News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
A new study reveals that bats' diets are more similar than previously thought, with both species eating a variety of insects and agricultural pests. The research found that the northern long-eared bat tends to pick up larger prey items due to its gleaning strategy.
Bladder cancer researchers discovered a subset of CD8 T cells that adapts to tumor evasion strategies, offering a strategy to reduce tumor cells' ability to fight them off. The study also identified potential ways to make immunotherapy more effective against this deadly cancer by targeting the HLA-E/NKG2A axis.
Researchers developed a label-free SERS method to detect the cysteine residues of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit, allowing consistent detection in human blood plasma, mucus, and saliva samples. This technique holds potential for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections in remote areas.
Researchers identified a new mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 induces inflammatory responses in COVID-19 patient lungs, leading to 'cytokine storm' and lasting tissue damage. The discovery highlights the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in triggering this response.
Scientists have discovered a link between air pollution and lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) has been shown to promote cancerous changes in airway cells with EGFR and KRAS gene mutations, driving them towards a cancer stem cell-like state.
A new study reconstructs the skeletal structure of Coelurosauravus elivensis, a Late Permian reptile that likely used tree canopy changes to facilitate its evolution. The research reveals the gliding apparatus was supported by either the gastralia or musculature of the trunk.
A study at Washington State University has identified sulfatase-2 as a critical protein driving damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery sheds light on molecular processes behind inflammation in the disease and could lead to improved treatments.
A new study by a global team of researchers has revealed subtle alterations in the size of the brain's prefrontal region in young people with mood disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study suggests that these associations may be absent or more difficult to identify in more diverse samples.
Researchers from Purdue University have proposed a method to generate entangled photons at extreme-ultraviolet wavelengths, enabling the tracking of electron dynamics on attosecond timescales. This could push the limits of measurement down to zeptoseconds, improving our understanding of atomic and molecular behavior.
A study by Case Western Reserve University has identified a promising path to developing therapies for esophageal tumors. The research team linked the TGFβ-pathway, a cell signaling mechanism, to tumor development and found that a protein-coding gene called HNF4α is a predictive biomarker of cancer.
Astronomers at the University of Birmingham have discovered two super-Earth planets, LP 890-9b and LP 890-9c, orbiting the cool star LP 890-9. The second planet, SPECULOOS-2c, is about 40% larger than Earth and has a longer orbital period, placing it in the habitable zone around its star.
Researchers have identified two effective antibodies that neutralize all known strains of COVID-19, including Delta and Omicron variants. These breakthrough antibodies could eliminate the need for repeated booster vaccinations and strengthen immune systems, especially in at-risk populations.
Researchers have identified a 14-million-year-old ring-shaped landform on the Nullarbor Plain, preserving original sea-bed structure with microbial textures similar to those found in the Great Barrier Reef. This discovery provides new insights into Earth's history and environmental evolution.
Researchers have discovered a new protein called MAIA, which is crucial for human fertilization. The protein helps draw sperm into the egg cytoplasm, paving the way for novel ways to treat infertility.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered the flexible structure of a key blood protein involved in macular degeneration and other age-related diseases. The study reveals how this protein adapts to changing pressure, leading to calcified plaque deposits characteristic of these conditions.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used advanced mapping techniques to identify causal genes and target pairings in the pancreas linked to type 2 diabetes. The study revealed alpha and acinar cells play a greater role in disease development than previously thought.
A new study from MIT reveals that computer models predicting molecular interactions, like AlphaFold, need improvement to help identify drug mechanisms of action. Researchers improved the performance of these models using machine-learning techniques, but more work is needed.
Researchers found that ants and robots can be modeled using the same algorithms, despite differences in slipping motions. The discovery provides a universal model for location that applies to various movements, including walking and slithering.
A majority of early career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds experience psychological distress due to social unrest caused by systemic racism. However, the study found that mentoring relationships have a positive impact on their well-being.
Research team analyzes impact craters to understand environmental effects of small asteroid collisions. They found distinctive charcoal assemblages, suggesting that fragments of trees shattered by impacts were intermixed with local material ejected from the crater.
