News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
Dr. Bing Ren, a renowned expert in genomics and epigenetics, joins the New York Genome Center as its new scientific director and CEO. His groundbreaking contributions will focus on translating genomic research into actionable insights for improving human health.
The Protein Society recognizes five award winners in 2025 for their groundbreaking research in protein science and technology. Professor Jan Steyaert receives the Christian B. Anfinsen Award for pioneering nanobody technology, while Dr. Brian Kuhlman wins the Emil Thomas Kaiser Award for novel protein design and structural modeling.
The Weill Cancer Hub East will unite world-class experts in cancer biology, immunology, nutrition and metabolism to drive pioneering research. The hub aims to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy, a promising approach for many types of cancers.
Researchers have identified a copper-free superconducting oxide that exhibits high-temperature superconductivity above 30K, expanding the understanding of unconventional superconductivity. The new material has significant implications for modern electronics and energy-efficient technologies.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center made several key discoveries, including the spatial organization of cancer-associated fibroblasts across various cancers and a study on treatment resistance in SMARCA4-mutant lung cancer. These findings highlight the importance of investigating cell populations in their spatial context to better...
Yali Dou, a molecular biologist at Keck School of Medicine of USC, has been elected as an AAAS fellow for her groundbreaking work in understanding leukemia and cancer. Her research on mixed-lineage leukemia proteins has led to the development of potential cancer treatments and a deeper understanding of epigenetics.
The American Heart Association and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill are building virtual care resources together. They share common priorities in advancing telehealth programs through evidence-based research and education.
University of Missouri researchers have been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their distinguished contributions to multiple fields. Four Mizzou faculty members - Donald Burke-Agüero, Felix Fritschi, Scott H. Holan, and Richard Sherwood - were named AAAS fellows in 2024.
Researchers discovered TBX2 drives therapy resistance by shifting signaling from the androgen receptor to the glucocorticoid receptor. The study identified a strategy to target this switch, potentially predicting patient risk and offering new treatment approaches.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a new technique using terahertz imaging to visualize the internal structure of the mouse cochlea with high resolution. The study successfully demonstrated the potential of THz imaging as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for auditory disorders and other medical applications.
New research reveals that Duchenne muscular dystrophy profoundly affects the brain, leading to cognitive and behavioral challenges. The study found that some changes could be reversible, opening the door for targeted therapies.
A new method has been developed for engineering specific mtDNA deletions in human cells, providing a powerful tool to model disease-associated mtDNA deletions. This approach uncovers mechanisms of histiocytosis-associated neurodegeneration and investigates how mutant stem cells co-opt regeneration to make tumors grow.
A team of engineers at the University of Texas at Dallas has developed a new surface design that collects and removes condensates rapidly, challenging conventional theory. The discovery reveals a limitation in existing heat transfer models and inspires a new theory to explain the phenomenon.
A study using NHANES data found that inflammation, rather than diet and exercise, has the strongest association with telomere shortening. Managing chronic inflammation may be key to preserving telomere length and promoting healthy aging.
Researchers developed a sensor platform that tracks multiple metabolites continuously, offering a window into disease onset and health status. The technology harnesses natural biochemical processes, enabling reliable detection of over 800 metabolites, with potential applications in diagnosing metabolic disorders and optimizing fitness.
A team of scientists has created a new method to selectively modify specific proteins in complex biological environments. They achieved this using aptamers and deoxyoxanosine, allowing precise conjugation of desired sites on target proteins. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism of intercellular communication involving mRNA transfer between different types of stem cells. This phenomenon enables cell fate conversion and reverts human pluripotent stem cells to an earlier embryonic stage.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have discovered a way to delay or even block recurrence of the deadliest brain cancer after radiation by targeting senescent cells with experimental 'senolytic' drugs. This approach shows promise in preventing tumor growth and improving patient survival.
The ISS National Lab's new podcast, 'Between a Rocket & a Hard Space', offers exclusive insights from scientists, engineers, and visionaries on the future of space research. The first episode explores the groundbreaking science happening on the International Space Station, including its impact on medicine, technology, and industry.
Researchers at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy have identified a potential therapeutic target to repair injured muscles. They discovered that fibroblast growth factor–inducible 14 (Fn14) plays a crucial role in regulating satellite cell stability and function, which are responsible for muscle growth, repair, and regenerat...
