News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
Researchers at GC/CUNY have made a major breakthrough in controlling the 3D structure of molecules, enabling the rapid modification of molecular structures used in drug discovery. This new process offers tremendous promise for developing novel drug molecules with medicinal or industrial applications.
Subtle changes in protein regulation can cause severe face and brain developmental abnormalities, highlighting the importance of striking a healthy balance between too little and too much cell death. The study suggests that excessive or inadequate cell death during embryonic development can lead to devastating birth defects or cancer.
Researchers found that combining electronic health records with traditional surveillance data improves flu season forecasting accuracy. The most predictive data sets came from the CDC's ILINet and clinical lab data, which were combined with athenahealth's data for improved results.
Researchers at STRI and CIMAR discovered a new blood-red octocoral species, T. dalioi, on Hannibal Bank, highlighting the importance of mesophotic reefs and coral conservation. The study's findings have potential applications in medicine, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
A joint research team from Germany, Austria, and Denmark is developing a new cloud infrastructure to secure patient data, giving patients control over their own data. The system will enable hospitals to share learned representations without transferring sensitive data, improving data sharing and collaboration among institutions.
A team of researchers from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center made important discoveries about the genetics of mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), a rare blood cancer with features of both myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Researchers found that clots have different compositions and administering tPA can be as effective as thrombectomy given sufficient time. The study involved nearly 600 patients across five countries and provided definitive evidence on the value of giving patients tPA.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design have resolved a major mystery in 2D material Schottky diodes by employing a rigorous theoretical analysis. A new theory describes different variants under a unifying framework, laying down a foundation to unite prior contrasting models.
A team of researchers discovered that nearly 90% of professionals in science, art, and film have at least one hot streak, with some having multiple. Despite no detectable change in productivity during hot streaks, their outputs are significantly better than the median.
A new study found that 37% of adult smokers who tried vaping blu products completely switched to vaping after 90 days. The study also showed a significant reduction in daily smoking and cigarettes per day.
The NSF Institute for Research and Innovation in Software for High-Energy Physics (IRIS-HEP) will tackle the unprecedented data challenges from the HL-LHC. The institute aims to develop innovative software tools and train the next generation of users to analyze large sets of data.
Researchers developed a neural-network model that can accurately predict depression in individuals based on raw text and audio data from clinical interviews. The model learns speech patterns indicative of depression without relying on specific questions or answers, offering potential for scalable and accessible mental health monitoring.
A new study by Lancaster University highlights the issue of men's invisibility in fertility research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that surveys like the Demographic and Health Surveys often exclude or unfairly represent men's experiences, leading to gender inequalities.
A 3D printed fluorescence imaging box called PFIbox allows researchers to analyze massive amounts of data from bacteria samples, helping them discover new antibiotics. The open-source tool costs $200 and can be improved upon by others.
Two new $1 million NSF grants will support RENCI's efforts to develop a high-performance platform for scientific data processing and detect unintentional data errors. The projects aim to improve scientific productivity, increase confidence in outcomes, and facilitate seamless integration of available resources and networks.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created an algorithm to reveal connections between cells over time, potentially impacting circadian rhythms. The approach, called ICON, shows the strength of these connections, which could lead to a better understanding of brain disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Rutgers physician Ehimare Akhabue found that states expanding Medicaid eligibility in 2014 saw fewer uninsured patients among major cardiac-related hospitalizations compared to those not expanding the program. This suggests that Medicaid expansion may have contributed to a decrease in these hospitalizations.
The discovery of Bannykus and Xiyunykus provides significant insights into the evolution of alvarezsaurs, an enigmatic group of theropod dinosaurs. The fossils reveal transitional steps in their adaptation to new diets, showing that these dinosaurs evolved short arms only later in their evolutionary history.
Researchers uncover shift in specialized features of alvarezsaurs through discovery of Xiyunykus pengi and Bannykus wulatensis fossils. Early members had relatively long arms with strong-clawed hands and typical meat-eating teeth, contrasting with modern mole-like arms and single claw.
