News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have devised a method to precisely alter rotifer genomes using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling the study of fundamental biology and evolution. The new approach will allow scientists to investigate various aspects of biology, including aging, DNA repair mechanisms, and mitochondrial function.
Researchers develop nanofilms that mimic the nanostructures of butterfly wings, creating vibrant colors without absorbing light. These films can be used on buildings, vehicles, and equipment to reduce energy consumption and preserve color properties, with potential applications in energy sustainability and carbon neutrality.
Research reveals Kama'ehu volcano in Hawaii has erupted five times in the past 150 years. The new study uses mass spectrometry to measure radium-226 in lava samples, revealing a frequency of eruptions around 30 years. This slower rate is linked to sluggish mantle upwelling on the margin of the Hawaiian plume.
A new study revealed that people in the UK have facial skin with more DNA damaged from the sun than those in Singapore, leading to a higher risk of developing keratinocyte skin cancers. This is despite lower UV light exposure levels in the UK.
Researchers found that hydrothermal vents were active at shallow depths, releasing larger quantities of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This discovery has significant implications for understanding past climate warming events.
Researchers discovered that electrons flow through the bulk of a special type of insulator, rather than at the edges, using magnetic imaging. This finding provides new insights into electron behavior in quantum Hall insulators and informs the development of topological materials for next-generation quantum devices.
Researchers discovered that stimulating dopamine neurons in mice's midbrain triggers orofacial movements, which are linked to brain-wide neuronal activities. The study identified two distinct orofacial movements: transient actions upon reward expectation and active, sustained movements upon receiving a reward.
Researchers have found an unusual ultrafast motion in layered magnetic materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in high-speed nanomotors for biomedical applications. The discovery was made using cutting-edge ultrafast probes and facilities, revealing a mechanical response across the entire sample.
Researchers have observed unusual waves of charge within a crystal of uranium ditelluride, a previously unseen facet of its superconductivity. The findings reveal a static variation in two different properties: one related to charge and the other to interacting electron pairs.
Researchers have successfully grown high-quality single-crystalline T-Nb2O5 thin films with two-dimensional vertical ionic transport channels, enabling fast and dramatic changes in electrical properties. The material undergoes a significant electrical change upon Li insertion, allowing it to switch from an insulator to a metal.
Researchers investigated H3K27me3 expression patterns in pediatric brain tumors, finding a global loss of this epigenetic mark in diffused midline glioma (DMG). This loss was associated with high relapse rates and poor survival, highlighting the potential for targeting H3K27me3 as an epigenetically guided cancer therapy.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine developed a non-opioid designer molecule to calm hyperactive pain-sensing neurons, showing promising results in preclinical studies. The novel drug effectively reversed neuropathic pain signs without cardiac side effects or sedation.
The study reveals that metallic lithium forms a rhombic dodecahedron in the absence of corrosion, which could lead to safer lithium-metal batteries with increased performance. The researchers developed a new technique for depositing lithium faster than corrosion forms, allowing them to observe this unique shape.
A Neolithic necklace found on a child's grave in Jordan provides new insights into the social complexity of the time. The analysis of colorful stone and shell materials, amber beads, and other adornments reveals intricate craftsmanship and trade networks.
Researchers at Insilico Medicine discovered novel inhibitors for salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2), a potential target for anti-inflammation and anti-cancer therapy. The findings were published in the July 13 edition of Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, demonstrating the power of Insilico's Pharma.AI platform.
Researchers have discovered a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation by activating the protective CEACAM1-S version. This protective characteristic is regulated by HIF-1α and can be enhanced using molecular tools and alternative gene splicing, reducing organ injury and improving post-transplant outcomes.
Researchers identified a precise mix of ingredients in male moths' pheromones that increases mating chances. The discovery reveals the role of plant-derived substances, such as methyl salicylate, in attracting females.
A research team has discovered the human odorant receptor for para-cresol, a compound with a strong horse stable-like odor. The OR9Q2 receptor is highly selective and responds to physiologically relevant concentrations of para-cresol, as well as a structurally similar compound.
Researchers aim to investigate the link between gut microbes and Type 1 diabetes. Emrah Altindis's lab seeks to understand how a protein found in certain bacteria may trigger the onset of T1D.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have engineered a synthetic metamaterial to direct mechanical waves along a specific path, adding innovative control to 4D reality. This breakthrough discovery has potential applications in civil engineering, micro-electromechanical systems, and national defense.
