News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
A new study found that 5-fluorouracil kills cells by interfering with RNA synthesis, not DNA damage. The findings suggest that combining 5-FU with drugs affecting RNA synthesis could make it more effective in patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that combining pimozide with CB-839 can effectively suppress glioblastoma growth by blocking lipid production and starvation of tumor cells. This innovative combination may also hold promise for treating other cancers relying on glutamine and lipids.
Four Jefferson Lab staff members have been named APS Fellows for their exceptional contributions to physics, including innovative particle accelerator design and world-leading research on quarks. The American Physical Society recognizes fellows who have made significant impacts on the field of physics.
Removing protected class regulation from Medicare Part D policies could reduce US prescription drug spending, potentially saving $47 billion between 2011-2019. The study found that rebates for protected classes of drugs grew at a slower pace than non-protected classes.
Recent research highlights the multifaceted potential of chestnut tannin in various sectors, including its use as a replacement for antibiotics in animal feed and as a biostimulant and biofertilizer in agriculture. The compound's high biological activity is attributed to its ortho-phenolic groups.
Researchers found that geckos utilize the saccule, a part of their inner ear traditionally linked to balance, to detect low-frequency vibrations. This 'sixth sense' plays a complementary role in the geckos' normal hearing and sensory perception.
A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.
Rice researchers use a rapidly alternating magnetic field to create direction-dependent structures from superparamagnetic beads, offering precise control over material properties. The study reveals the importance of magnetic relaxation time in controlling particle interactions.
Researchers create a miniature, chip-based 'tractor beam' that can capture and manipulate cells at distances of over a hundred times further away from the chip surface. This technology has the potential to revolutionize biologists and clinicians' ability to study DNA, classify cells, and investigate disease mechanisms.
The researchers aim to establish targets for the vaccine by identifying proteins on the surface of early-stage ovarian cancer cells recognized by the immune system. If successful, clinical trials will begin to test the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing ovarian cancer, potentially offering a solution for women at high risk.
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have captured high-resolution images of a five-mile asteroid impact crater buried deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean. The data reveals minute-by-minute chaos after collision, including rocks flowing upwards to the crater floor and an 800-metre-plus high tsunami. The findings confirm the Nadir Crater w...
Scientists at Houston Methodist will focus on developing efficacious vaccines and therapeutic antibodies for viruses in the Nairoviridae, Hantaviridae, and Paramyxoviridae families. The goal is to prepare for potential outbreaks and develop effective medical countermeasures in response to a next pandemic.
The Glenn Foundation Discovery Award supports research into the biological mechanisms of aging, with a focus on developing new treatments. Dr. Jeffrey Friedman and Dr. Myriam Heiman will receive two-year awards to study the cellular basis of hypothalamus aging and charting the cellular rejuvenation landscape in aging neurons.
Researchers have discovered living microbes in a 2-billion-year-old rock sample from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa. The team used advanced imaging techniques to confirm the presence of indigenous microorganisms, shedding light on the early evolution of life on Earth and the potential for similar organisms to exist on Mars.
Researchers have developed a promising new drug, RI-AG03, that successfully targets and blocks both major aggregation-promoting 'hotspots' of the Tau protein. The peptide-based approach shows significant potential in preventing the build-up of Tau proteins and neurodegeneration, addressing a critical gap in current treatments.
Two UMD Astronomy space probes, AXIS and PRIMA, have advanced to the next round of consideration for a $1 billion NASA mission. AXIS will study X-rays from stars and black holes, while PRIMA will explore far-infrared radiation to understand galaxy formation.
Researchers have created the largest and most complete map of the fruit fly brain, detailing over 50 million connections between neurons. The study provides critical information about brain wiring and underlying signals, paving the way for future studies on larger-brained animals.
Researchers at UConn have discovered a novel miRNA-141-3p inhibitor that successfully reduces stroke damage and extinguishes inflammatory fires in the brain. The treatment has shown swift restoration of motor function and memory in mouse models, offering new hope for patients affected by strokes.
Researchers discovered a cache of rare monkey fossils in the Dominican Republic, providing new insights into the anatomy and ecology of the extinct Antillothrix bernensis. The study suggests that male and female monkeys were monomorphic and weighed up to five pounds, with a diet mainly consisting of fruit.