Research reveals a significant rise in falls among middle-aged women, with prevalence increasing from 9% to 30% between ages 40-64. The study emphasizes the importance of early prevention strategies to reduce falls and their consequences.
A Lehigh research team is developing a 'Google for research data' that can assist scientists in locating datasets across various disciplines. The team aims to create a domain-agnostic search engine that utilizes user-centric methods to develop dataset search tools and novel indexing techniques.
A new study reveals 6.5% of people over 40 experience phantom odors, unrelated to odor identification skills. Risk factors include age, sex, education level, and socio-economic status.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) will provide seafloor seismographs and technical support under a new cooperative agreement, starting August 1, 2018. The OBSIC replaces an earlier instrument pool, providing unique insights into seismic activity and ocean basins.
Researchers from the University of Turku and University of Palermo studied the ecology of investors in financial markets using actual data. The study found that groups of investors form interlinked clusters and are connected to strategy usage, which affects market volatility.
Scientists have discovered a repeatable pattern in how space weather activity changes with the solar cycle, enabling better understanding and planning for space weather. The breakthrough allows for more accurate forecasting of potential threats to Earth from solar flares and extreme space weather.
Scientists have developed a faster way to analyze the outcome of experimental vaccines against HIV and other pathogens. The new system lets researchers quickly assess the full spectrum of antibodies produced in an individual's response to a pathogen or vaccine.
A team of Chinese astronomers has discovered the most lithium-rich giant known to date using the LAMOST telescope. The star's lithium abundance is approximately 3,000 times higher than that of typical giants, providing valuable insights into the universe's evolution and Big Bang theory.
Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center found that wetter soil decreases methane gas absorption by 53-89 percent, leading to a positive feedback loop between global warming and climate change. This study highlights the significant impact of reduced methane uptake on global warming and the need for further research.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found two genes, IRX3 and IRX5, that work together to construct a cellular communication system in mouse ovaries. This system, involving junctions between eggs and granulosa cells, helps ensure proper egg development and survival leading up to ovulation.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel substance that can be used to power inexpensive robotic devices, enabling them to grip, expand or change rigidity. The study's findings suggest that popcorn could be used to create miniature jumping robots and edible devices for medical procedures.
Researchers have discovered a method to synthesize helical biomineral structures with opposite spiral directions by adding specific amino acids, shedding light on how certain biological structures can exhibit both rotations within the same species or individual organism.
The Analytics and Data Science Institute created nine research laboratories to tackle business and public service data problems. Students from various backgrounds collaborate to understand statistical and computer science perspectives, enabling them to communicate effectively with non-experts.
A study published in De Gruyter's Journal Diagnosis found that doctors in emergency departments with trainees make similar types of errors as admitted patients, primarily due to information processing issues. Patients with abdominal complaints are particularly vulnerable to these errors.
UCLA researchers have discovered a chemical reaction that uses non-classical carbocations to convert alkanes from petroleum waste into more chemically useful compounds. The finding introduces new ways to break apart strong bonds in alkanes and has practical potential for processing unwanted waste products.
The National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) has made large-scale DNA sequence data available to researchers. The database includes whole-genome sequence data from 5,000 subjects with Alzheimer's disease and cognitively normal controls from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
A new framework helps researchers and conservationists share sensitive data while minimizing harm to threatened species. The framework considers the pros and cons of making data public and provides ways to publish data without putting species at risk.
The 'customer-based corporate valuation' (CBCV) model, developed by Daniel McCarthy and Pete Fader, analyzes the stability of sales to assess a company's long-run success. This approach has been shown to accurately predict company value using publicly available data, with implications for investors and private equity firms.
Researchers discovered a mechanism for forming nanometre-sized ultrafine particles in polluted air, involving sulphuric acid and dimethylamine. The study, published in Science, uses advanced measuring equipment developed by the University of Helsinki's Atmospheric Science department.
Defect-free boron arsenide has a record-high thermal conductivity, drawing heat away from hotspots much faster than current materials. This breakthrough could improve performance and reduce energy demand in various electronic devices.