UVA professor Patrick Hopkins is developing a 'freeze ray' technology to cool electronics in spacecraft and high-altitude jets, which can't be cooled by nature due to the vacuum of space. The technology uses heat-generating plasma to create localized cooling, and has been granted $750,000 by the Air Force.
New research reveals that the Amazon estuary receives significant dissolved neodymium and hafnium from the Rio Pará River, contrary to previous assumptions about suspended solid sources. The findings indicate a revised estimate of global riverine neodymium flux, with concentrations up to three times higher than previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method to create unnatural amino acids, expanding the toolkit of human biochemistry. This breakthrough could lead to novel protein-based therapies and organic chemistry branches.
Dr. Prachi Singh of Pennington Biomedical Research Center has received a $3.7 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to investigate the cardiovascular risks associated with limited sleep and extended eating duration.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Stanford University analyze slow and fast earthquakes, showing that their magnitudes vary with time. The study confirms the scaling law for slow earthquakes, which defines the relationship between magnitude and duration, and reveals physical processes governing events.
The 'survival of the accessible' model provides an alternative explanation for evolutionary changes in flu viruses, highlighting the importance of mutational bias and variant accessibility. The research reveals how specific mutations can gain or lose function, influencing protein activity and potentially driving pandemics.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered a potential new medical therapy for Lyme disease using lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors typically used to combat cancer. The study found that these inhibitors substantially impacted Borrelia burgdorferi growth, making them promising candidates against Lyme infections.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a multimodal platform to image solar-powered microbes, enabling the study of energy conversion pathways and the potential for improving efficiency. The platform revealed the functional roles of hydrogenases in driving CO2 fixation and electron transport.
Researchers will survey residents of two Louisville neighborhoods to identify features that promote health and well-being. The project aims to create a 'universal basic neighborhood' that has all necessary community assets to help residents thrive.
Researchers found a genetic link that explains how certain individuals store fat at the abdomen but remain protected from type 2 diabetes. This discovery could pave the way for personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual genetic variations.
CHOP and Penn Medicine researchers have developed a proof-of-concept model for delivering gene editing tools directly into diseased blood cells within the body. This approach aims to reduce costs and increase access to gene therapies for blood disorders, which currently require chemotherapy and stem cell transplants.
Researchers at the University of Manchester's National Graphene Institute discover new physics in ancient graphite, finding a 2.5D Hofstadter’s butterfly effect that modifies both surface and bulk states.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have successfully grown high-quality thin films of the recently discovered superconductor material KTaO3. The researchers found that the material retains its superconducting properties even when exposed to extremely high magnetic fields.
A new study using ancient DNA found that workers buried more than 500 years ago came from different parts of the Inca Empire, including Amazonia. The analysis supports historical documentation and archaeological studies, providing insights into the genetic histories and lifeways of Machu Picchu's occupants.
Researchers at California Polytechnic State University have developed a novel method for storing biological materials such as RNA and proteins in a solid-state, resembling a pill or tablet that dissolves in water for on-demand use. This innovation overcomes current limitations in storage and handling, making it easier to access these m...
A first-in-human study demonstrates the efficacy of a novel PRMT5 inhibitor, JNJ-64619178, in treating advanced solid tumors. The treatment showed manageable dose-dependent toxicity and achieved preliminary antitumor activity in patients with various cancer types.
Researchers developed new methods for detecting drug-induced hepatotoxicity using 3D cell cultures and mass spectrometry imaging, identifying biomarkers and effective interventions. A zeolite-based protein corona method was also used to characterize plasma proteins, enabling the identification of low-abundance proteins and their potent...
The American Heart Association has funded seven new scientific research projects to explore the connection between migraines, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. The studies will analyze existing datasets using machine learning and aim to create a collaborative group of experts to uncover the causes of increased risk.
Researchers have developed a new bioelectronic technology to map fast electrical signals in plants, revealing how plants respond to touch and stress. The study uses a multi-electrode array technology on the Venus Flytrap, demonstrating that electrical signals originate from sensory hairs.