Researchers at CNIO propose a new treatment for brain metastasis by targeting pro-tumour astrocytes with immunotherapy. They identified TIMP1 as a biomarker to predict when immunotherapy is effective, and a clinical trial is underway to test the therapeutic efficacy of silibinin inhibition.
Researchers used a retrofitted U2 spy plane to detect gamma radiation in large tropical thunderstorms. Over 9 of 10 flights yielded observations, suggesting more than half of all thunderstorms in the tropics are radioactive.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new diagnostic tools using artificial intelligence (AI) to help identify myopic maculopathy, a serious eye condition. The AI-powered systems can analyze retinal images and predict the correct classification of the disease, enabling more accurate treatment recommendations.
Researchers developed boron nitride nanotubes with spin qubits, more sensitive to off-axis magnetic fields than diamond tips. The technology has applications in quantum sensing, semiconductor industry, and nanoscale MRI.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered how a brain cell surface molecule shapes neuron behavior, finding that it suppresses selectivity in neurons. The study's findings may help scientists better understand causes of autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.
Researchers discovered TERT gene activation as a key factor in determining the clinical course of pulmonary carcinoid tumours, with aggressive growth linked to telomerase activation. The study aims to improve treatment planning and targeted therapeutic strategies for cancer types.
A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has proposed a new type of optical memory that uses quantum defects to store data. By embedding rare-earth emitters in a solid material and transferring energy between them, the researchers aim to create an ultra-high-density storage method that could potentially exceed current limits.
The University of Minnesota Medical School is studying the epigenetic factors of low back pain using a five-year, $3.2 million grant. This research aims to identify new treatments targeting disc degeneration and chronic back pain.
Two UCF cancer researchers, Alicja Copik and Debbie Altomare, have received $100,000 grants from the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to develop new treatments for breast cancer. They focus on enhancing natural killer cells to fight cancer and harnessing the body's immune system to create new therapies.
A team of scientists has successfully mapped the entire brain of Drosophila melanogaster, a fruit fly, using electron microscopy dataset and connectome analysis. The complete map will help researchers understand how different circuits work together to control behaviors like motor control, courtship, and decision-making.
Researchers have discovered that Listeria monocytogenes loses its cell wall and becomes round when entering a dormant state, making it undetectable by growth-based tests. Developing antibodies to detect dormant forms of the bacterium could lead to specific tests for better protection.
Researchers create a complex model of nematode worm behavior, accurately mimicking its movements and offering insights into animal behavior. The findings have significant implications for medical research, particularly in the study of movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, and could also improve robotics.
Researchers at Lehigh University have pioneered a method to create customizable ceramics using solid-state synthesis, enabling advances in electronics and energy conversion. The team aims to produce functional materials with tailored geometries that can be used in thermoelectric devices and other applications.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham uncover key regulators of malaria parasites' cell division, revealing NEK1 as a potential drug target. The study aims to find new therapeutic targets for controlling malaria transmission.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals the importance of foot movement in early infant development and interaction. By using machine and deep learning techniques, researchers found that AI can accurately classify five-second clips of 3D infant movements, with foot movements showing the highest accuracy rates.
Researchers from University of Texas at Arlington have identified 206 systems of interest for potential habitability, including one system where the planet is always situated in the HZ. The team analyzed data from NASA Exoplanet Archive and found F-type stars to be a promising case for life beyond Earth.
A Southwest Research Institute-led team has detected carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Charon's surface, revealing insights into the moon's geological processes and formation. The presence of these substances suggests that Charon's surface is altered by solar ultraviolet light and energetic particles.
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Kate Petersen Mace as the project director for the High Performance Data Facility (HPDF), a first-of-its-kind project providing resources for data-intensive science. Mace will lead the team in developing transformational capabilities to serve the DOE community.
Rice engineers developed a new synthesis strategy for covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that can be used to trap gases, filter water and speed up chemical reactions. The approach enables faster production of COFs with superior crystallinity and high efficiency in breaking down harmful chemicals.
A new microscope-integrated OCT system has been developed to identify tumor margins during brain surgery, providing high-resolution images of subsurface anatomy. The system has shown promising results in clinical studies, with the potential to improve outcomes for neurosurgery procedures.
Researchers identify a homozygous SPAG9 gene mutation associated with intellectual disability, progressive cognitive decline, and heterogeneous brain abnormalities. The study provides a unique model for understanding disruptions in cellular transport mechanisms leading to neurodevelopmental and degenerative brain conditions.
