News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a device that can detect changes in the extracellular matrix, a structure surrounding cells in the human body, to monitor disease progression. This non-destructive method uses sound waves to measure stiffness, providing an alternative to damaging methods.
Researchers found that DOT1L inhibition significantly reduces MM cell viability in vitro and inhibits xenograft growth in mice. Concomitant targeting of SETD1B enhances this effect, suggesting a novel therapeutic angle for cancer treatment.
Drexel University researchers have discovered a water-free method to produce MXenes, altering their chemical structure to improve battery and solar cell performance. This breakthrough enables the use of MXene materials in applications where water is a contaminant or hampers performance.
The Vilcek Foundation is awarding $150,000 to three early-career immigrant researchers in biomedical science. The prizes recognize emerging professionals who have demonstrated significant accomplishments early in their careers.
Researchers discovered rocaglate compounds capable of killing Candida auris, a challenging pathogen with limited treatment options. The compounds inhibit translation initiation in C. auris, leading to cell death, and have potential as a therapeutic strategy for fungal infections.
Researchers at York University have created a new carbon-based organic molecule that can replace cobalt in lithium-ion batteries, reducing environmental impact. The new material maintains high power capabilities and stability while being environmentally friendly.
A large observational study found that patients on Community Treatment Orders spent more time in psychiatric hospitals and had a higher rate of readmissions compared to those without CTOs. The study suggests that CTOs may have the opposite effect, contrary to previous uncontrolled studies.
The City of Hope's innovative platform enables researchers to access and analyze the data from the California Teachers Study, a 25-year study on cancer, heart conditions, and Alzheimer's disease. This move aims to fast-track scientific discoveries and improve quality of life for people worldwide.
Researchers used 3D imaging to analyze the shape of apes' inner ears, revealing features that support the evolution of hominoids. The study suggests that these structures hold clues to our species' evolutionary relationships with extinct ape species.
Researchers found that oxytocin levels are increased in groups experiencing conflict and influences the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to a desire for revenge when attacked by an outside group. The study suggests that this process may contribute to conflict contagion among entire groups.
A new AADR survey found that 79% of respondents did not experience sexual harassment at conferences, but women and frequent attendees were more likely to report incidents. The majority of reported harassment was of a non-sexual nature, such as put-downs or condescension.
A new study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that telecommuters and non-telecommuters receive an equal number of promotions. However, telecommuters who signal a 'devotion' to their workplace through additional work hours outside normal working hours benefit in terms of both promotions and salary growth.
The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) will help researchers better understand eating disorders and enable the design of new treatments. Up to 5% of the population will experience an eating disorder, with genetic factors involved in some cases.
A new study by the University of Washington reveals that experiencing wildness in urban areas is essential for physical and mental health. Researchers surveyed hundreds of park-goers and found that encounters with wildlife, water views, and solitude were key to visitors' meaningful experiences.
England is off track to meet its 2030 smoke-free target, with projections suggesting a 20-year gap in smoking rates between the least and most deprived communities. To achieve the goal of a 5% smoking rate, significant funding for stop-smoking services and national education campaigns must be reinstated.
The Data Science Institute team received the Facebook Systems for Machine Learning Award for their research on co-training machine learning models. The project aims to enhance machine learning models for scalability and adaptability, particularly in recommendation systems used by Netflix, Amazon, and Facebook.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a protein called TACAN that plays a crucial role in sensing mechanical pain. The study provides hope for the development of powerful new analgesic drugs to treat chronic pain conditions.
A new study highlights the need to balance research benefits with patient privacy concerns as big data is increasingly used in medical care. Researchers suggest improved education and legislation are necessary to protect consumers' sensitive health data.
Recent technical developments and restrictions on chemicals have renewed interest in natural product drug discovery. Essential oil components show promise as sources of new drugs due to their unique properties and potential therapeutic applications.
University of Minnesota researchers have discovered that consuming olive oil in the Mediterranean diet may help improve lifespan and prevent aging-related diseases. The study suggests that combining olive oil with fasting, limiting caloric intake, and exercising can enhance its health benefits.
