News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has developed a novel way to produce and observe carbenes, a class of highly reactive molecules necessary for life. They successfully formed a carbene called hydroxymethylene (HCOH) by breaking down methanol with pulses of ultraviolet radiation.
F. William Studier, a senior biophysicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, has won the 2024 Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology for his T7 expression technology, enabling large-scale production of RNA and proteins for biomedical research and pharmaceuticals. His work has saved millions of lives with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
Researchers have discovered three of the oldest stars in the universe, forming between 12 and 13 billion years ago. The team believes these 'Small Accreted Stellar System' (SASS) stars originated from small primitive galaxies absorbed by the Milky Way.
Researchers explore mechanisms of fruit abscission in woody species, highlighting critical roles of abscission zones and signaling pathways. Future studies aim to develop precise genetic interventions to enhance crop resilience and productivity.
A team of Western University researchers has discovered a potential path toward a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by targeting an interaction between two proteins. The breakthrough, fueled by the Temerty Foundation's $10-million investment, could lead to treatment in human clinical trials within five years.
Research team finds chorus waves suppress ECH waves, leading to dominant role in diffuse auroral precipitation. Chorus waves' effect confirmed through simulations and Japan's Arase satellite data.
The Geological Society of America is calling for abstract submissions across nearly 200 distinct technical sessions, each focusing on specialized areas of geoscience exploration and application. Contributors can submit to one of five prestigious Pardee Keynote Symposia or a geological discipline.
This study found that methyl jasmonate treatment significantly increases sugar accumulation and improves fruit quality in loquats. The treatment also alters gene expression dynamics, affecting key genes involved in sugar metabolism.
A new Bayesian inference framework reduces data size by over 80% while achieving accurate modeling and control of optical power evolution. The approach enables simultaneous exploitation and exploration of a data space to identify suitable candidates for autonomous driving optical networks.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a method to control the handedness of peptoid helices, which can be used to design precise drug delivery agents or artificial enzymes. The team's discovery could provide insights into protein assembly and potentially lead to breakthroughs in treating protein folding-related diseases.
A team of international researchers, led by TU Delft, found that introducing chemical short-range disorder into layered oxide materials used as cathode materials can significantly improve the stability and performance of lithium-ion batteries. This improvement results in a longer cycle life and shorter charging times for well-establish...
Scientists from Nagoya University identified signaling from serotonin neurons as important for maintaining reproductive function by sensing glucose availability. This discovery provides an explanation and possible treatment for decreased fertility observed in people with depression.
Researchers developed a falls prediction model called eFalls that uses primary care electronic health record data to predict patients' risk of falling within the next 12 months. The tool has been shown promising results in testing and could help identify people at risk who can benefit from specialist assessments and interventions.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a family of natural compounds that stall the unique metabolic process used by parasites to survive in the human gut. The discovery offers potential as new and more effective treatments for parasitic worm infections, which cause debilitating symptoms and developmental defects.
A team of researchers at the University of Houston has identified AKAP12 as a promising target for treating heart failure through precision pharmacology. Increased levels of AKAP12 in cardiac myocytes accelerate cardiac dysfunction, but inhibiting PDE8A can reverse this effect and improve contractility.
Researchers have discovered a protein marker to help identify cells able to repopulate in patients with damaged blood vessels. These cells could form new blood vessels and contribute to the repair of heart tissue after a heart attack.
The CUNY-GLOBE partnership will advance six objectives to expand GLOBE's success, including STEM education, Earth system research, and science diplomacy. The team will design and implement initiatives to elevate GLOBE's visibility and scientific relevance.
A late University of Virginia School of Medicine scientist's research on the SAS1B protein could lead to new cancer treatments for multiple cancers. The discovery has the potential to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Researchers created a corticolimbic index tool that categorizes Alzheimer's disease into three subtypes based on brain changes. The study found demographic and clinical differences among sex, age at onset, and rate of cognitive decline.