The study reveals that noise sources in the micro resonator can cause the lines to be narrower than previously thought, enabling more precise measurements. By understanding this phenomenon, researchers can develop even more accurate devices, such as instruments measuring signals at light-years distances.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop a groundbreaking method to eradicate glioblastoma brain tumors by targeting astrocytes and starving them of energy. The study found that in the absence of these brain cells, tumor cells die and are eliminated, offering a promising basis for developing effective medications.
Scientists studying particle collisions at RHIC observed signs of gluon saturation in heavier nuclei, with suppression of back-to-back pairs increasing with larger nucleus size. The results support theoretical models and provide insight into the behavior of gluons in dense nuclear matter.
Researchers have identified a stream of messages between fat tissue and the brain, revealing a previously unknown pathway for adipose tissue to communicate with the brain. The discovery suggests that sensory neurons play a crucial role in regulating fat metabolism and may hold potential for treating obesity and metabolic diseases.
A high-precision experiment reveals that protons and neutrons in small nuclei prefer to pair up with others of the same kind more often than expected. The study provides new details about short-distance interactions between particles and may impact results from experiments seeking to tease out further nuclear structure details.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified a protein called HnRNPK that controls tumor growth by binding to messenger RNA, potentially enabling the development of new cancer drugs with fewer side effects.
A new project led by University of Illinois researchers aims to empower librarians with a toolkit for creating data-driven stories. The initiative, backed by an $99,330 grant, will provide easy-to-use templates for visualizing and structuring data narratives.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have made a breakthrough in developing an oral insulin tablet that is absorbed by the body in the same way as injected insulin. The tablet is designed to dissolve when placed between the gum and cheek, releasing all the insulin into the liver without wasting or decomposing it.
Researchers at Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered new hafnium polyhydrides exhibiting superconductivity above 80K, a temperature threshold previously unattained by any 5d transition metal hydride. The study reveals these compounds display high critical fields and Ginzburg-Landau superconducting coherent l...
Researchers have used state-of-the-art technology to study the prehistoric Trilophosuchus rackhami, a tiny crocodile found in north-west Queensland. The analysis reveals distinctive ridges on its skull and brain cavity similarities with distantly related terrestrial extinct crocs from Africa and South America.
The primer highlights how citizens can contribute meaningfully to scientific research, enabling inclusive decision-making and closing data gaps. Citizen science promotes open data practices, advancing collaborations between various actors and making science more participatory and inclusive.
Magnetic antiskyrmions are stabilized in magnetic crystals and exhibit unique properties. The Forschungszentrum Juelich team successfully demonstrated the existence of these objects through high-resolution electron microscopy and advanced simulations.
Researchers from ANU uncovered three ancient burials on Alor Island, showcasing different mortuary practices that may relate to multiple migratory routes. The findings provide new data for understanding the evolution and diversification of burial practices in Southeast Asia.
Cells can be both flexible and strong due to molecular bonds known as catch bonds. These bonds are weak but accumulate at damaged sites to strengthen networks. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as kidney failure and cancer.
Researchers at UVA have discovered the mechanism behind gene regulation during organ development, shedding light on how genetic material interacts with transcription factors to create different cell types. The study's findings could offer insights into the initiation of certain cancers and inspire new therapeutic development.
Researchers at WVU are using robots to analyze potential hazards and provide walkability maps in retail environments, aiming to reduce occupational injuries. The team plans to test the robots after hours in an actual retail space, combining camera data with wheel speed measurements to estimate slip risks.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that brain regions responding to touch also respond to specific sounds associated with touching objects. This connection may help process sensory information more efficiently and has implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, or anxiety.
A new study identifies PDIA3 as a molecule targeted by the immune system in response to stress, contributing to liver damage in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Elevated levels of antibodies for PDIA3 have been found in people with these conditions, but improving diet and weight can reverse this liver condition.
Researchers have successfully engineered human immune cells to model an infection common among immunocompromised people, paving the way for new drug testing and treatments. The immune cell type created played a key role in infection, inflammation, and regeneration, but also served as a natural host for germs.
Researchers at Florida International University discover that DDT causes an increase in toxic amyloid beta, a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. By blocking sodium channels with tetrodotoxin, the production of toxic amyloid-beta species is prevented.