In this study, researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology found that hydrogen sulfide-dependent transcription factor YgaV regulates iron uptake dynamics in Escherichia coli. The team observed elevated intracellular H2S levels resulting in increased antibiotic resistance and upregulated genes involved in sulfur metabolism.
Leading researchers from Penn Medicine will showcase clinical trial results and new data on FLASH radiation therapy. The institution is one of the world’s leading academic medical centers, with a proud history of groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
A team of researchers has made groundbreaking findings that suggest our cosmic neighborhood may be far larger than previously thought. The study, which analyzed the movements of 56,000 galaxies, reveals a potential shift in the scale of our galactic basin of attraction.
Researchers at Purdue University and NASA believe Ceres has a dirty ice crust and was once a muddy ocean world. The team used computer simulations to show that ice can be much stronger than previously predicted, contradicting the previous belief that Ceres was relatively dry.
The UT Arlington Neutrino Group has successfully identified the detector's neutrino interactions for the first time in a decade-long project. The group's work on the SBND experiment aims to study neutrino oscillation and search for evidence of a fourth neutrino, with the potential to redefine our understanding of the universe.
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope discovered that the blowtorch-like jet from a supermassive black hole at the core of a huge galaxy causes stars to erupt along its trajectory. The finding suggests that there is something missing from our understanding of how black hole jets interact with their surroundings.
A team of researchers at UMC Utrecht has identified 29 novel antibodies against the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, an important cause of drug-resistant infections. The antibodies were found to interact with antigens on the bacterial surface and some act synergistically to neutralize the pathogen.
Researchers discovered that activating the pentose phosphate pathway makes antitumor CD8 T cells more likely to stay in an immature state, leading to better results in animal models and human organoids. This metabolic reprogramming strategy may enhance checkpoint inhibitor therapy by boosting a long-term supply of active cytotoxic T ce...
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a crucial biological switch that regulates renin production in certain cells, allowing them to control blood pressure. This discovery provides important direction for future research into high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease treatment.
A new study suggests the hormone hepcidin may trigger psoriasis by causing iron overload in the skin. This excess iron amplifies the damaging effects of UV sunlight, leading to hyperproliferative chronic diseases like psoriasis. A potential treatment targeting hepcidin could improve treatment options for millions.
A recent study found that microwave drying enhances the release of eleutheroside E, a compound detected for the first time in lily bulbs. This method preserves key bioactive compounds and minimizes browning, making it an effective way to preserve the nutritional value of lily bulbs.
Researchers developed a noninvasive method to monitor postprandial cardiovascular health using spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI). The technique effectively tracks diet-induced changes in cardiovascular physiology, revealing significant differences in tissue responses after consuming high-fat and low-fat meals.
Scientists identify PICALM as a key player in regulating glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling in adipocytes. Reduced expression of PICALM improves insulin sensitivity and glucose transport, holding promise for new therapeutic approaches for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect melanoma using tumour-specific antibodies, which can accurately identify stage I and II melanoma patients. The study found that these antibodies showed high sensitivity and specificity in detecting melanoma, with an AUC value of up to 0.981.
A new study found that a high body roundness index over 6 years was associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in adults older than 45. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggested that BRI may be a valuable predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers from Xiamen University created a novel two-step enzymatic approach to synthesize diverse Ephedra-type alkaloids with improved yields and introduced new N-group modifications. They successfully tested various enzymes and imine reductases to optimize conversion rates and generate novel synthetic Ephedra-type alkaloids.
Researchers developed innovative technologies to increase lactoferrin production using synthetic biological systems, overcoming limitations in separating and purifying LF from milk. The new methods have the potential to meet market demand for LF in food, pharma, and cosmetics industries.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory create a roadmap of how prostate cancer spreads throughout the body, showing that aggressive cells seed cancer's rare migrations to bones, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. The new technology offers a clearer picture of cancer spread and could lead to more targeted therapeutics.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to recharge cellular mitochondria using nanotechnology, potentially extending healthy lifespans and improving outcomes for patients with age-related diseases. The molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles stimulate mitochondrial regeneration, helping cells generate more energy.
The American Heart Association joins a $10 million grant from the Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum for international scientific research on cardiovascular health in women. The International Research Challenge aims to address significant gaps in research, diagnosis, and care for women worldwide.