News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
Researchers found that 89% of Dominica's trees sustained damage from Hurricane Maria, but only 10% were immediately killed. The study suggests that forests in hurricane-prone regions can resist extreme weather events due to their adapted structure and composition.
Tulane University researchers discovered a possible genetic cause of hypermobility and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, linking it to folate deficiency due to the MTHFR gene variation. Elevated folate levels in blood tests can aid in diagnosis, while methylated folate has shown promising treatment results for patients.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a new process that explains why cells have unique identities. By studying Polycomb protein complexes, the team found that different forms of these proteins recruit distinct complexes to DNA, shedding light on cellular identity and its potential impact on cancer treatments.
Human macrophages use Siglec-14 receptors to recognize and engulf carbon nanotubes, leading to inflammation. The discovery could pave the way for developing safer carbon nanotubes and therapies to prevent inflammatory diseases.
A multidisciplinary team of Emory researchers has discovered a key molecular pathway underlying COVID-19 organ damage in adults. The study found that high levels of fibrinogen cause red blood cells to clump together, damaging the endothelial glycocalyx and altering blood flow.
Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have identified seven types of zirconium metal clusters found in MOFs and fourteen potential new metal building blocks. This discovery provides a crucial clue to accelerate the development of carbon-neutral porous materials.
Researchers found that infected mosquito saliva contains molecules called sfRNAs that can blunt the body's immune response. These molecules are injected during the mosquito bite, making it more likely for people to become infected with dengue virus.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a novel class of ribosomal peptides called daptides, which exhibit hemolytic activity. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic development and highlights the vast potential of undiscovered RiPP classes.
A new study reveals a protein in the nervous system regulates collagen expression, potentially extending human lifespan as temperatures rise. Mutant worms with increased collagen production lived longer and looked younger than wild-type worms under warm temperatures.
Texas A&M researchers have found a significant increase in energy storage capacity of water-based battery electrodes, paving the way for safer and more stable batteries. The discovery could provide an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which are facing material shortages and price increases.
Researchers have shown lorlatinib to be safe and effective in treating high-risk neuroblastoma with ALK gene mutations. The targeted therapy has led to a major amendment in a phase 3 clinical trial, offering new hope for patients with this often lethal cancer.
Two new species of poisonous birds have been discovered in New Guinea's rainforest, containing a neurotoxin similar to that found in South American poison dart frogs. Genetic changes in these bird species allow them to tolerate and store the toxin in their feathers, potentially serving as a defensive mechanism.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered ultrasmall swirling magnetic vortices, known as merons and skyrmions, in an iron-containing material. These tiny magnetic structures show promise for future computer memory storage and high-efficiency microelectronics due to their stability and adaptability to binary code.
Biyu J. He's groundbreaking research on perceptual cognition and subjective experience has challenged traditional views of consciousness. Her work explores how past experiences shape individual perception and understanding, using innovative techniques like fMRI and EEG.
Researchers discovered a plant biological clock-regulated mechanism that helps plants tolerate cold temperatures and damage from bright light. The mechanism, controlled by the SIG5 gene, signals proteins in chloroplasts to protect against environmental stress, potentially improving crop resilience for colder climates.
Scientists at US national laboratories are developing new chemical recycling methods to make sustainable, high-quality plastic materials. They aim to transform plastic waste into valuable chemicals and reduce plastic pollution, paving the way for a circular economy.
Seer researchers identified four structurally distinct protein isoforms that were differentially expressed in non-small cell lung cancer patients. These findings suggest that these protein isoforms may play a role in NSCLC disease pathogenesis, potentially leading to the development of new diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered three new species of bioluminescent polycirrus worms emitting blue-violet light, with names inspired by yokai from Japanese folklore. The findings aim to deepen understanding of bioluminescence mechanisms and potentially lead to new life sciences technologies.
A small molecule discovered by University of Houston researchers could potentially shorten the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection, offering a new alternative treatment option for COVID-19. The compound, CD04872SC, has shown promise in neutralizing the virus and its variants Delta and Omicron.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a new cell type, named F-Cell, that plays a crucial role in touch sensing in fruit flies. The study published in Nature Cell Biology reveals that F-Cells are recruited to tactile hairs and participate in sending signals to neighbouring epidermal cells.
