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 scientists led by NYU Abu Dhabi researcher Mohamad Ali-Dib discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet named LP 791-18 d. The planet may be carpeted with volcanoes and sustain water in liquid form, making it potentially habitable.
Researchers developed a computational platform called IRIS to discover tumor antigens from alternative RNA splicing, expanding cancer immunotherapy targets. Hundreds of predicted TCR targets were found to be presented by human leukocyte antigen molecules.
A €2.5million European research programme, FRIETS, is increasing the shelf-life of berries through high-precision agriculture and innovative processing methods while maintaining quality. The four-year project combines precision agriculture strategies with dehydration and edible coating methods to discover healthier food alternatives.
Researchers developed a 'Skeletal Age' metric to assess impact of fractures on mortality, revealing a loss of one to seven years of life depending on gender, age, and bone site. The online calculator measures bone fragility to help doctors and patients understand fracture risks.
Researchers developed a novel combination therapy that eradicates tumors in select patients, with prolonged survival rates. The therapy has shown promise in treating glioblastoma, a notoriously difficult-to-treat primary brain cancer.
Researchers discovered a new genetic variant in the Reelin gene that provides protection from Alzheimer's disease. The variant was identified through clinical assessments, genetic and molecular studies, and neuropathological analysis of two patients with a similar genetic predisposition to developing early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed a computational approach to predict diabetic kidney disease using DNA methylation markers from a blood sample. The model can use this information to assess current and future kidney function, enabling early detection and prevention of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
A team of Virginia Tech scientists has identified a brain pathway responsible for synchronized movement in individuals, including mice, without rehearsal. The study provides an underlying mechanism for coordinating group behavior, which is essential for understanding social communication in humans and developing therapies for ADHD, ASD...
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University found that cells near wavy shaped wounds moved in a swirling manner, while those near straight wounds moved in straight lines. This discovery reveals that the swirling motion is crucial for gap-bridging and accelerates wound healing in wavy wounds.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that superconductive images are actually 3D and disorder-driven fractals. The team used fractal mathematics to characterize the shapes of electrons in a cuprate high-temperature superconductor, revealing patterns that challenge current understanding of quantum materials.
Researchers have found sedimentary archives in sand dunes that can reconstruct reliable, multi-millennial fire histories. The discovery aims to expand scientific understanding of fire regimes around the world and uncover the role of humans on fire history.
A new method developed by Cornell researchers provides tools to interpret discarded X-ray crystallography data, enabling better understanding of proteins' movement, structure, and function. This breakthrough could lead to designing new drugs targeting specific proteins.
A Rensselaer researcher has used artificial intelligence to discover novel van der Waals (vdW) magnets with large magnetic moments. These two-dimensional vdW magnets have the potential to advance science and technology in data storage, spintronics, and quantum computing.
Researchers discovered that scalloped hammerhead sharks close their gill slits during deep dives to prevent heat loss and keep warm. This unique behavior allows them to hunt effectively in cold water depths.
Two NYGC research teams have been selected as grant recipients under the NIH Common Fund SMaHT Network. The first team will generate a high-quality somatic variant catalog leveraging three core sequencing assays, while the second team will develop innovative tools for studying somatic mosaicism using a single-cell multi-omics approach.
The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure acute pressure changes inside the heart, discovering that pressure increases when patients receive a specific medication called adenosine. This technology can help doctors better diagnose and monitor patients with heart disease and heart failure.
Researchers used cancer proteomics data to identify gene candidates for therapeutic targeting, focusing on protein kinases in uterine endometrial cancer cells. Public molecular resources and multi-omics data analysis can prioritize genes of interest for future studies.
Scientists at CNIO identify succinylation as a poorly studied mechanism in cancer research; mutated DLST protein prevents succinylation, leading to pseudohypoxia and tumor growth. Succinylation is crucial for protein function and may be linked to various diseases.
Researchers from Aston University and the University of York discovered new insights into how the human brain makes perceptual judgments of the external world. They found that humans can exploit 'defocus blur' to infer perceptual scale, but this process is crude and more heuristic than metrical analysis.