A team of researchers, including RIT's Joel Kastner, have discovered new evidence of how planets as massive as Jupiter can form through gravitational instability around a young star. The discovery was made using images from the ESO's Very Large Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array.
A study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that IT peers may deter business students from entering the field. However, women without IT experience are more likely to receive positive messages and pursue careers in IT. Firms should consider the potential negative impact of peer advice when recruiting and developing IT talent.
Researchers investigated the fatigue behavior of 2D hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), discovering they can survive over one billion cycles, outperforming most polymers under similar loading conditions. The study provides insights into designing and engineering these materials for long-term mechanical durability.
A new study highlights the key problem with how computer security guidelines are created, citing complexity and lack of prioritization as major issues. Researchers recommend curating information and using clear messaging to make guidelines more accessible and user-friendly.
Researchers developed a bioinformatic tool that selects parts of proteins to elicit strong immune responses. This approach, grounded in immunological theory, was four times more efficient than current methods, suggesting better vaccine protection against diseases.
The study used electronic health record data from over 200,000 children to describe patterns of pediatric allergies across the US, validating the 'allergic march' pattern. It also found that eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is more common among non-White patients than previously reported.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that gliomas can arise from epigenetic changes, which affect gene activity without altering DNA sequence. The findings pinpoint two genes, an oncogene and a tumor suppressor, whose activities are epigenetically altered in human gliomas.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System discovered that improper calcium signaling in mitochondria accelerates chronic inflammation, leading to age-related conditions. Increasing calcium uptake in macrophages may help prevent harmful inflammation and its effects on the brain.
The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, reveals a novel light-activated material that can be used to effectively reshape and thicken damaged corneal tissue, promoting healing and recovery for patients with keratoconus. The technology has tremendous potential to impact millions of people suffering from corneal diseases.
Rafael de Cabo, PhD, receives the 2023 Irving S. Wright Award from the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) for his groundbreaking contributions to aging research. The award recognizes his work on caloric restriction, age-targeting therapeutics, and healthy aging interventions.
A new study reveals that the cellular chaperone protein GRP78 migrates to the nucleus under stress and alters gene activities, allowing cancer cells to become more mobile and invasive. This discovery offers potential new approaches for cancer treatment, including down-regulating GRP78 activity or preventing it from binding to ID2.
University of Melbourne researchers have discovered that T cells patrol the human eye, protecting it from pathogens and inflammation. The study uses a new imaging technique to capture dynamic behavior of these cells in response to different stimuli.
Dr. Ankuda's work aims to improve Medicare policies supporting older adults with functional disability and serious illness, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. She has received multiple awards and citations for her research on the Medicare Advantage program.
Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg discovered that mutations in the RBM20 gene cause familial DCM by disrupting normal RNA splicing, leading to detrimental cytoplasmic granules. Targeted gene editing via CRISPR-Cas9 and restoring nuclear localisation of RBM20 could improve therapy options for patients.
Researchers have found that gut health is the main determinant of systemic inflammation and disease progression in HIV. By targeting the root cause of problems, therapies may be able to slow the progression of the virus by preserving gut integrity.
A team of researchers at the University of Notre Dame analyzed nearly 600 colonial notes to understand Franklin's innovative techniques for making paper money. They found distinctive security features, including pigments and materials like muscovite that made his bills harder to counterfeit.
A new 'fly-to-bedside' resource has been developed to sort through the complexities of SARS-CoV-2 virus-host interactions. Researchers found that nine out of 10 non-structural proteins resulted in wing defects, providing a basis for understanding how viral proteins affect host proteins.
A muscle-building supplement called beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been shown to reduce plaques and increase factors for neuronal growth in mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology. The study found that HMB stimulates a nuclear hormone receptor to improve memory and learning in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found that metformin may promote healthy ageing by reducing biomarkers of ageing and increasing telomere length. The research team used genetic analysis to identify variants associated with metformin use, suggesting a potential role for the drug in promoting healthy longevity.
Dr. Eric Lazartigues has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on salt-sensitive hypertension and the role of the brain renin-angiotensin system in regulating blood pressure. His work has led to a deeper understanding of hypertension's impact on cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have identified a novel class of compounds that effectively lower cholesterol, triglycerides and apoB in human liver-like cells. These molecules work independently of the LDLR pathway and offer a new treatment regimen for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.