News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
The American Physical Society has recognized the X-10 Graphite Pile as an APS historic site, commemorating its role in producing plutonium for the Manhattan Project. The reactor served as a facility for groundbreaking scientific research and radioisotope production from 1943 to 1963.
The new center will advance multiple areas of active research on campus, including neurocognitive sciences and musculo-skeletal health. With support from across campus, UTA aims to improve research capabilities to enhance undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered a unique stem cell type, the neural crest stem cell, which can be reprogrammed into different cell types. This discovery challenges longstanding theories in cellular reprogramming and highlights the potential of these cells for stem cell transplantation to treat disease.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute collected and displayed Vesalius' anatomical manikins for the first time, showcasing their enduring influence on modern anatomic teaching. The display highlights the significance of these works in revolutionizing anatomical education and training.
Pennington Biomedical researchers will lead courses, presentations, and speaker panels at ObesityWeek 2024, showcasing exceptional obesity research. The center's faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and staff will engage with global potential collaborators and demonstrate progress in metabolic health.
A research group at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a silk thread coated with a conductive plastic material that can generate electricity from temperature differences. The thread shows promising properties for turning textiles into electricity generators, which could be used to monitor health or charge mobile phones.
Researchers have discovered a therapeutic approach that shows promise in preclinical models for treating cancers driven by RAS mutations. The study found that tri-complex inhibitors can restore the normal functioning of mutated RAS proteins, aiming to correct the defect that drives cancer growth.
Researchers synthesizing AI with biomarker analysis aim to detect early signs of aging and enable targeted interventions to delay disease. This approach has the potential to slow, prevent or reverse certain effects of aging.
Researchers have found that MRSA has a double defence mechanism against antibiotics, involving an alternative division mechanism that allows it to replicate in the presence of antibiotics. This new insight offers hope in treating the life-threatening superbug and other infectious diseases. Understanding this process is crucial for deve...
Researchers at UCLA have invalidated Bredt's rule, a fundamental principle in organic chemistry that has constrained the design of molecules for pharmaceutical research. By creating anti-Bredt olefins, also known as ABOs, chemists can now generate highly unstable structures with practical value.
The F.M. Kirby Research Center has driven critical breakthroughs in understanding the human brain in health and disease, aiding discoveries of effective diagnoses and interventions for various conditions.
A new study has found that a significant fraction of meltwater mass is stored temporarily within the Greenland Ice Sheet during summer months, peaking in July. This discovery will help improve climate models, which often underestimate the complexity of water storage within ice sheets.
Researchers from DTU have discovered a neutron star that rotates at an astonishing 716 times per second, making it one of the fastest-spinning objects ever observed. The neutron star is part of an X-ray binary star system and is located in the Sagittarius constellation.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that infections are a significant problem for white-tailed deer on Missouri farms. The study identified the three most common types of bacteria causing pneumonia in farmed deer, providing actionable data for veterinarians and farmers to make informed decisions.
Researchers tracked the long-term dynamics of transplanted stem cells in patients' bodies up to three decades post-transplant. They found that younger donors produce more vital stem cells, while older donors experience reduced immunity and higher relapse risk. The study provides new insights into donor selection and transplant success.
Researchers found elevated levels of cytokines in the blood of long COVID patients, which could explain cardiovascular symptoms. The study also showed that these trace-level cytokines had a direct effect on cardiomyocytes, the heart's pumping cells.
Researchers design a high-throughput approach to create novel polypeptides with diverse chemical properties, leading to the discovery of hundreds of unique low-energy repeating structures. The study paves the way for broader applications in materials design and biotechnology.
A new study found that the heart sends signals to the brain to increase sleep after a heart attack, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. This communication between the heart and brain is mediated through the immune system and can lead to improved recovery and reduced risk of further cardiovascular events.
Scientists at UC Davis have identified new clusters of cells with differing gene expression patterns in the human and non-human primate amygdala. These findings suggest that alterations in specific cell types may contribute to disorders such as anxiety, and could lead to more targeted treatments.
Researchers developed a technique to generate synthetic electromagnetic fields on superconducting quantum processors, enabling the exploration of material properties. The technique allows scientists to probe complex phenomena in materials, shedding light on key features such as conductivity and magnetization.
