows for immediate analysis of gene and enzyme activity, revolutionizing the understanding of cancer's molecular basis.
Scientists have identified a human protein that allows herpes simplex virus to penetrate into lymphocytes, a key step in understanding recurrent herpetic disease. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of new classes of antiviral drugs.
Researchers discover native weevil that targets Eurasian watermilfoil, slowing growth and potentially providing a natural control method. The weevil lays eggs on the plant's tips, which hatch and eat their way through the stem, reducing milfoil's spread.
Scientists have discovered a gene in rye that enables wheat to resist toxins in aluminum often found in acid soils. This breakthrough has the potential to increase wheat yields worldwide, particularly in regions where millions of acres are currently unsuitable for cultivation due to acidic soil conditions.
A newly discovered gene, MAD2, acts as a checkpoint in the cell cycle, ensuring chromosomes are ready to separate properly before cell division. Blocking the gene's activity can lead to tumor growth due to haphazard cell division and missing chromosomes.
The Variegated Glacier surged hundreds of yards by the end of summer, surprising scientists with an early start. Researchers believe the glacier will follow similar surge-and-rest patterns in the future.
Researchers have developed software that can analyze ion-channel activity with remarkable efficiency and speed, enabling researchers to discover key information about protein structures and behavior. This breakthrough has the potential to improve our understanding of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and neuromuscular disorders.
Scientists have discovered a unique organelle-like structure, dubbed the dumposome, which breaks down 15-20% of an organism's DNA during reproduction. This process is thought to be essential for streamlining genetic material and may be more common in other organisms than previously thought.
Breast-cancer researchers at the University of Illinois have identified four critical amino acids in the binding of estrogen and anti-estrogen hormones to receptor proteins. This discovery may lead to the development of more tissue-selective therapies for breast cancer treatment, addressing resistance to current treatments like tamoxifen.
Researchers from Harvard University and Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a protein called RGS10 that turns off G proteins, which transmit chemical signals within cells. This finding may lead to new ways to regulate cell activity and treat conditions like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
Tiny laboratory tornadoes may hold clues to detecting tornadoes earlier, a potential breakthrough in warning systems. Researchers have discovered an inverse relationship between vortex size and sound wave frequency.
Researchers have identified a second gene associated with hereditary multiple exostoses, a rare bone disorder characterized by the proliferation of benign tumors. The discovery provides insight into the disease's causes and potential tumor suppressor function.
A CU-Boulder research team has identified two yeast genes, SAS2 and SAS3, closely linked to a family of human genes associated with severe leukemia and HIV-1. The discovery may help researchers better understand the causes of acute myeloid leukemia and AIDS.
Researchers at Eli Lilly have discovered a new pathway through which estrogen affects various organs, including the bones and cardiovascular system. The study provides a potential explanation for how estrogen regulates body functions in different tissues.
A biological 'switch' has been discovered in plants that controls their leaf movements, opening them at dawn and closing them at dusk. This discovery could lead to new applications such as preventing crop wilting during drought or altering the time of flowering.
The USDA has developed Z-Trim, a low-cost agricultural byproduct-based fat substitute with a smooth mouth feel. It can supply important texture qualities in foods like cheese products and baked goods, reducing calories by up to 700 per day.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a genetic mutation in mice that prevents them from storing fat even on a high-fat diet. The study suggests a potential new approach for treating obesity by targeting the cells' internal signaling pathways.
Researchers investigated nausea in a study of 1,695 Penn State students, discovering 17 descriptors that define the feelings associated with nausea. These descriptors were clustered into three groups: somatic, gastrointestinal, and emotional distress, highlighting the variability in nausea experiences among individuals.
Researchers found that some algal cells can grow and survive in near-normal conditions without Photosystem I, a key component of traditional photosynthesis. This discovery may challenge our understanding of plant biology and suggest new avenues for studying photosynthesis.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a hormonal link between nutrition and reproduction, with leptin serving as a metabolic signal to the reproductive system. The study provides an explanation for how the body's energy stores determine reproductive readiness.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health have discovered the role of Stat 4 in determining T helper cell differentiation. The study found that Stat 4 is the master switch controlling the differentiation of T helper cells, which plays a critical role in dictating the outcome of immune responses.
Scientists from Oregon State University and others announced a breakthrough in colossal magnetoresistance, a phenomenon that holds promise for improved computer memory and data storage. The discovery of thallium manganese oxide may lead to new avenues of research and materials development.
Researchers have discovered a gene that drives T lymphocytes to mature into specialized subtypes, playing a crucial role in different immune system disorders. The discovery offers a molecular handle on manipulating specialized groups of T cells, potentially leading to gene therapy for autoimmune diseases.
A team of researchers from the University of Georgia has discovered that plant cells can substitute one sugar for another in their cell walls, a process previously thought to be essential for survival. This finding suggests that oligosaccharins play a role in regulating cell wall growth and development.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a gene in mice that may predispose people to autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and dermatitis. By studying the role of this gene, the team discovered its connection to inflammation and found that neutralizing a specific protein can reverse symptoms in affected animals.