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High performance microscopy for non-invasive conjunctival goblet cell examination

Conjunctival goblet cells play a crucial role in tear film stability, and their dysfunction is linked to various ocular surface diseases. A new microscopy system allows for non-invasive examination of CGCs in live animal models and humans, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface diseases.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateApr 6, 2022

Amazon Rainforest Foliage Gases Affect the Earth’s Atmosphere

A recent study by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers reveals a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon over the Amazon rainforest, driven by plant-foliage-derived gases. These gases condense to form fine particles that cool the planet and seed clouds, affecting precipitation and the water cycle.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Scientists discover gene mutation that signals aggressive melanoma

Researchers have identified a gene mutation in ARID2 that signals the development of aggressively metastatic melanoma. The study suggests patients with this mutation may require different treatment approaches to manage their cancer effectively. Further research is underway to refine this understanding and improve patient outcomes.

Not all dietary fiber is created equal: cereal fiber but not fruit or vegetable fibers are linked with lower inflammation

Researchers found that cereal fiber, but not fruit or vegetable fibers, was associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults. The study used data from a large cohort of elderly individuals and confirmed previous associations between dietary fiber and CVD.

Visualizing a sightless world

Researchers used X-ray computed microtomography to produce stunning 3D reconstructions of the proteus' head, revealing extensive changes in sensory organs and physical appearance. The study provides detailed information about evolutionary-designed adaptations for surviving in lightless caves.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

Study: Vaccine protects most cancer patients from COVID, but risk remains higher for patients with blood cancers

A study using the nation's largest COVID-19 data resource found that the vaccine protects most cancer patients from getting COVID, but those with certain types of cancer have a higher risk of breakthrough infections. The research also highlights the importance of continued vaccination efforts to protect cancer patients.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 4, 2022

Distinct classes of fibroblasts in tumors play opposing roles, promoting or restraining pancreatic cancer growth

Researchers have discovered two distinct classes of cancer-associated fibroblasts that accumulate in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and play opposing roles. The study suggests that targeting these unique cell populations may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Warmer nights may lead to more cardiovascular deaths among men

A new study found that warmer summer nights are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease deaths in men aged 60-64, but not women or older men. A 1°C rise in temperature is linked to a 3.8% higher risk of male death, highlighting the need for preventive population health initiatives and novel urban policies

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 28, 2022

Promising nose spray could prevent, treat COVID-19

A newly discovered small molecule, N-0385, has been found to inhibit entry of the virus into cells, protecting mice from infection prior to exposure and providing effective treatment up to 12 hours after. The treatment holds promise for preventing disease and reducing severity with a few single daily doses.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2022

ASMR fans are hypersensitive to the world

Research reveals that ASMR enthusiasts are hypersensitive to their environment, easily overstimulated by noise and movement. They also possess heightened bodily awareness, noticing physical changes when experiencing emotions.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2022

Discovery could pave way for new lung treatment

Researchers have identified a new family of proteins in blood vessels that prevent fluid from entering the lungs, offering a potential new avenue for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. Stimulating these bitter taste receptors has been shown to provide protection against fluid leak into the lung.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMar 23, 2022

Treating TB: uOttawa scientists collaborate to identify new drug for unique therapeutic approach

Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

The most boring person in the world discovered by University of Essex research

Researchers found data analysis, accounting, cleaning, and banking to be the most boring jobs, while religion, watching TV, and bird watching were among the dullest hobbies. Stereotypically boring people are often disliked and avoided due to preconceptions, leading to social ostracization and increased loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2022

Researchers aim to discover how viruses communicate

A new research project led by Professor Edze Westra aims to uncover the mechanisms of molecular communication in viruses, which coordinate their infections and replicate in infected cells. The team will use a combination of theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches to address key questions about viral communication systems.

Huddersfield scientists first to show how coronavirus triggers immune response in brain

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have identified a key mechanism by which the coronavirus causes inflammation in the brain's immune cells, potentially explaining some symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that adequate funding is needed to further develop this research and its potential applications.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2022

Chemical reaction design goes virtual

A new virtual ligand-assisted screening method enables efficient searching of ligands for optimal catalysis, accelerating reaction design. By simplifying ligand description with two metrics, researchers identify promising ligands and focus on real testing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 13, 2022

The next generation of robots will be shape-shifters

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a new coating method for soft robots that allows them to change shape and movement through human-controlled activity. This breakthrough in active matter could lead to the creation of machines governed by individual units that cooperate to determine movement and function.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2022

CHOP-led study finds bortezomib improves survival in children with newly diagnosed T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma

A CHOP-led study found bortezomib significantly improved overall survival in children and young adults with newly diagnosed T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. The trial also showed that intensifying the chemotherapy regimen allowed for elimination of radiation in nearly all patients, resulting in excellent outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 10, 2022

An obesity treatment for women only?

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a potential way to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes in women by targeting a specific gene called KLF14. Increasing KLF14 abundance in fat cells may help alleviate metabolic abnormalities, including slower metabolic rates and less efficient triglyceride management.

Targeting dysregulated kappa-opioid receptors reduces working memory deficits in alcohol use disorder

A University of South Florida study suggests targeting kappa-opioid receptors may alleviate working memory deficits and improve executive function in individuals with severe alcohol use disorder. A compound blocking these receptors alleviated working memory deficits and restored normal executive function.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAddiction Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Controlling how fast graphene cools down

Researchers have demonstrated control of graphene's relaxation time, allowing for novel functionalities in devices such as light detectors and modulators. This work paves the way for the development of ultrafast optical devices with potential applications in photonics and telecommunications.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalACS Nano·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022