A study on the genetic diversity of mango species reveals extensive cross-hybridization among species, offering implications for breeding and conservation efforts. The research provides a detailed genetic framework for understanding how hybridization has shaped the Mangifera genus, shedding light on the evolution of mangoes.
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have developed a new combination of imaging and computational methods to study immune cell interactions. The approach reveals that interactions between immune cells in the vicinity of breast cancer or melanoma can predict immune responses and patient outcomes.
The study reveals that localized electrons drive magnetism in FeSn thin films, challenging existing theories about magnetism in kagome metals. The research could guide the development of materials with tailored properties for advanced tech applications.
The TTUHSC team will conduct a needs assessment and create an action plan to strengthen clinical and community-based research, guided by strategic translational research themes. The goal is to address health disparities in the region through community-based participatory research.
Researchers discovered that tumor dormancy in breast cancer can be triggered by specific signaling changes within small cell clusters, called tumor emboli. Key mechanisms include reduced activity of mTOR and structural shifts in E-cadherin, which are regulated by the PI3K pathway.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new cancer mechanism that prevents the immune system from attacking tumors. The discovery was made by reversing this mechanism, which stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells, including those resistant to prevailing forms of immunotherapy.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in understanding tissue regeneration, with a focus on epigenetic regulation and retrotransposon suppression. MicroRNAs have also been identified as potential biomarkers for COVID-19 severity in cancer patients, while a novel protein complex drives lung regenera...
Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have received $10 million in grants from the Starr Cancer Consortium to fund research on common cancers and related treatment strategies. The grants will support three teams led by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists, who plan to develop new methods for detecting and treating cancer.
Researchers at Seoul National University have developed ultra-low power neuromorphic hardware capable of performing AI computations with significant accuracy and efficiency. The technology relies on hybrid organic-inorganic materials and enables uniform ion movement across the surface, leading to high-performance neuromorphic devices.
Florida Atlantic University's Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center is establishing a blue energy hub to develop and test ocean current energy technologies. The project aims to improve the nation's competitiveness in marine energy technology and create jobs.
Researchers have developed a laboratory system that can precisely control and study cell division mechanisms in real-time. By manipulating the phosphorylation state of the protein PRC1, they discovered that large-scale transitions in cytoskeleton organization can be induced in just a few minutes.
Researchers discovered a new type of jeilongvirus in a Florida mouse, which can infect humans and non-human primates, posing a risk of serious illness. The virus is genetically distinct from others and can cause disease in various species.
Researchers develop transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) as a non-invasive therapy for brain-related issues, with potential for personalized treatments. A 'search and rescue tool' for the brain, TUS enables precise targeting of specific areas before treatment.
A study found that using an orbital atherectomy device to remove calcium from blocked coronary arteries before stenting procedures did not improve patient outcomes. The device was used on patients with moderately severe calcification, rather than extreme cases, and did not show significant benefits.
Researchers developed a method to assess which patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer can benefit from immunotherapy. The tool uses predictive biomarkers and machine learning-based approaches to identify patients who are likely to respond to treatment.
Professor Vicki Clifton's team has identified a sex-specific variant of the glucocorticoid receptor isoform that enhances inflammation in the placenta during maternal stress. This finding could transform how clinicians approach pregnancy complications and neonatal care, leading to targeted interventions based on placental function.
A team of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a novel courtship behavior in female Drosophila santomea fruit flies, where they spread their wings to signal receptivity. This finding suggests that neural circuits can be reused and adapted to drive new behaviors, offering insights into the evolution of social communic...
A study of 50 U.S.-licensed physicians found that GPT-4 did not significantly improve clinical reasoning compared to conventional resources. The integration of GPT-4 as a diagnostic aid alongside clinicians showed promising results but required further exploration to understand its potential benefits.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has developed a rapid screening system to identify compounds that can stop the growth of amyloid proteins. The study found 40 compounds that demonstrate the ability to inhibit amyloid formation, providing a promising lead for future disease treatments.
Using state-of-the-art technology, researchers identified specific steps needed for CRISPR to become active and perform its gene editing function. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to improved designs for CRISPR-based gene editing.
