News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
Researchers have tested a combination of treatments in mice with lung cancer and shown that these allow immunotherapies to target non-responsive tumours. The combination therapy allows 'immune cold' tumours to respond to the body's own defences.
Researchers compared epigenetic changes across the genome in young adults who vaped, smoked or did not use nicotine products, finding a tumor-suppressor gene among the key findings. The study found substantial overlap in DNA methylation patterns between people who vaped versus those who smoked.
A new individualized risk prediction tool has been developed to predict the severity of heart disease in people suffering from Long QT syndrome. The test analyzes genetic mutations associated with the condition and can identify those at high risk of sudden cardiac death, allowing for tailored treatment.
Researchers are conducting a comprehensive health and nutrition examination study to assess the status of active-duty service members. The study will gather data on dietary intake, nutritional status, cardiovascular health, and other measures to guide evidence-based screening and intervention strategies for improving health in the mili...
Astronomers have discovered a 'weird' and unprecedented galaxy in the early Universe, with its gas outshining its stars. This phenomenon could provide clues about how galaxies evolved between the Big Bang and familiar galaxies.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that patients taking semaglutide had a significantly lower risk of opioid overdose compared to those on other anti-diabetic medications. The research suggests semaglutide could be a potential new treatment for opioid use disorder and preventing overdoses.
Scientists have discovered a new species of predatory flatworm in North Carolina and Florida, which has been detected in residential landscapes across the Southeast. The researchers found that the flatworm has brownish-black color and feeds on soft-bodied organisms like earthworms and slugs.
Researchers have identified James Fitzjames, a senior officer of Sir John Franklin's 1845 Northwest Passage expedition, using DNA and genealogical analyses. The identification was made possible by a DNA sample from a living descendant that matched the remains found on King William Island.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria display communal behaviors protecting sensitive species from drugs, allowing them to grow normally in a community. The study found that high drug concentrations cause microbiome communities to collapse and cross-protection strategies are replaced by cross-sensitisation.
A new study reveals how psilocybin alters brain connectivity to alleviate symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, potentially aiding treatment. Psilocybin strengthens neural connections between executive functions and emotionally salient stimuli, leading to improved BDD symptoms.
A PSU English professor is using a grant from the National Science Foundation to study one of the world's fastest and largest supercomputers, Aurora. The research aims to answer questions about how supercomputers work, their applications in science and industry, and their impact on the US's position in scientific advancement.
Researchers have identified eight novel genetic mutations in patients with CSF1R-Related Disorder worldwide, highlighting the prevalence of the disease and paving the way for future individualized treatment. The discovery also suggests that genetic and environmental factors may influence the disease.
A new, low-cost cathode material developed by Georgia Tech's Hailong Chen could transform the electric vehicle (EV) market and large-scale energy storage systems. The iron chloride (FeCl3) cathode costs a mere 1-2% of typical cathode materials and can store the same amount of electricity.
A recent study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute and GeneDx analyzed nearly 30,000 families with developmental disorders, revealing that known genes explain over 80% of cases caused by recessive genetic variants. The team identified several new genes associated with these conditions, providing answers for previously undiagnosed families...
Researchers found that colleges offer multimillion-dollar coaches instead of throwing money at student-athletes, leading to an arms race in athletics. The study revealed a significant correlation between head coach salaries and team recruitment success, with higher salaries associated with better teams and more victories.
A recent FAU study reveals that mesophotic corals can replenish declining shallow reef populations with strong genetic connectivity between shallow and deep zones. The research suggests that deeper corals could be a key source of genetic diversity for shallow reefs, providing valuable opportunities for recovery and restoration efforts.
A Virginia Tech research team has identified a molecular mechanism by which Shigella flexneri bacteria manipulate host molecules to ensure their survival. The study provides a new understanding of the infection pathway and its potential implications for preventing similar infections in other bacteria.
Researchers at MIT found that a two-dose schedule for an HIV vaccine can generate a strong response to the virus, outperforming a traditional seven-dose regimen. The first dose primes the immune system, helping it to produce antibodies more effectively when a larger dose is administered one week later.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have found an antidepressant, vortioxetine, effective against glioblastomas, a particularly aggressive brain tumor with no cure. The drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger a signalling cascade makes it promising for treating this deadly tumour.
A new study has identified key factors to build food resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, including diversifying suppliers, empowering local farmers, and promoting sustainable practices. The proposed blueprint aims to enhance self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external sources.