Scientists have defined a basic toolkit for forming tubular organs in animals, which is thought to be the foundation of organ development in vertebrates. The study uses the sea star as a model organism and reveals that cells can proliferate and migrate simultaneously during tube formation.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a previously unknown way in which the brain and immune system interact in multiple sclerosis. They found that the inflammatory protein interleukin-3 (IL-3) coordinates this communication, inciting the recruitment of immune cells to the brain and exacerbating brain inflammation.
Researchers developed a new probe to measure pH levels in cells, revealing a constant conversion rate from endosomes to lysosomes. The probe's ability to track pH changes enables faster diagnosis and potential treatments for lysosomal diseases.
The 'Low Oxygen and Weight Status' study will investigate the effects of low oxygen levels on weight loss and health outcomes in adults with obesity. Participants will be randomized to sleep in an altitude tent or normal conditions, while following a weight loss diet. The study aims to inform new strategies for improving metabolic health.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a breakthrough discovery about the role of microglia in seizure disorders. The study suggests that enhancing microglial activity could be a promising approach to preventing and managing seizures, offering new hope for patients who don't respond to existing treatments.
Researchers discovered that gamma delta T cells can effectively combat triple-negative breast cancer by targeting stress-induced molecules and phosphoantigens. Counteracting metabolic changes with zolendronate makes immunotherapy more efficient.
A study by University of Helsinki researchers identifies specific Desulfovibrio bacterial strains as a primary cause of Parkinson's disease in most cases. The findings suggest that these bacteria can trigger aggregation of the alpha-synuclein protein, potentially leading to disease progression.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have uncovered a key mechanism by which the p53 gene suppresses tumors. They discovered that a specific genetic variant, found in African Americans, triggers immune function that kills tumors.
Researchers identified three novel dual-purpose therapeutic targets using PandaOmics, which could treat both aging and glioblastoma multiforme. The target hypotheses include cyclic nucleotide gated channel subunit alpha 3 (CNGA3), glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1).
Three high school students co-authored a paper using AI engine PandaOmics to discover new therapeutic targets for glioblastoma multiforme, a common and aggressive malignant brain tumor. The study identified three genes strongly correlated with both aging and glioblastoma as potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified occludin protein as a mediator for cell-to-cell transmission of coronavirus. The study found that damaged occludin protein enables virus replication and spread to neighboring cells, worsening symptoms.
Scientists at Duke University found electric fields within biological condensates, which could change the way researchers think about biological chemistry. The discovery suggests that these structures may have played a crucial role in the first life on Earth, providing energy for essential reactions.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute discovered a way to replicate cooperative behavior found in viruses in organic semiconductors. This phenomenon can help enhance the performance of smartwatches, solar cells, and other organic electronics by reducing energy consumption.
A team of IUPUI researchers has developed an AI-powered approach to classify insect species, tackling the challenge of discovering new species. The method uses deep hierarchical Bayesian learning to distinguish between known and unknown species, providing insight into their taxonomy and ecosystem impacts.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a new cellular sensor that allows dormant bacteria to detect nutrients and quickly spring back to life. This breakthrough could inform the design of ways to prevent dangerous bacterial spores from lying dormant for months before waking up again and causing outbreaks.
Scripps Research scientists develop a new strategy to identify small molecules that can alter protein function, offering a promising path for discovering targeted cancer drugs. By comparing how mirror image versions of small molecules impact clusters of proteins, they identified potential new drug targets such as MY-1B and EV-96.
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce inflammation, restore cell function and prevent cognitive impairment in mice with amyloid buildup. CAIs also improved cerebrovascular health and enhanced amyloid-clearing capacity.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai created computational models to bridge the gap between
The University of Central Florida has developed the Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA), a large-scale system for extended reality human subjects research. This project aims to facilitate human subjects research and improve extended reality technologies, making them more inclusive for underrepresented groups.
A novel cell signaling pathway has been identified that could be targeted to treat aggressive pancreatic cancers. The High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) protein functions as a 'molecular switch' that activates genes required for tumor growth and invasion. Silencing HMGA1 or disrupting FGF19 signals in mouse models resulted in decreased tum...
The study found that the global prevalence of H. pylori infection declined from 58.2% in 1980-1990 to 43.1% in 2011-2022, with a decline of about 0.39-0.83% per year. Despite this decline, over 40% of the adult population still carries the infection, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have confirmed evidence of a previously unknown planet outside our solar system using machine learning tools. The discovery highlights the potential for artificial intelligence to enhance scientists' work and speed up analysis, with the potential to dramatically expand exoplanet discoveries.