A new study shows that preventing F-actin accumulation in the brains of aging fruit flies can maintain cellular recycling, extend lifespan and improve cognitive function. This discovery may offer a promising direction for developing interventions to promote healthier aging in humans.
A new co-culture system uses photosynthetic microorganisms to remove waste products and enhance muscle cell growth, resulting in a 30% reduction of lactate and over 90% reduction of ammonia. This innovation provides a low-cost, sustainable alternative to animal serum for cultured meat production.
Researchers have discovered that ASCL1 is essential to the transformation of adenocarcinoma into neuroendocrine prostate cancer, a deadly form of the disease. Disabling the ASCL1 gene can prevent this transition, but only if done early in the disease progression.
A new study reveals that Oriental hornets are the only animals capable of consuming high concentrations of alcohol chronically without ill effects. The research found that the hornets metabolize alcohol rapidly and show no signs of intoxication or illness, even after consuming high amounts.
A comprehensive study examining over 16,000 necropsy records from 292 vertebrate species found significant differences in cancer prevalence. Cancer rates increase with body size and cellular mutation rates but decrease with longer gestation periods.
Researchers from Penn Vet discovered that a species of parasitic worms can evade the mammalian urge to scratch an itch by blocking the sensation, allowing it to enter the body undetected. The study found that activating specific neurons can block the entry of these parasites, preventing their dissemination through the body.
Medically induced weight loss with GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to substantial muscle loss, compromising physical strength and immune function. The authors emphasize the need for a multimodal approach combining medication with exercise and nutritional interventions to preserve muscle mass.
Researchers identified a previously unknown form of lymph node-like structures in liver tumors that are associated with greater treatment response and lower recurrence rates. The structures, found in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, contain infection-fighting immune B cells and tumor-killing immune T cells.
Researchers identified a key gene pathway involving zinc that improves survival and weight gain in mouse models with short bowel syndrome. Zinc-based supplements were shown to improve intestinal function, absorb nutrients, and fluids, leading to better recovery rates.
TYRA-300 shows promise in treating metastatic bladder cancer patients with FGFR3 gene mutations, achieving a 50% overall response rate and 100% disease control rate. The treatment also displays improved tolerability with lower side effects compared to existing pan-FGFR inhibitors.
Get With The Guidelines - Stroke has become an integral part of stroke clinical practice and research in the US, capturing nearly 8 million stroke cases. The study found increased adherence to evidence-based stroke care translates to better clinical outcomes and more patients being discharged home.
Researchers have discovered key mutations in certain cancer cells that render WRN inhibitors ineffective. The study found that prolonged exposure to these inhibitors can lead to the acquisition of mutations in the WRN gene, allowing cancer cells to survive and develop resistance.
A study across 292 species found that neoplasia (uncontrolled growth) rates decrease with longer gestation times, while malignancy rates increase with higher adult masses. This contradicts Peto's paradox and suggests complex interactions between life history traits.
Three interconnected projects will address complex food system challenges through education, research, and practical application. The projects aim to foster a learning environment that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing students for careers in agriculture.
Research reveals two species of sardine in the California Current, with Japanese sardines arriving on the West Coast around 2022. The discovery highlights the impact of marine heatwaves and changing ocean conditions on fish distributions.
Scientists have discovered a natural compound called sulfuretin that can halt the progression of certain forms of cancer and demyelinating conditions like multiple sclerosis. The study found that sulfuretin blocks the activity of an enzyme involved in these diseases, suggesting its potential as a treatment.
Researchers from Pitt, UC Santa Barbara, University of Cagliari, and Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a new method for photonic in-memory computing that combines non-volatility, multibit storage, high switching speed, low switching energy, and high endurance in a single platform.
Researchers at MedUni Vienna identified a potential way forward for targeted therapies that do not rely on antibiotics. The study focused on the restriction-modification system of Borrelia bacteria and discovered its importance in protecting the bacteria against foreign DNA.
Astronomers have observed a black hole triple system for the first time, featuring a central black hole consuming a star and a distant companion that orbits every 70,000 years. The discovery raises questions about the origins of the black hole itself.
Researchers discovered a mechanism used by ovarian tumors to cripple immune cells by blocking the energy supply T cells depend on. The discovery points toward a promising new immunotherapy approach for treating ovarian cancer.