Researchers identified reduced brain activity in a specific left-brain area in individuals with face blindness, contrasting with normal activity in control subjects when viewing faces. The discovery provides new insights into the condition and may aid in developing treatments.
The IADR Centennial Emerging Leaders Award recognizes young investigators who will lead groundbreaking research and discovery in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. The award winners are poised to advance health and well-being worldwide with their outstanding promise for service and leadership.
A recent study found that taller young men may be less likely to develop dementia later in life. The research adjusted for factors such as education and intelligence, suggesting an association between height and reduced dementia risk.
Researchers at UC San Francisco, UNC and UB have discovered novel melatonin receptor molecules that can modulate circadian rhythms. These molecules attach to the MT1 melatonin receptor with high selectivity, generating cellular responses opposite to those of melatonin.
A new study by Purdue University researchers found that a family history of alcoholism can alter the brain's ability to switch between active and resting states. The brain reconfigures itself after completing a mentally demanding task, but those with a family history of addiction may not experience this process.
Researchers discovered three new Araniella and Neoscona orb-weaver spider species, including one named after Villani, highlighting the need for taxonomic research to protect biodiversity. The study reveals the importance of conservation efforts in preserving species diversity.
A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers shows a 2,328% increase in naloxone prescriptions dispensed in Ohio since 2015. Low-employment counties had 18% more prescriptions dispensed per month compared to high employment counties.
Seismologists have recovered nearly 40-year-old seismic data tapes from the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, providing a near-continuous sequence of activity leading up to the May 18th event. The data analysis suggests no significant change in seismic signals that would have hinted at an imminent major eruption.
Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have identified quinone molecules in the C ring of ATP synthase, a molecular machine that produces energy-conserving compound ATP. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding how cells store and utilize energy.
Researchers at NRL have discovered a new platform for quantum technologies by suspending two-dimensional (2-D) crystals over pores in a slab of gold. This approach may help develop new materials for secure communication and sensing technologies based on unique atomic laws.
The journal will publish short-form 'From Practice' articles and data articles, bridging the gap between natural resource managers and applied scientists. The new online repository Applied Ecology Resources will facilitate information exchange among practitioners and academics.
Mark Beno, a senior chemist at Argonne National Laboratory, was posthumously awarded the AAAS Fellow distinction for his pioneering work on chemical crystallography. He made significant contributions to understanding high-temperature superconductors and developed beamlines at the Advanced Photon Source.
A large multinational study found no harm from consuming eggs, with moderate intake (one egg per day) not increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease or mortality. The study analyzed data from 146,011 individuals across 21 countries and found no association between egg consumption and blood cholesterol levels.
Scientists at Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research discovered a new type of centromere in the European dodder, Cuscuta europaea. Unlike typical monocentric or holocentric species, the unique centromere in C. europaea was found to be independent of CENH3 histone distribution.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies use fly-fly interactions to establish regular spacing in clusters, driven by a balance between congregating and maintaining personal space. Depriving the flies of their senses results in abnormal responses and high failure rates in cluster formation.
Two Princeton professors critique a study on racial bias in policing, pointing out that it ignored crucial factors like encounter rates and didn't account for all police-civilian interactions. The researchers' conclusions hinge on an assumption that black and white officers encounter black and white civilians equally.
A study found improved real-time prediction of influenza-like illness in five US states compared to current surveillance methods using de-identified data from wearable devices. The researchers used Fitbit data to identify abnormal resting heart rates and sleep patterns, which were linked to increased risk of flu.
A recent study by Harvard's Growth Lab analyzed administrative data on Sweden's 9 million inhabitants, finding that workers with complementary coworkers earn high wages and returns on education, comparable to having a college degree. The research offers a tool to assess the right and wrong coworkers in fields of expertise.
A new study suggests that young startups with strong professional connections are more likely to achieve long-term economic success. The research used a visual network to analyze connections between companies and employees, finding that central positions in the network predicted future success.