A team of researchers from the University of Kansas has confirmed that the Leyte Chorus Frog is a hybrid of two species with overlapping ranges whose intermingling was driven by deforestation. The discovery sheds new light on the impact of human activities on the environment and highlights the importance of conservation efforts.
Researchers discovered that whole-genome duplication persists for thousands of generations due to its advantage in growing larger cells and forming bigger clusters, leading to the development of multicellularity. The study provides new insights into how genome duplication contributes to biological complexity.
Researchers developed a method that uses high-resolution satellite imagery and deep machine learning to double the mapped infrastructure of Alaska, more accurately projecting economic risks associated with permafrost thaw. The new model nearly doubles the amount of information available for Alaska on OpenStreetMap.
A new study found that smartwatches paired with a health app can encourage people with newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes to start and maintain purposeful exercise, leading to improvements in blood sugar levels and systolic blood pressure. The programme also helped participants lower cholesterol and improve their quality of life.
A new digital 'translator' for brain studies enables researchers to map the brain in a standardized way, facilitating discoveries and treatments for various disorders. The open-source software allows for the comparison of brain imaging data with widely used brain atlases, promoting commonalities across findings.
Researchers have discovered that tropical fish smash shellfish against rocks to open and eat the meat, showcasing a previously unknown level of intelligence in fish. This behavior is not limited to mammals and birds, as multiple species of wrasses exhibit similar tool use, expanding our understanding of evolutionary tool use.
Researchers discover Dscamb protein regulates spacing between color-detecting cells, ensuring perfect arrangement for optimal vision. The protein acts as a 'self-avoidance enforcer' to maintain proper distances between cone cells.
A recent study published in MDPI reveals that plants, fungi, bacteria, protists, and even some viruses employ venom-like mechanisms to solve critical problems. The research expands our understanding of venom beyond animal organisms, highlighting its broader evolutionary significance.
The rate of maternal mortality related to cardiovascular causes has more than doubled between 1999 and 2022 in the US. Researchers attribute the increase to factors such as socioeconomic disadvantages, limited access to healthcare, and higher prevalence of risk factors.
A new study finds a positive correlation between microplastic concentration and the prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, but not cancer. Higher microplastic pollution is associated with a higher risk of disease, suggesting a potential link between microplastics and chronic noncommunicable diseases.
Researchers enhance organic scintillators' light yield by introducing charge-separated state traps, achieving higher LY than traditional inorganic scintillators. The resulting scintillator displays a super-long afterglow for 7 hours, enabling new non-destructive testing methods.
People with heart failure who can travel outside their home without assistance are less likely to be hospitalized or die within a year. Life-space mobility, a measure of how far patients move in their communities, is a reliable marker of risk for adverse outcomes in chronic diseases.
A growing body of evidence suggests a significant link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and heart disease. Researchers pooled data from nearly 250,000 patients in seven studies, finding HPV-positive individuals had a 40% higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
A new study presents a proof-of-concept leptomeningeal neural organoid (LMNO) fusion model to study meninges-brain signaling. The co-culture system of neural organoids fused with fetal leptomeninges from mice demonstrates stability and interface characteristics.
The researchers have created a way to deliver certain drugs in higher doses with less pain by injecting them as a suspension of tiny crystals. This approach can enable long-term delivery of contraceptives or treatments for diseases such as HIV, reducing the need for frequent injections.
The National Initiative for RNA Biology and Its Applications (NIRBA) aims to strengthen Singapore's RNA research capabilities, focusing on human health and diverse applications. The program will integrate leading institutions and promote interdisciplinary collaborations to achieve groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Scientists have developed a novel synthesis method for trivalent phosphorus compounds, leveraging an adduct-catalyzed tandem electro-thermal approach to produce high-yielding organophosphorus compounds with improved efficiency and selectivity. The approach also enables the in-situ consumption of renewable energy sources.
Researchers mapped m6A patterns across 162 prostate cancer tumors and found that these modifications were closely tied to tumor aggressiveness. Analyzing m6A tags could help doctors predict disease behavior and determine personalized treatment strategies for patients with prostate cancer.
RHIC physicists will complete data collection for one of the collider's central goals: creating and studying a unique form of matter known as a quark-gluon plasma (QGP). The QGP is expected to provide crucial insights for the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), which will be built by reusing components of RHIC.