Researchers analyzed DNA in fecal samples to determine the diet of Alaska and southern resident killer whales. They found that both populations prefer salmon, but differ in when they switch to hunting other fish species. The study provides key insights into the delicate balance between regional abundance of different fish species.
UTHealth Houston researchers are exploring new pathways to treat Alzheimer's disease through multiple projects funded by the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium. Studies aim to investigate ACSL4 gene, delirium's impact on disease progression, biological aging, and noninvasive diagnosis methods.
Researchers at the CNIC found that respiratory complex I possesses sodium transport activity essential for efficient cellular energy production. This discovery provides a molecular explanation for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the MYC gene is a common culprit driving prostate cancer progression. The research reveals how MYC activation attracts immune cells to the tumor but later helps hide it from immune detection, making it undetectable.
A research team has successfully recreated wrinkle structures in biological tissue in vitro, revealing the mechanisms behind their formation. The study found that compressive forces and dehydration play a crucial role in wrinkle formation, mirroring aging skin effects.
A team of researchers discovered that twisting layers of a material can generate an electron-path-deflecting effect, controlling light and electrons in quantum materials. The phenomenon mimics the Coriolis force, where light is used to manipulate electrons, exhibiting new quantum behaviors.
The grant will create the Urinary Stone Disease Hub, combining medical expertise across adult and pediatric urology and nephrology, informatics, and AI to establish a novel data resource. The hub will include clinically important information from CT images, clinical notes, stone composition, and 24-hour urine labs.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that aneuploid cells, which have an abnormal number of chromosomes, are more susceptible to certain types of anticancer drugs. The studies found that disrupting the MAPK pathway increases the sensitivity of these cancer cells to chemotherapy.
Researchers have developed a new optical atomic clock that uses a single laser and doesn't require cryogenic temperatures, achieving similar performance to traditional clocks. The innovative design eliminates the need for extreme cooling, allowing for hot atoms and a simplified clock architecture.
Researchers isolated drug-resistant strains of SARS-CoV-2 from immunocompromised individuals who received antiviral treatments. The virus variants showed resistance to Paxlovid and remdesivir, highlighting the need for combination therapy to treat COVID-19 in highly vulnerable patients.
A newly discovered cluster-scale strong gravitational lens, the Carousel Lens, enables researchers to study cosmology and the properties of dark matter and dark energy. The unique alignment of seven background galaxies forms concentric circular patterns around a foreground galaxy cluster.
Researchers at Northwestern University have finally uncovered the mechanics of static electricity generated by rubbing objects together, explaining how forces on different parts of an object create electrical charges and a current. This breakthrough could lead to new solutions for industrial fires, pharmaceutical dosing, and other issu...
A recent study reveals severe disruptions in Artemisia annua's metabolic pathways, notably hindering artemisinin and other key secondary metabolites. The findings could pave the way for enhanced strategies to boost artemisinin yield, potentially transforming malaria treatment.
Researchers at the Plasticity and Remodeling of Neural Circuits laboratory aim to stimulate myelin plasticity to regenerate affected nerve fibers in MS patients. The team will explore gene therapy, pharmacological approaches, and rehabilitation strategies to enhance myelin repair.
A recent study by FAU researchers links copper regulation to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. The team discovered that a specific gene, swip-10, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of copper in cells, which can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
Rice University researchers have identified a new parasitoid wasp species, Chrysonotomyia susbelli, found on the university grounds in Houston, Texas. The discovery reveals an intricate ecosystem involving galls and cynipid gall wasps, with potential for many more undiscovered species.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a molecular pathway that controls the formation of scar tissue in spinal cord injuries. By activating this pathway, they were able to reduce scarring and promote healing in mice with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers found that SlSYTA overexpression increases vulnerability to pathogens, while its suppression enhances resistance through modulation of ROS signaling and other immune responses. This discovery paves the way for developing disease-resistant crops, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security.
Researchers have discovered a remarkably preserved fossil site in Massachusetts that provides a rare glimpse into terrestrial life from over 300 million years ago. The findings reveal a diverse ecosystem of early land-dwelling animals and plants, including some of the oldest known examples of their groups.
Researchers develop AI-driven catalyst discovery and simulate complex interactions to enhance hydrogen generation, carbon capture, and energy storage efficiency. The project aims to create a knowledgeable and skilled workforce capable of addressing critical challenges in the clean energy transition.