A new screening algorithm combining maternal history, ultrasound data and several tests for blood markers may predict most preeclampsia cases in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study found that personalized risk-based treatment decisions may improve adherence to preventative measures.
The world's largest study of cerebral palsy genetics found genetic defects are responsible for over a quarter of cases in Chinese children. Researchers identified 81 genes with causation mutations, indicating that improper brain development may be the underlying cause of cerebral palsy rather than lack of oxygen at birth.
Astronomers have observed the faint light from stars in the host galaxies of three ancient quasars, revealing clues to how the earliest supermassive black holes and galaxies evolved. The study suggests that some of the earliest
The North American Bsal Task Force has helped keep the novel pathogen at bay by developing diagnostic techniques, a rapid response template, and a surveillance program. Thirty-five of 80 North American amphibians can be infected with Bsal, causing lethal skin disease in susceptible species.
A groundbreaking study found that areas of age-related damage in the brain relate to motor outcomes after a stroke, suggesting other factors are at play. White matter hyperintensities were associated with more severe motor impairment, independent of corticospinal tract damage.
Researchers identify critical genes and transport systems in E. coli that enable rapid growth despite sterile urine environment. ABC transporters appear crucial for infection, with inhibitors potentially slowing bacterial growth and complementing antibiotic efforts.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester has uncovered evidence that a weak magnetic field millions of years ago may have fueled the proliferation of life. The study suggests that fluctuations in Earth's ancient magnetic field led to shifts in oxygen levels, enabling more advanced life forms to emerge.
Scientists at Umeå University have identified how a protein complex called the Mediator regulates gene expression, leading to slower cell division. This discovery may pave the way for new treatments for diseases related to uncontrolled cell growth, such as tumors.
A new study challenges the initial detection of a biosignature gas on K2-18b, suggesting that the data may be inconclusive. However, researchers believe it's possible for life to produce detectable levels of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the planet's atmosphere.
A massive open dataset, OpenDAC, has been created to accelerate direct air capture technology development while reducing costs. The database enables the training of an AI model that predicts material interactions with high accuracy, significantly faster than traditional chemistry simulations.
Researchers found that T cells and memory B cells provide durable protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with levels attainable after two doses of mRNA vaccination. The study suggests a two-dose vaccination regimen for children against COVID-19.
Researchers at Cornell University used novel statistical calculations to estimate the age of asteroid Selam, finding it to be 2-3 million years old. The method complements traditional crater counting and has advantages in accuracy and applicability to other binary systems.
Researchers analyzed epigenetic modifications in motor neurons from nearly 400 ALS patients, identifying 30 locations with modifications linked to disease progression. The findings may help develop targeted treatments for specific types of ALS.
Hangbo Zhao's new research enables the development of soft, flexible microneedle electrodes that can sense into tissues and gain accurate results. The technology is enabled by a novel manufacturing process that combines laser micromachining, microfabrication, and transfer printing.
Researchers found that metformin decreases the amount of COVID-19 virus in the body and lowers the chances of viral rebound. The study showed a significant reduction in long COVID cases and hospitalizations among adults treated with metformin.
A new study found that brief anger episodes can negatively impact blood vessel function, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers investigated the effects of anger, sadness, and anxiety on blood vessel function and found that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified a causal genetic variant strongly associated with childhood obesity. The study highlights the importance of the hypothalamus in regulating food intake and provides new insights into potential therapeutic targets.
Scientists identify crucial protein PicA in jumbo phages that selectively transport proteins to replicate inside bacteria. This discovery sheds light on the complex biological makeup and mechanisms within these mysterious viruses.
Researchers at Aarhus University have identified a way to regulate cholesterol levels to improve immunotherapies for cancer and other illnesses. By manipulating STING protein activity, they aim to bolster the body's natural defences against disease.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a soft, self-charging material that can track vital signs like blood pressure and heart activity wirelessly. This innovation has significant implications for early disease detection and timely interventions in chronic conditions.