A multidisciplinary team discovers three new active hydrothermal vent fields over a 434-mile stretch of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, revealing rich biological communities and vast marine life. The discovery highlights the need for more research to understand the effects of deep-sea mining on these unique ecosystems.
A study discovered that tiny polystyrene particles can breach the blood-brain barrier two hours after ingestion, increasing the risk of inflammation and neurological disorders. The newly found mechanism relies on a biomolecular corona, highlighting the need to restrict nanoplastic use and exposure.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a critical pathway in the development of MYC-driven lymphoma, involving the chemical modification of eIF5A with hypusine. Inhibiting this process prevents lymphoma development and progression in mouse models, offering new therapeutic strategies.
The concept of nature's chefs offers a new perspective on species interactions, highlighting the diversity of food-making and preparing species across the tree of life. This interdisciplinary approach aims to inform how people think about food across various disciplines.
Researchers at UMass Amherst microbiologists have identified an enzyme involved in TB pathogen's survival and growth. The discovery offers a potential target for drug therapies for the deadly disease, which has few effective treatments and caused over 1.6 million deaths worldwide in 2021.
A study published in Circulation Research identifies the FHL5 gene as a key regulator of vascular disease, including heart attacks and aneurysms. The discovery advances our understanding of the underlying causes of vascular disease and provides new insights into genetic risk factors.
Researchers at The Mount Sinai Hospital have created versatile disease models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), allowing for accurate study of the cancer's progression and response to drugs. These models, derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, can mimic different stages of AML and are nearly identical to those found in patients.
A team of researchers has developed a method that uses electric stimulation to accelerate wound healing, making it possible for wounds to heal up to three times faster. The technique involves applying an electric field to damaged skin, which helps guide skin cells in the same direction, promoting faster healing.
Researchers have discovered a new property in materials that allows for fundamentally different types of devices architectures to be realized. The breakthrough enables the creation of mechanically reconfigurable electronic devices with low friction, which could revolutionize industries such as electronics and quantum science.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in the mouse brain, providing a new mechanism for understanding brain maturation and finding treatments for neurological conditions. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and P...
Researchers at Washington State University have identified the Arrdc5 gene as a potential target for male contraception. The study found that when this gene is inactivated, it causes significant infertility in males, characterized by decreased sperm count, slowed mobility, and distorted shape.
Researchers analyzed octopus and squid sensory receptors to discover new families of chemotactile receptors that drive distinct behaviors in the environment. These findings provide insights into the molecular basis of novelty across levels of biological organization.
Researchers at Max Born Institute have developed a hybrid laser pulse that controls ultrafast light-induced currents in giant materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of valley-currents and spin-currents, vital for future valleytronics technology.
A UTSA-led research team has discovered a new exoplanet using indirect methods. The exoplanet, HIP 99770 b, is about 14 to 16 times the mass of Jupiter and orbits a nearly twice-as-massive star. This breakthrough opens a new avenue for scientists to discover and characterize exoplanets.
Researchers tracked the evolution of Staphylococcus aureus in patients with eczema, discovering rapid mutations in a gene that enables the bacteria to grow faster on the skin. These findings could lead to targeted treatments by targeting variants of S. aureus associated with eczema symptoms.
A novel metasurface-based approach achieves dynamic dual-mode modulation of THz waves by varying the wavelength of pumping light. The device can realize mode-selective or mode-unselective modulations on incident THz waves, offering high modulation pixel resolution and ultrafast modulation speed.
Researchers identified potential novel receptors for SARS-CoV-2 that utilize multiple receptors to facilitate its life cycle. The study reveals a strong correlation between tissue age-dependency and SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced receptor expression, with older adults being more susceptible to severe outcomes.
Researchers have identified a new cell state in embryonic airway development, which may lead to new approaches for treating chronic respiratory diseases. The discovery highlights the crucial role of cellular heterogeneity in shaping airway biology.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified a new circuit element called the meminductor, which exhibits memory-like properties. The discovery was made using a two-terminal passive system and proved the existence of meminductance in an inductor circuit element.