Scientists from USC Stem Cell laboratory discovered a mechanism linking leukemic mutations to varying disease potentials, identifying RNA splicing regulator Rbm25 as a critical factor. The study found that over-contributing clones of blood stem cells produce excessive myeloid cells, leading to potential leukemia development.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that maintaining nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels may protect against kidney disease. NAD supplements were shown to be effective in reversing NAD loss and suppressing inflammation in mouse kidneys, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for kidney disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers achieved optical switching of a light signal at attosecond speeds, exceeding data transfer speeds by 1 million times. This breakthrough enables the development of ultrafast optical electronics and could increase data processing speed in long-distance communications.
Scientists have found that antibodies targeting βII-spectrin on mesangial cells are the trigger for IgA nephropathy. This discovery enables blood-based diagnosis and may lead to improved treatments.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine discovered that bacteria causing vaginal infections can also be present in men and transmitted through heterosexual sex. The study found that only men who reported having vaginal sex carried the bacteria, with detectable presence for at least two months after intercourse.
Researchers from China have identified inosine as a potential broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agent that improves survival in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. The study also highlights TBK1 as a promising target for inhibiting cytokine storms and mitigating acute inflammatory lung injury.
An international team has discovered how electrons can move rapidly on a quantum surface driven by external forces, visualizing the motion of electrons on liquid helium for the first time. The research revealed unusual oscillations with varying frequencies and a combination of quantum and classical dynamics.
Researchers develop unsupervised machine learning algorithm to classify osteosarcoma at diagnosis based on gene expression modules. This approach enables personalized treatment strategies for osteosarcoma patients.
A new Japanese 'ladies tresses' orchid, Spiranthes hachijoensis, has been found in private gardens and on balconies. The discovery suggests that other new species may be hidden in common environments, eliminating the need for remote tropical rainforest expeditions.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University has established a method to identify individual inbred medaka killifish by analyzing the characteristic patterns of dark spots on their heads. This identification method may contribute to biometrics for medical and drug discovery research.
Researchers at Lancaster University have discovered how energy disappears in quantum turbulence, a crucial step towards mastering this phenomenon and its applications. The study reveals the role of Kelvin waves in transferring energy from macroscopic to microscopic length scales.
Researchers developed a self-driven lab, AlphaFlow, that uses AI to optimize complex chemical reactions and discover new materials. The system significantly reduces the time needed to develop new chemistries from months to hours.
Molecular biologist Shixin Liu is recognized for developing cutting-edge biophysical tools to visualize and understand biomolecular machines. His work aims to establish a quantitative input-output relationship between environmental stimuli and gene expression profiles.
Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a way to reverse infertility in sterile mice by reducing high-circulating cholesterol with a bacterial protein. The study showed that this protein, called serum opacity factor, lowered HDL cholesterol levels by over 40% in three hours and restored fertility in the mice.
Researchers developed an acid-based electrochemical process to convert CO2 captured from emission sources or air into multicarbon products such as ethylene and ethanol. The new method improves energy efficiency by twofold compared to previous benchmarks.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research discovered that molecular changes in lung tissue can trigger breast cancer cells to 'reawaken' and form secondary tumors. They found that blocking PDGF-C activity with an existing cancer growth blocker could help prevent this, offering a potential strategy to defuse these 'time bombs'. Th...
A new 'best practice' protocol has been developed by researchers at University of Bath to standardize data collection and reporting in piezoelectric materials. This is crucial to ensure reproducibility in energy harvesting research, which is hampered by inconsistent experimental reports.
Researchers at CUNY ASRC detail a breakthrough experiment in which they observed time reflections of electromagnetic signals in a tailored metamaterial. The effect causes a significant portion of the broadband signals to be instantaneously time reversed and frequency converted, forming a strange echo.
Glaucoma researchers identify mitochondria as a key source of energy for optic nerve cells, and restoring balance can protect these cells from damage. The study suggests enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis may be a promising treatment strategy.
