News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
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.
A new algorithm has been created to search fungal genomes for clusters of genes likely to result in interesting biological compounds. The algorithm, trained on a newly described type of chemistry in fungi, has discovered over 1,300 fungal species with biosynthetic gene clusters centered on isocyanide chemistry.
Researchers have discovered a new enzyme, SbSOMT, that unlocks the potential for health-promoting compounds in sorghum. The enzyme catalyzes the production of O-methylated stilbenes, which have been shown to possess anti-ageing, anti-neurodegeneration, and anti-diabetes properties.
A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new method to incorporate used plastic bottles into clay soil stabilization in landfills, strengthening the soil and preventing pollutants from escaping. This innovative approach has the potential to divert millions of metric tons of plastic waste from landfills each year.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a metal oxide that can enable terahertz technology for quantum sensing. The material, strontium titanate, exhibits unique properties that allow it to interact strongly with terahertz light, forming new particles called phonon-polaritons.
Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories have discovered that metals can heal themselves by fusing back together microscopic cracks without human intervention. This breakthrough could lead to the development of self-healing machines and structures, reducing wear and tear damage and making them safer and longer-lasting.
A new study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer have increased biological aging compared to those who remain free of breast cancer. Radiation therapy showed the strongest association with faster biological aging, while surgery had no effect.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that NSAIDs exacerbate C. difficile infections by disrupting epithelial cell mitochondria, sensiting them to toxins. The study shows that NSAIDs and C. difficile toxins work synergistically to increase virulence, leading to increased disease severity and mortality.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science successfully synthesized tanzawaic acid B in large amounts, paving the way for new antibiotic development. The breakthrough method could lead to creation of various compounds for pharmaceuticals, including new antibiotic candidates.
A novel stress signalling system has been discovered by SMART researchers, enabling bacteria cells to adapt and survive against the immune system and certain antibiotics. The breakthrough discovery of RlmN as a stress sensor may lead to the development of new therapies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Lacking Medicare coverage for screening CTC may contribute to greater income-based differences in its use compared to other recommended screening strategies or diagnostic CTC. Medicare coverage of CTC could reduce income-based disparities for individuals avoiding optical colonoscopy due to invasiveness or complication risk.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new type of battery using aluminum foil that shows promising performance for safer, cheaper, and more powerful batteries. The batteries have higher energy density and greater stability than conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at Linköping University found that Wnt signalling can have varying effects on cells depending on the signal duration and receiving cell type. This discovery sheds light on how cells determine their identity, revealing a new type of cell behavior related to genome instructions.
Researchers have discovered molecular crystals with exceptional iodine capture capacities, which could prevent radioactive waste from damaging reactor coatings. The crystals can be reused and have potential applications beyond iodine capture, including carbon dioxide capture and lithium-ion battery materials.
A new study by NASA and Japan's Osaka University suggests that rogue planets, drifting through space without a star, may outnumber stars with orbiting worlds. The Roman Space Telescope could discover up to 400 Earth-mass rogue planets, according to the findings.
Mutations in parkin gene break down contacts between lysosomes and mitochondria, disrupting essential metabolite supply to mitochondria. Restoring these contacts may represent a new therapeutic opportunity for Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers found that mannose inhibits the growth of certain types of cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to chemotherapy. Mannose has been shown to trigger 'honeybee syndrome' in these cells, which impairs DNA synthesis and replication.
Lancaster University researchers have developed a novel scanning thermal microscopy approach to directly measure the heat conductivity of two-dimensional materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient waste heat scavengers generating cheap electricity, new compact fridges, and advanced optical and microwave sensors and ...
A team from Ames National Laboratory solved the structure of boron monoxide, a compound first discovered in the 1940s, using new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods and techniques. The researchers found that the material forms nanosheets with a turbostratic arrangement.
Researchers at MUSC have identified a potential novel biomarker for sepsis, which can be predicted by the contents of extracellular vesicles in the bloodstream. This discovery could lead to more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for sepsis patients.