Scientists from Heidelberg University discovered the formation of spiral-shaped microtubules using state-of-the-art cryo-EM. The study reveals how the gamma-tubulin ring complex serves as a structural template for microtubule assembly, enabling quick regulation of division and cell growth.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa offer a unique tool to accelerate nanopore research development, making it more accessible and affordable. The innovative approach enables fast, low-cost, and automated fabrication of solid-state nanopores, which hold promise for various applications in medicine, IT, and life sciences.
A new study reveals a worrying trend of urban sprawl worldwide, with less connected street networks in many cities. Cities like Tokyo and Buenos Aires offer inspiration for limiting sprawl, while gridded street networks promote efficient and dense urban form.
The resale ticket market appeals to season ticket holders who want to recoup costs, reducing the need for fans to buy full-season passes. This boosts team revenues by creating an alternative supply of tickets.
Researchers identified five distinct subtypes of advanced pancreatic cancer with unique molecular properties that can be targeted with novel treatments. The study's findings may lead to improved clinical outcomes and personalized treatment decisions for patients with the deadly disease.
The latest version of CLICS significantly increases the number of languages and concepts available, allowing researchers to study colexifications on a global scale. The database facilitates standardization of linguistic datasets and provides solutions to persistent challenges in linguistic research.
Scientists from Arizona State University led a broadest study to date assessing how Bornean elephants utilize different landscapes in Sabah. They found that elephants actively avoided urbanized areas, preferring to travel along ridgelines, and that they required less space than previously thought.
A joint research team from NUS and LIPI uncovered five new bird species and five subspecies in three small island groups off Sulawesi, Indonesia. The discovery highlights the incomplete understanding of species diversity in complex areas like Wallacea.
Researchers discovered 10 new species and subspecies of songbirds from three under-explored islands off Sulawesi, Indonesia. The findings mark the largest number of new species identified from a small geographically confined region in over a century.
A team of scientists has discovered the oldest known fossilized slime mold, dating back 100 million years. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of myxomycetes, revealing key adaptations that allowed them to thrive in ancient environments.
Researchers have discovered how Zika virus protein NS1 reshapes host cell ER to facilitate viral replication. Blocking this process could lead to novel treatments for patients infected with Zika or similar viruses.
The Breakthroughs in Gerontology (BIG) Awards support research into human aging and healthspan. Ursula Jakob will study early epigenetic events that extend lifespan, while Norbert Perrimon will investigate organ communication networks influencing aging.
The National Cancer Institute's Plated Compound Sets provide a convenient and cost-effective way to screen compounds manually. However, some collections contain pan assay interfering and nonspecific compounds that can generate false hits.
A Tel Aviv University study found a technical bias in RNA-seq data that often leads to false results. Researchers were able to identify and remove this bias, preserving biologically relevant findings.
Researchers discovered gigantic clouds of gaseous carbon spanning over 30,000 light-years around young galaxies using ALMA. The findings indicate that carbon atoms produced inside stars in the early Universe have spread beyond galaxies, challenging current understanding of cosmic evolution.
Purdue University engineers develop a way to combine transistors with ferroelectric RAM, overcoming decades-old challenges. The new technology uses alpha indium selenide material to create a semiconductor field-effect transistor that can process and store information.
Rickman was recognized for his contributions to computational materials science, including the development of computer simulation methodologies and material informatics. He is a pioneer in understanding high-entropy alloys and their unique thermal and mechanical properties.
Researchers have discovered a new petit-spot volcano in the Pacific Ocean near Minamitorishima Island, Japan. The young volcano is thought to have erupted less than 3 million years ago and provides valuable insights into the asthenosphere.
Researchers analyzed Ryugu asteroid's impact craters to understand its geological history. The study revealed that the eastern hemisphere was formed earlier than the western hemisphere, with more craters found at lower latitudes.
Researchers have discovered a new fossil species of comma shrimp in Colombia, filling a 160 million-year gap in the evolution of these crustaceans. The fossils, which include hundreds of individuals, are remarkably well preserved and provide insights into the origins and relationships of these marine arthropods.
Researchers dissected protein pattern formation into its main functional modules and rebuilt the process from scratch, identifying the minimal ingredients needed for self-organisation. The new system produces less regular patterns than native systems but is still sufficient for reproducing basic biological processes.