Research at Kobe University reveals that endogenous retrovirus activation increases a fetus's susceptibility to autism, leading to differences in brain structure and behavior. The study identifies BTBR/R mice as a more accurate model of autism, exhibiting autistic-like behaviors without reduced learning ability.
Researchers developed a new AI-driven method to detect and predict defects in 3D printed metals, enabling rapid improvements in additive manufacturing. The method uses X-ray imaging and machine learning to identify pore generation in real-time with near-perfect accuracy.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified a promising approach to delay aging by detoxifying glycerol and glyceraldehyde, harmful by-products of fat. By activating an enzyme called AMAR, they found that microscopic worms lived longer and healthier lives, and similar effects were seen in other lab models.
Scientists have identified a dozen new materials with high carrier mobility in 2D semiconductors, which could revolutionize electronic device capabilities. The discoveries were made using quantum-mechanical calculations and are an exception to the conventional wisdom that finding such materials is extremely challenging.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Arizona State University $90.8 million to advance x-ray science, including the construction of the world's first Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser. This technology will enable researchers to explore complex matter at atomic length and ultrafast time, paving the way for breakthroughs in human ...
The Center for C. elegans Anatomy is receiving $2.6 million in funding from the NIH to expand WormAtlas, a resource for researchers studying C. elegans and other nematodes. The expansion aims to incorporate new nematode species into the atlas, enabling comparisons between C. elegans and less-studied species.
Researchers found that patients receiving salvage radiation therapy (sRT) with PSA levels above 0.25 ng/mL had a 50% higher risk of death compared to those with lower PSA levels. The study suggests delaying sRT until PSA levels exceed 0.30 ng/mL may increase mortality risk.
Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.
High-dose anticoagulation reduces intubations and deaths by 30% in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially those with ARDS. The study found a significant reduction in mortality and need for ICU care among patients treated with therapeutic anticoagulation.
The University of Missouri will receive a $10 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to double cover crop seed production in the US by 2030. The project aims to educate farmers about new varieties of cover crops, examine their performance with root growth, and distribute them nationwide.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a new theory that unifies conflicting viewpoints on lane formation, predicting curved and straight lanes in crowded spaces. The study reveals a new class of structures in daily life that may go unnoticed.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified a new type of cell called the vasculogenic fibroblast, which can help create new blood vessels for treatment. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for ischemic diseases such as diabetic wounds.
A clinical study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers found that oral verapamil can improve pancreatic beta cell function in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes, with a 30% increase in insulin secretion over the first year. The trial involved 88 participants and was published in JAMA.
A study by researchers at TUM found that gut bacteria play a crucial role in liver regeneration. The microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for liver cell growth and division. In mice treated with antibiotics, liver regeneration was delayed or not possible, but a
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have synthesized cerianite, a rare earth mineral with antioxidant properties, using an environmentally friendly method. The study provides new insights into the occurrence and behavior of cerianite in natural deposits and expands knowledge on REE synthesis.
A new snake family, Micrelapidae, was identified through an international study led by Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Shai Meiri. The family includes only three species, two in Africa and one in Israel, and diverged from the rest of the evolutionary tree about 50 million years ago.
A recent study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute has revealed a new pathway for how genetic mutations impact heart muscle function. The research identifies the gene ALPK3 as a key player in cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases affecting the heart's ability to pump blood, and provides hope for new targeted therapies.
A study by University of Essex found that negative emotions such as anxiety and anger can fuel success, but are linked to poor health and lack of strategic thinking. Positive perceptions and feelings of control, on the other hand, lead to enjoyment of learning and desire for success.
Researchers created a network of interacting proteins to understand the function of genes and link specific biological processes to diseases. They identified groups of proteins interacting with genes linked to over 1,000 human traits, providing insights into new targets for drug discovery and potential repurposing opportunities.
A recent study published in Immunity found that skipping breakfast can lead to a decline in immune cells and an increased risk of heart disease. The research showed that fasting triggers a stress response in the brain, which negatively affects immune cells.