A groundbreaking study has uncovered potential treatments for inflammatory disorders by targeting specific receptors involved in the immune response. Researchers created mimetic peptides that successfully reduced inflammation in human immune cells and provided significant protection against toxic shock in mice.
Griffith University researchers have developed a method to control the assembly of virus capsids using DNA origami templates. This technique allows for precise control over the shape, size, and topology of viruses, which could lead to breakthroughs in vaccine development and delivery systems.
A study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research found that a group of genes involved in neuronal plasticity and pain perception are also associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) risk. These genes work together to influence neural communication, leading to changes in brain function that can contribute to AUDs.
Researchers have made groundbreaking progress in confining light to subnanometer scales using a novel waveguiding scheme. The approach generates an astonishingly efficient and confined optical field with applications in light-matter interactions, super-resolution nanoscopy, and ultrasensitive detection.
Scientists have discovered that genes required for complex behaviors like learning, memory, and aggression originated around 650 million years ago. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolutionary origin of these behaviors and their neural circuits.
Researchers have discovered a way to identify pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia by examining lipids in their blood during pregnancy. The approach worked regardless of whether the women were on aspirin therapy, and could predict the risk of preeclampsia with significant accuracy.
Catherine Royer's research aims to understand how enzymes function under high pressure and thrive in extreme temperatures. The project could lead to the development of new biotechnological applications.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a previously unknown self-renewal mechanism in kidney cells that allows them to rejuvenate themselves and remain healthy. This process is fundamentally different from other regenerative processes, such as cell division, and enables kidneys to function normally for life.
The Brigham team designed nanoparticles that deliver stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists to immune cells, training them to recognize and eliminate future tumors. This approach eradicates active tumors in mice with melanoma, colon cancer, and breast cancer, while preventing future tumor formation.
Researchers use portable devices to analyze paint composition and layering on ancient Egyptian paintings, revealing alterations made over time. Two paintings from the Theban Necropolis were studied, uncovering changes to a figure's arm and royal items depicted on a portrait of Ramesses II.
The study found that adding CO2 to temperate terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres intensifies warming in non-irradiated regions, altering global circulation patterns. This effect is seen on both Earth and the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1e, with implications for habitability and climate research.
A team of scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified six chemical cocktails that can restore cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells. The study builds upon the discovery of Yamanaka factors, which can convert adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, raising hopes for treating age-related diseases and injuries. The im...
Fossil discoveries in northern Panama Canal area suggest that marine species interchange persisted across shallow waters during the final stages of formation of the isthmus. The findings provide new insights into the connectivity between the Pacific and Caribbean marine faunas during this period.
Researchers at Mass General Cancer Center treated 16 patients with a BRAF/MEK inhibitor, resulting in a 91% reduction in tumor size and complete response in all patients who received one or more cycles of therapy. The treatment showed unprecedented success in targeting brain tumors using precision medicine approaches.
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center confirmed genetic variants of unknown significance are verified mutations that increase the risk of kidney cancer. The findings could lead to new treatment options for people with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC).
A Duke University team has found that retrotransposons use the cell's DNA repair function to create a ring-like shape and then produce a matching double strand. This discovery challenges long-held theories about retrotransposons being byproducts of bad gene copying.
Professor Coppedè's appointment aims to enhance the journal's focus on cutting-edge genomics research, covering topics like genome sequencing and functional genomics. He will lead Current Genomics to greater success by staying at the forefront of genomics discoveries and advancements.
A new study reveals that Megalodon, the iconic extinct shark, was not as fast as believed but had a mega-appetite that explained its gigantism. The discovery of tiny scales found in rock pieces surrounding fossil teeth suggests that Megalodon used its warm-bloodedness to promote visceral food processing and absorb nutrients.
A CU Anschutz study found that oral consumption of high doses of CBD during pregnancy impaired problem-solving skills in female mice. Fetal exposure to CBD also reduced the excitability of the pre-frontal cortex, a key area for learning.
Researchers have discovered a new target for antibiotics that could treat multi-drug resistant superbugs. The antibiotic AMC-109 affects the cell membrane of bacteria by disordering its organization, leading to the death of the bacterium. This approach may also break down resistance to old-fashioned antibiotics.