A new machine-learning model has shown promising signs of being able to predict undiagnosed dementia in primary care, with an accuracy of 84%. This could significantly reduce the number of those living with undiagnosed dementia in the UK from around 50% to 8%.
A new body-to-machine interface for drones has been developed, enabling users to efficiently operate drones without piloting experience. The interface uses upper-body motions to control drones, showing promise for improved drone operation and accessibility.
Researchers from the University of Basel discovered a 2,000-year-old medical document from late antiquity with an unknown text from Roman physician Galen. The Basel papyrus collection comprises five languages and was likely written by Galen.
Researchers found that uncertainty can actually help decision makers by allowing them to prioritize good information and reduce errors. In high-stakes situations like battlefields, this approach could lead to better outcomes.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that Airbnb generates significant tourism activity in predominantly white neighborhoods, but has little impact on black and Hispanic areas. The study analyzed over 3.5 million Yelp reviews and employment data to determine the economic spillover effect of Airbnb on local restaurants.
Researchers from MSU and RIKEN Nishina Center discovered eight new rare isotopes of elements phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, argon, potassium, scandium, and calcium. Calcium-60 is the heaviest known calcium atom with 20 protons and 40 neutrons.
A team of researchers identified the gene 'TRP-1' and 'TRP-2', which enable balanced and smooth body movements in C. elegans, a simple nervous system model. The study suggests that TRP-1 and TRP-2 are proprioception sense receptors controlling neural activity and muscle movement.
Researchers found specialized proteasomes target specific proteins involved in neuronal signaling and regulation. These proteins include Fos and Npas4, critical for active neurons, suggesting a connection between protein synthesis and degradation with independent roles in the cell.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered a critical link between DNA binding by ETS transcription factors and the onset of melanoma. By mapping UV-induced DNA damage throughout the human genome, they found elevated mutation rates at specific genes, confirming UV-induced DNA damage as a major risk factor for melanoma.
Researchers developed a deep-learning model to predict biological age of muscles and estimate the importance of genetic and epigenetic factors driving muscle aging. The study identified tissue-specific biomarkers of aging, which can be used to track the effectiveness of interventions.
Small cell lung cancer researchers identified a key metabolic pathway that can be targeted with existing drugs, offering new treatment options. The study found that cancer cells become highly dependent on purine synthesis to grow and spread.
Researchers found that creating a mild inflammatory response improves a rat's ability to relearn motor skills after a spinal cord injury. This discovery could have significant impact on treating nervous system injuries in the future.
Researchers at Linköping University found a common mistake in the DIP-seq method that can cause misleading results. This error affects up to 90% of detected DNA regions, highlighting the importance of experimental validation in high-throughput technologies.
The ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider discovered strong Higgs boson interactions with the heaviest elementary particle, the top quark. USTC researchers played a significant role in this discovery, contributing to detector operation, data analysis, and upgrades.
Researchers analyzing brain data from people with and without Alzheimer's disease found evidence that viral species may play a role in the disease. The study suggests a complex interplay between viral and host genetic factors, adding to our understanding of Alzheimer's biology.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that fetal T cells persist into adulthood and play a crucial role in fighting infection. These fast-acting immune cells can provide broad protection against pathogens and are activated faster than adult cells.
The Active Office and Classroom demonstrate a 'buildings as power stations' concept, generating more energy than they consume. This innovative design could slash fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions in UK offices.
Researchers have discovered a pesticide-free way to limit mosquito populations by introducing hungry minnows into breeding areas. The study found that this method can reduce adult mosquito numbers capable of carrying the disease, providing a low-maintenance and cost-effective alternative.
A Scripps graduate student has identified the world's first known manta ray nursery in the Gulf of Mexico. The juvenile manta habitat at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is crucial for understanding the species' life cycle and informing conservation efforts.
The article surveys the landscape of lead discovery tactics, explaining how researchers are combining different approaches to achieve success. The toolbox of approaches is evolving as new science emerges, including complex cellular models and computational techniques.
Researchers have identified pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death associated with inflammation, as a key mechanism in multiple sclerosis. The discovery of the process and its link to brain cells has led to the development of a potential new treatment using an anti-inflammatory drug.