Researchers discovered that male spiders select sexual organ with more sperm for first copulation with cannibalistic females and transfer significantly more sperm when risk is high. The study supports the male mating syndrome theory, which posits that males evolve strategies to counter female cannibalism.
An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has discovered unexpected quantum effects in naturally occurring double-layer graphene. The study reveals a variety of complex quantum phases emerging at temperatures near absolute zero, including magnetic behavior without external influence.
A team of researchers from McGill University has discovered a way to control the stickiness of adhesive bandages using ultrasound waves and bubbles. This breakthrough could lead to new advances in medical adhesives, especially in cases where adhesives are difficult to apply.
A new study suggests that exercise training is crucial for individuals with diet-resistant obesity, improving skeletal muscle metabolism and enhancing weight loss capacity. The research challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity and has the potential to help reshape the science of weight-loss programs.
A new study published in Nature reveals that microglia cells change their molecular state to match neighboring neurons, influencing neural circuit function. The researchers found that different types of cortical neurons recruit specific numbers of microglia, which then adapt to the neuron's environment.
The Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center, led by the University of Minnesota, aims to discover effective responses to pandemics through basic, translational, and clinical research. Researchers at UIC are developing an antiviral therapy for filoviruses like Ebola with a potential drug ready for human testing within three to five years.
A WVU researcher is studying corollary discharge circuits in fruit flies to better understand how the brain integrates sensory information and coordinate movement. The goal of this research is to shed light on human disease and human performance, with potential applications for improving fighter pilot safety.
A new study suggests that members of the public want to know if their health information or samples from their bodies will be used in research or to help develop new biomedical products. The study found that patients are more likely to want notification about research use of their health information than biospecimens.
A mutated zebrafish eye provides a glimpse into the role of banp in preventing cell death and regulating the cell cycle. The study found that banp promotes the expression of 31 genes involved in DNA repair, tumor suppression, and cell duplication.
Research led by Drs. Yuhai Zhao and Walter J Lukiw reports a pathway from the gut to the brain that contributes to Alzheimer's disease development. Adequate dietary fiber intake can prevent this process. The study suggests a potential means to modify the abundance of microbes in the microbiome.
A study published in Nature Cell Biology reveals a protein's role in both brain development and cancer metastasis. The discovery could lead to early diagnosis and targeted treatment for various cancers and brain disorders.
Two OU research groups received nearly $2 million in funding to develop new surveillance methods and predict the next avian influenza pandemic. The projects focus on integrating data from multiple sources to detect early signals of disease spread.
Researchers at Hokkaido University used computer simulations to discover a reaction that selectively adds two fluorine atoms to a difficult-to-access position on an N-heterocycle. The successful synthesis of 48 new compounds with unique alpha position fluorine substitutions has significant potential for novel drug development.
A new study provides critical insights into the pGC-A membrane receptor, a vital component of cardiovascular regulation. The research offers a clearer understanding of this complex receptor and its signaling mechanisms, paving the way for new anti-hypertensive drugs.
The NCI-backed Molecular Targets Platform streamlines and catalyzes drug development by integrating pediatric cancer targets and pathways. This platform empowers researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and advocacy groups to accelerate the pace of drug development for pediatric cancer.
A new study uses high-resolution regional model experiments to explore how lake surface temperatures may affect the climate of the Great Lakes region. Small differences in lake surface temperatures can have a significant impact on summer climate and fuel extreme weather events.
Researchers discovered that vitamin K acts as an antioxidant, inhibiting ferroptotic cell death and identifying FSP1 as the warfarin-insensitive enzyme responsible. This finding has implications for treating Alzheimer's disease and acute organ injuries.
Rensselaer researchers propose a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries by using calcium ions. The new technology has shown promising results in terms of performance and cost efficiency.
Researchers discovered that CAMSAP2 proteins utilize phase separation to form an 'aster' structure, which then organizes into a microtubule network. This process is crucial for the formation of specialized cell shapes, such as those found in heart muscle and nerve cells.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a series of chemical-based compounds that could be potential drug candidates for treating pulmonary tuberculosis. The compounds were licensed by US-based Neuro-Horizon Pharma LLC for commercialization.