Fetuses use a copy of a gene inherited from their dad to force their mum to release as much nutrients possible during pregnancy. This 'remote-control' system is operated by genes that can be switched on or off depending on whether they are a 'dad's' or 'mum's' gene.
Prof. Dr. Marta Litter takes over as Editor-In-Chief of Journal of Photocatalysis, bringing her extensive expertise and experience to lead the journal into a new era of excellence. Her research on heterogeneous photocatalysis and iron-based nanomaterials has led to over 250 scientific publications.
Researchers examine whether robots and AI can replicate the ethical concepts attributed to human nurses, including advocacy, accountability, cooperation, and caring. While AI can inform patients about medical errors and present treatment options, it questions its ability to truly understand and empathize with patients' values.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University discover ponatinib, an existing cancer drug, can block key steps in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism. This could lead to new treatment options for ALT cancers, which currently lack targeted therapies.
A study from Aarhus University reveals that PCSK9 regulates a receptor in the kidneys controlling protein excretion, leading to potential new treatment strategies for patients with kidney overloads. The researchers hope to further investigate the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in treating kidney diseases.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a novel mechanism by which hair cells can repair themselves after damage. This breakthrough understanding has the potential to develop new treatments for age-related hearing loss and other conditions.
Lead-free Cs3MnBr5 anti-perovskite nanocrystals embedded in glass matrices enable tunable emission and ultra-stable X-ray imaging. The results achieve exceptional X-ray detection limits, spatial resolutions, and dose irradiation stability.
Researchers at Buck Institute for Research on Aging developed a bioavailable compound that selectively inhibits free radical production in mitochondria, preventing and treating metabolic syndrome in mice. The compound, S1QEL1.719, decreases fat accumulation, improves glucose tolerance, and normalizes fasting insulin levels.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method that uses machine learning to visualize nanotextures in thin-film materials. This technique overcomes the challenge of preserving the sample, allowing for dynamic study of thin films and discovery of new morphologies.
A study of maize hybrid varieties over 81 years found that while maize's tolerance to moderate heat stress has improved, its tolerance to severe heat stress has decreased. This shift in tolerance could have significant implications for climate change's impact on agriculture.
Researchers at WVU's forensic lab discovered how organic and inorganic compounds in gunshot residue differ in their persistence on surfaces and transfer. This breakthrough allows crime scene investigators to distinguish between 'greener' and traditional ammunition, enabling faster and more informed decisions at crime scenes.
The Ngoc Linh Crocodile Newt is a newly discovered species of crocodile newt found in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The species is considered Endangered due to its small population size and limited geographic range.
A new single-cell study provides deeper understanding of the evolution of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer. Researchers identified six unique ecotypes, or collections of cell states, within the tumor microenvironment and discovered a potential new therapeutic target, SDC2.
A new study from Sanford Burnham Prebys identified a protein called NR2F6 that helps melanoma cells evade the immune system, but also promotes anti-tumor immunity when targeted. The researchers hope to develop new drugs that can block this protein's activity, potentially doubling the effectiveness of immunotherapy for melanoma patients.
Research from UTHealth Houston reveals that different brain regions are engaged when processing simple versus complex melodies and sentences. The study used intracranial electrodes to map brain activity during music and language tasks, finding shared temporal lobe activity but distinct sensitivities to melodic and syntactic complexity.
Researchers demonstrate that AI language models like ChatGPT can generate high-quality fraudulent medical articles with standard sections and references. The study highlights the need for increased vigilance and enhanced detection methods to combat potential misuse of AI in scientific research.
A new study reveals that biscuspid aortic valve is caused by mutations in the MINDBOMB1 gene, with significant implications for developing alternative treatments to surgery. The research combines genome sequencing and gene editing techniques to analyze the mechanisms of this congenital defect.
An international group of experts has developed a planetary protection policy to safeguard Earth from potential threats and avoid compromising the search for lifeforms on other celestial bodies. The policy aims to prevent biological and organic contamination of space missions, ensuring the safety of our planet.