News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
A new project at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology aims to discover a thousand new ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) using synthetic biology and automation. The project uses an automated robotic system, called iBioFAB, to identify new RiPPs and create new molecules.
Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new mode of water surface skipping termed 'water walking', which involves elastic spheres gaining significant speed to maintain a deformed shape. The team's findings provide new insights into water impact physics and lay the foundation for future design of water-walking drones.
Researchers have discovered a new way to measure brain function in milliseconds using MRE, allowing scientists to visualize responses in the brain as they unfold. This breakthrough could help diagnose and understand neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, dementia, and epilepsy.
The new standard will facilitate collaboration and cross-study analyses to ensure the highest return on research investments. By structuring data in a common format, researchers can focus on discoveries that will have invaluable impact on clinical research and global public health.
Biologists seek to determine why bodies eliminate DNA during hybridization, aiming to grasp the molecular mechanisms behind this process. By studying frogs, they hope to unlock the secrets of genome elimination and its crucial role in species survival.
Researchers identified a helicase gene, ReqQ, involved in gene conversion and crossover frequency, the first of its kind in plants. This breakthrough may help breeders break up linked regions, increasing desirable genes without sacrificing vital plant functions.
A team of researchers unveiled an image of the shadow cast by a black hole at the center of galaxy Messier 87, using the Event Horizon Telescope and supercomputers like Stampede1 and Stampede2. The image confirms that supermassive black holes exist and match the appearance expected from simulations.
Researchers discovered close kin relationships among Stone Age individuals buried in megalithic tombs, suggesting a patrilineal society. The study found paternal continuity and an overrepresentation of males in some tombs.
Researchers used knife crime data to forecast London's most likely areas for fatal stabbings. Areas with high assault rates showed a significant increase in homicide risk the following year.
A new study published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found that sugar has no beneficial effect on mood and can even worsen it. Researchers analyzed data from 31 studies involving over 1,300 adults and discovered that sugar consumption increases tiredness and lowers alertness within an hour after consumption.
A team of researchers at Cardiff University has discovered that a family of lipids contribute to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm by driving clotting in blood vessels. The findings suggest new treatments for this potentially life-threatening condition by regulating blood clotting.
Research shows forests in temperate, boreal, and tropical regions lower air temperatures by an average of 4°C compared to surrounding areas. The study suggests that management strategies can improve forest microclimates and mitigate the effects of global warming on biodiversity.
Researchers discovered that allergic reactions trigger changes in brain behavior development in unborn males and females. This study, published in Scientific Reports, found that immune cells play a critical role in sexual differentiation and may contribute to natural variations in male and female sexual behavior.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have made a patent-pending discovery that certain enzymes in roundworms behave differently than in humans, with amino acids potentially playing a key role. The findings advance scientific efforts to develop new pesticides to manage parasitic nematodes and reduce crop damage.
The EU-STANDS4PM forum aims to develop standardized transnational frameworks for data integration and in silico modeling in personalized medicine. This will facilitate the use of life science data in clinical research and accelerate growth of the European data-driven economy.
A new simulation system, AADS, combines photos, videos, and real-world trajectory data to create a more realistic autonomous driving environment. This allows for safer testing of self-driving vehicles in the lab before hitting the roads.
Banglin Chen, a renowned UTSA chemist, has received the Humboldt Research Award for his innovative work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can reduce hydrocarbons in plastics. His research focuses on developing membranes and commercializing materials for large-scale gas separations.
Research found that popular health apps regularly share user data outside of the app, often with commercial entities and technology companies. The study highlights the need for greater regulation and transparency in data sharing practices among health apps.
A new study by University of East Anglia researchers reveals that steep cliffs on volcanoes can cause a reversal in the pattern of deformation, leading to inaccurate tilt measurements. This affects data collected by monitoring equipment, such as tiltmeters, which are often placed on caldera rims.
A study by WVU researchers found that suicide rates among Medicaid-insured youth, including girls and young women, are significantly higher than those with private insurance. The researchers also discovered a higher proportion of Medicaid recipients died by hanging compared to non-Medicaid peers.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found a new material that can serve dual roles in electronics, simplifying the use of electrons and holes. This discovery could lead to more efficient electronic devices, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and transistors.
Researchers at UVA have discovered a new potential contributor to age-related hearing loss: the cuticular plate, a foundation for hair cells. Genetic predisposition can weaken this plate over time, leading to progressive hearing loss.