Researchers have developed a TIM-3 decoy that improves the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The decoy blocks the interaction between the tumor and immune cells, allowing CAR-T cells to persist and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Researchers discovered that pedestrians form neat lanes in crossing roads only until people start veering off at extreme angles, after which the flow becomes disordered. The team's theory predicts that critical angle of 13 degrees marks the point where crowds collapse from order to disorder.
Researchers found that male worms fail to learn from experience and prioritize risk-taking over survival. In contrast, female worms quickly learned to avoid a disease-causing bacterium. The study discovered a neural receptor responsible for this difference, also present in humans.
The discovery of a 522 mm male silver-cheeked toadfish with potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin in the northern Adriatic raises concerns about its impact on marine biodiversity, fisheries, and public safety. The species poses a threat to local life and has been found to cause severe injuries.
Prof. Yinon Ben-Neriah has made significant contributions to cancer research, identifying key processes by which inflammation facilitates cancer development. His work has led to the creation of novel therapeutic strategies and anti-cancer drugs widely used worldwide.
Preet Chaudhary and Michael Selsted, USC innovators, recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for their work on harnessing the power of the immune system. Their research aims to develop new treatments for diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis.
Researchers studying White-necked Jacobins found a unique caterpillar-like appearance on a newly hatched hummingbird chick, which may be an adaptation to avoid predators. The chick's fluffy down feathers and camouflaged nest suggest potential mimicry or camouflage strategies.
Scientists precisely dated the formation of the Moon's largest impact crater, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, to 4.25 billion years ago using Chang'e-6 samples. The discovery provides critical insights into the early history of the Moon and the Solar System.
The INHALE-3 extension study found that a regimen of inhaled technosphere insulin and insulin degludec reduced post-meal hyperglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes. The treatment showed significant improvements in mean time in range, with 43% of participants expressing interest in continuing the regimen.
A new review article identifies major themes in AI application to neurosciences, including a 5-fold increase in AI-related publications. The study also notes a surge of over 13-fold in clinical neurology AI-related publications in the past decade.
A new study found that recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) capsids contain single-stranded DNA impurities derived from plasmid and host cell DNA. The researchers suggest that the adverse effects of these impurities may differ from those of double-stranded DNA, highlighting the need for further evaluation.
The Dexcom G7 CGM device demonstrated an accuracy of 8.0% in a study involving 130 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, setting a new standard for continuous glucose monitoring devices.
Researchers discovered that a drug-resistant type of bacteria has adapted to produce antimicrobial genetic tools, eliminating its cousins and replacing them as the dominant strain. The finding validates a system developed at Pitt and UPMC for detecting infectious disease outbreaks.
Researchers developed a transformation process to boost H₂Sₙ yield from garlic-derived compounds, achieving significant H. pylori eradication outcomes. The use of chitosan-encapsulated microreactors demonstrated enhanced efficacy and faster eradication rates compared to conventional methods.
An international team of scientists has molecularly decoded blood stem cell differentiation pathways using state-of-the-art sequencing methods. They identified a crucial surface protein, PD-L2, which suppresses the immune response by preventing T cell activation and release of inflammatory substances.
Researchers have experimentally confirmed complex synchronisation patterns in oscillatory systems, including leaf-like structures and gaps representing unsynchronised states. This breakthrough builds on previous studies using breathing-soliton lasers to explore nonlinear dynamics.
New leukemia treatment combination shows promise for patients with follicular lymphoma. Immunotherapy research also explores ways to suppress protein ZNF638 to boost effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Innovative funding efforts support Sylvester's cancer research initiatives.
Scientists have discovered peptides that bind irreversibly to the transcription factor cJun, permanently blocking its action in cancer cells. The study uses a new screening platform technology and has shown promising results for developing new cancer treatments.
Scientists at POSTECH and University of Montpellier successfully synthesized wafer-scale hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with an AA-stacking configuration using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). This achievement introduces a novel route for precise stacking control in van der Waals materials.
A new study reveals that Galapagos yellow warblers are changing their behavior in response to traffic noise, with those living near roads showing increased aggression. The birds adapt by adjusting the frequency of their songs to help them be heard above the noise.
Researchers at WVU have discovered a way to fine-tune zinc activity to improve messaging in the brain, with potential applications for treating conditions such as autism, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The study identified new compounds that can selectively change synaptic connections by modulating zinc levels.