Researchers at UW–Madison developed a method using short electric pulses to increase gene therapy material uptake in liver cells, reducing dosage needed. The technique could help treat genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell disease.
Researchers have discovered that smooth muscle cells can change into cancer-like cell types, driving the buildup of disease-causing plaque. Anti-cancer drugs may hold the key to preventing or treating atherosclerosis by disrupting tumor-like pathways.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a new way for plants to change the fatty acid composition in their seed oil after it's already made. This process could lead to improved production of valuable oils used in various industries, including food and biofuels.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered thick clouds and a surprising lack of methane on the planet's nightside, while ubiquitous water presence was found throughout its atmosphere. The discovery reveals the first observation of clouds on the nightside of WASP-43b, a giant gas-filled exoplanet.
A new study revises the age of human fossils in southern China, determining they date back to 33,000-23,000 years ago. This finding provides insight into human dispersals and adaptations in Eastern Asia.
The Purdue-USDA team developed a web-based tool to identify genes regulating plant traits without conducting experiments. The tool uses machine learning to analyze large datasets and accurately predict transcription factors involved in seed oil biosynthesis, increasing oil content by up to 12%.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new class of drugs that block mitochondrial function and reverse diet-induced obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes in mice. The treatment increased fat metabolism, leading to drastic weight loss and restored glucose tolerance.
Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a new method to inhibit streptococcal infections by using aggregates of the non-toxic molecule Mn007. The study found that aggregates of Mn007 significantly reduce bacterial growth, suggesting potential as an effective treatment for toxic shock syndrome.
Researchers investigate senescence phenotypes of human corneal endothelial cells upon treatment with ultraviolet (UV)-A. Cells exhibit enlarged morphology, increased β-galactosidase activity and decreased proliferation. UV-A-induced senescent cells show similar gene expression profiles to ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cells.
Brain stem cells express genes for both maintaining their identity and differentiating into neurons without conflicts. Researchers found that messenger RNAs of stem cell genes are retained in the nucleus, preventing translation and allowing cells to maintain their status as stem cells.
The American Heart Association has funded four new grants to evaluate the use of race in predicting heart disease risk and develop unbiased clinical algorithms. The research projects will test various risk models to remove racial bias from care decisions, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have created a smart, reusable adhesive more than ten times stronger than a gecko's feet adhesion. The adhesive uses shape-memory polymers that can stick and detach easily when needed, making it ideal for robotic grippers and climbing robots.
Scientists at DTU and Lund University have found new enzymes that can remove both the A and B blood antigens and their blocking sugars, enabling the production of universal donor blood. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce logistics and costs associated with storing four different blood types.
Researchers from Denmark and Germany found a protein that switches off brown fat shortly after activation, limiting its effectiveness as a treatment for obesity. Blocking this protein could lead to promising strategies for safely activating brown fat and tackling weight loss.
Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.
Under Secretary for Science and Innovation Geraldine Richmond visited the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility to discuss its research portfolio diversification efforts. The lab is working to ensure diverse communities have access to its programs, support, and opportunities.
Researchers discovered that maternal blood cytokines, such as XCL1, play a crucial role in fetal brain development and offspring behavior. Elevated XCL1 levels during pregnancy are associated with improved emotional regulation and reduced anxiety in male mice.
The National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences will enable research using publicly available data to gain insights into how complex biological systems emerge from simpler molecules. The center aims to understand emergent properties at the mesoscale, influencing higher subcellular and cellular outcomes.
A study provides genomic insights into Mei tree breeding, enhancing ornamental qualities and environmental adaptability. Researchers have identified key gene families influencing traits such as flower fragrance and cold hardiness.
A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.
Researchers discovered a novel brain network condition called 'explosive synchronization' that correlates with pain crises in sickle cell disease. This finding could lead to predicting and preventing severe episodes of pain, improving patient outcomes.