A novel machine-learning model uses artificial neural networks to analyze protein sequence data, providing detailed information on protein structure, function and evolutionary features. The model can be used to design new proteins with desired functions and predict the future sequence evolution of proteins in living organisms.
The UK Biobank has released a vast tranche of new genetic data linked to detailed health records, offering an unprecedented resource for understanding human biology and aiding therapeutic discovery. The data includes novel loss of function associations with large effects on disease risk, such as between PIEZO1 and varicose veins.
A research team has successfully computed millions of highly accurate atomic data for neodymium ions, enabling studies of the origin of precious metals like gold and platinum. The findings show that the light of a kilonova, emitted by neutron star mergers, contains abundant heavy elements.
Researchers discovered an ancient species of Old World monkey, filling a gap in the fossil record. The findings suggest that Alophia may have fed on hard objects like fruits and seeds, leading to the evolution of bilophodonty.
A new program aims to address this fear by providing patients with accurate information about treatment options and reducing the stigma around seeking help. The study found that nearly half of adults who die by suicide saw a primary care clinician within a month prior to their deaths.
Longitudinal cohort studies provide an excellent learning environment for early researchers, offering high-quality data and mentorship opportunities. These studies, such as the Framingham Heart Study, can help investigators launch their careers by publishing research with higher impact and gaining valuable experience.
New research by University of British Columbia shows LGBTQ Americans dispersing and diversifying their living spaces beyond traditional gayborhoods. The study reveals a range of emerging neighborhoods catering to specific subgroups within the LGBTQ community, including queer communities of color and same-sex couples with children.
Scientists have discovered a 25-million-year-old palm fossil in central Tibet, pushing back the formation of the Tibetan Plateau by millions of years. The discovery suggests that the region was once much flatter than previously thought, with lakes and subtropical vegetation, before becoming a plateau around 2-3 million years ago.
According to Binghamton University professor Nina Flanagan, a positive mindset is crucial for maintaining a productive work environment in the healthcare field. Negativity can spread from leaders if not addressed.
Researchers at the University of Southampton are launching a study to improve condom use and tackle STIs among young men in the UK. The study will examine whether online or face-to-face education sessions lead to better outcomes in reducing chlamydia rates among 2,200 men aged 16-25.
A new study by Dr. Margaret McCarthy's Lab reveals that male sex steroids play a key role in shaping brain development, particularly in the amygdala, which controls emotions and social behaviors. The research shows that testosterone eliminates newborn cells in males, while females' cells differentiate into glial cells.
A Southwest Research Institute-led team of scientists have discovered a lack of very small Kuiper Belt objects with crater counts on Pluto's satellite Charon indicating fewer impactors smaller than 1 mile in diameter than predicted. This finding has deep implications for our understanding of the solar system's origin and evolution.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can predict kidney transplant rejection up to two months in advance. By monitoring seven immune genes, doctors may be able to intervene before damage occurs, improving patient outcomes and organ lifespan.
A recent NSF CAREER Award recipient aims to develop trustworthy machine learning from untrusted models, with a focus on safeguarding complex systems that piggyback on less-than-trustworthy technology. The grant will support work in creating tools to verify model safety and detect abnormal phenomena throughout the system's lifecycle.
The Proteomic Skin Atlas maps human skin molecules and functions, shedding light on skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema. Researchers hope to accelerate research and develop new treatments for the 3,000 known skin diseases.
A new UNLV study finds that the quality of fruits and vegetables at dollar stores is comparable to traditional grocery store produce. The research team championed channel blurring, which benefits budget-conscious shoppers by increasing access to healthy, affordable food options.
The collection of over 1,700 animal and plant specimens from Sir Charles Lyell's era provides insight into volcano formation and palaeontology. The data is now easily searchable for researchers worldwide.
Researchers at VCU have developed a technique to observe subtle changes in clusters of matter, shedding light on their catalytic properties and potential applications in drug discovery. This breakthrough enables the study of molecules on nanoclusters in real-time, revealing fast-paced configuration and position changes.
Researchers can create synthetic networks that satisfy differential privacy requirements, enabling broader sharing of confidential data for scientific discovery. These altered datasets capture most statistical features from the original network, making them suitable for various researchers.