Juan Jimenez, a Goldhaber postdoctoral fellow at Brookhaven National Laboratory, has been recognized as a Blavatnik Awards Finalist for his work on developing new catalysts to convert greenhouse gases into industrially useful materials. His research focuses on minimizing hazardous byproducts and using solvent-free processes.
A new large-scale longitudinal study will investigate the environmental, lifestyle, social, and clinical factors affecting brain development in children with type 1 diabetes. The five-year study aims to refine clinical guidelines and targeted treatments for children with diabetes.
A landmark study has identified novel ancestry-specific genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) risk, offering new insights for treatment approaches. The research highlights the potential of ancestry-informed genetic studies to uncover previously unidentified risk factors for MS.
A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine has discovered an important immune component that offers protection against MRSA infection. The researchers found that IgM antibodies are required for clearance of S. aureus during an infection, suggesting a new direction for future vaccine strategies and therapies.
The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid is organizing 16 R&D&I outreach activities as part of European Researchers' Night 2024, with half taking place at its Madrid-Puerta de Toledo Campus. The events cover topics like AI, biocultural rights, and scientific discoveries.
A recent study discovered that COI1 proteins in maize balance growth and defense by degrading JAZ and DELLAs. This finding could lead to developing more resilient maize varieties. The research revealed an unexpected role of COI1 in regulating DELLA levels, enabling maize to thrive under hot and arid climates.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a way to harness bacteria's natural molecule-building capacities to generate vast libraries of DNA-protein hybrid molecules. This breakthrough enables the creation of precision drugs that can interrupt disease-promoting processes in cells.
A new study reveals that palaeolithic hunter-gatherers on Cyprus are responsible for the disappearance of two species of megafauna: dwarf elephants and hippos. The research suggests that these small human populations could have driven both species to extinction due to their hunting practices.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that the Crystal Palace was constructed using a standard screw thread, allowing for rapid completion in just 190 days. This innovation played a significant role in the building's success and had far-reaching implications for engineering and construction.
Researchers discovered a novel treatment that extends ovarian function in older mice by improving maintenance of the ovaries and preventing key age-related changes. The treatment also fixes hormone production and overall health, alleviating symptoms such as bone loss, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
A new scientific statement emphasizes the role of social determinants, such as immigration status, socioeconomic position, and access to healthcare, in shaping cardiovascular health among Asian American adults. The statement identifies future research directions to advance health equity and reduce disparities in these communities.
Researchers have found two distinct maps in the brain's secondary motor cortex that enable spatial planning and navigation, with implications for understanding neurological conditions such as stroke. The study discovered a self-centred map used for planning actions and a world-centred map used to determine body position in the world.
Researchers have created the first map of a human brain over the course of pregnancy, documenting changes in gray and white matter. These findings suggest that the adult brain is capable of undergoing extended periods of neuroplasticity, which may support behavioral adaptations tied to parenting.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have created a strategy to boost mitochondrial activity in T cells, improving their ability to penetrate and kill tumor cells. The new approach helps to overcome a major barrier in immunotherapy by increasing the energy capacity of T cells.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have validated a cathode hydrogenation mechanism as the cause of self-discharge in lithium-ion batteries. This discovery could lead to the development of smaller, lighter and cheaper batteries with improved lifespan.
Researchers identified changes in the UBR4 gene as a key driver of fibromuscular dysplasia, a blood vessel disorder affecting up to five percent of adults. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches for the condition, particularly beneficial for women who account for 90% of cases.
Scientists are investigating the basic biology of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), an enzyme found in 15% of human cancers. The goal is to understand its normal functions and avoid potential side effects when targeting it for cancer treatment.
Researchers improve U-Net AI model for oceanographic research by enhancing its segmentation, forecasting, and super-resolution tasks. The upgraded model improves detection accuracy and prediction outcomes, showcasing its potential in ocean remote sensing.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that machine learning can be more effective than traditional methods for distributing scarce treatments to patients most vulnerable during a public health crisis. The model reduces expected hospitalizations by about 27 percent compared to actual and observed care.
A team of researchers discovered a class of materials that mimic the behavior of axons by spontaneously amplifying electrical pulses. These materials can harness internal instabilities to create spiking behavior and amplify signals, potentially leading to more efficient computing and artificial intelligence.