Genevera Allen, a Rice University statistician, emphasizes the need for machine learning systems to question their predictions and assess uncertainty. She argues that current ML techniques often rely on uncorroborated data-driven discoveries, leading to reproducibility issues in fields like precision medicine.
Researchers have discovered that a material designed to absorb all light of a specific color demands the waves be synchronized as well. By adjusting parameters, they were able to create a coherent perfect absorber with two overlapping modes, increasing versatility and flexibility in tailoring the material's properties.
The discovery of Mnyamawamtuka moyowamkia provides new clues to the evolution of ecosystems on the African continent during the Cretaceous period. The dinosaur, a member of the titanosaur sauropod family, has a unique heart-shaped tail that sheds light on its evolutionary history.
Newly discovered fossilized tracks suggest that multicellular organisms could be 1.5 billion years older than previously thought, with origins dating back to 2.1 billion years ago. This discovery has sparked debate and skepticism among researchers, who are exploring alternative explanations for the early emergence of complex life.
A recent study published in the Journal of Biomechanics used advanced MRI techniques to track wrist bone movement in 18 individuals, revealing gender-based differences. The researchers found that while individual left and right wrists are similar, there are distinct differences between male and female wrists.
A new species of softshell turtle, Pelodiscus variegatus, has been discovered in northeastern Indochina. The species is characterized by dark blotches on its shell and has a critically endangered conservation status due to its limited range and high exploitation rates.
A pilot project by Springer Nature and BCRF enables researchers to make their datasets accessible alongside published articles. Dedicated Research Data Editors will help authors draft descriptions and deposit datasets in a journal data repository.
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi have identified a new frog species on Bibita Mountain in southwestern Ethiopia, characterized by its slender body, long legs, and golden coloration. The discovery highlights the importance of assessing biodiversity in remote areas and underscores the potential for numerous unknown species to exist.
A new study by Cass Business School academic Dr Ruben van Werven has identified four key language strategies used by influential entrepreneurs to connect with investors. These strategies include implying a point without making it, presenting the imagined future as a reality, being explicit about the current situation, and supporting th...
A team of researchers has found a novel function for the signaling molecule TRADD, which was previously considered dispensable. Without RIPK1 protein, having two copies of the TRADD gene or no copies results in cell death, while one copy promotes survival. This discovery sheds light on regulating cell death and survival pathways.
A case study documents a highly malignant bone tumor in a 240-million-year-old stem-turtle from the Triassic period. The appearance of the tumor conforms with present-day periosteal osteosarcoma in humans, providing valuable insights into the history of cancer in tetrapod evolution.
Researchers at George Washington University found that decentralized systems perform better when individual parts are less capable, as overly smart components lead to overcorrections and mistakes. This discovery has potential applications in company structure, autonomous vehicles, AI algorithms, and even biological evolution.
The Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative, launched in 2018, aims to repeat experiments from published articles originating from Brazil to estimate the country's research reproducibility. The project will assess over 60-100 experiments across multiple laboratories.
Researchers at the University of Chichester and Leuven discovered that Roy Lichtenstein had a complex and collaborative dynamic with comics creators. The artist's work significantly shaped comics publications, and cartoonists praised each other's work.
Researchers from NIMS and Hokkaido University discovered that proton transfer in electrochemical reactions is governed by the quantum tunneling effect, revealing a novel physical process. This breakthrough may accelerate basic research leading to highly efficient electrochemical energy conversion systems based on quantum mechanics.
Researchers will have access to a virtual cohort of 1.4 million individuals through the Common Infrastructure for National Cohorts in Europe, Canada and Africa (CINECA). The project aims to accelerate disease research and improve treatment effectiveness by analyzing genetic, physical and lifestyle data.
A randomised controlled trial involving over 2,700 couples found that the new IVF technique PICSI did not significantly improve success rates for male infertility, with a success rate of around one in four couples. However, it did reduce miscarriages by 39% compared to standard ICSI treatment.
A clinical trial found e-cigarettes to be almost twice as effective as nicotine replacement treatments in helping smokers quit. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, involved 886 smokers and found that e-cigarette users were more likely to achieve abstinence and experience a reduction in smoking urges.
A research team led by Professor Jaeheung Cho has found a new active intermediate synthesized in the oxidation process using biomimetic catalysts and artificial oxidants. This discovery clarifies the oxidation mechanism and clears the long-standing debate on the role of metal-iodosylbenzene intermediates.