News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Dr. Steven Harrison received the 2018 Richard King Trainee Award for his article on resolving variant interpretations submitted to ClinVar, published in Genetics in Medicine. The award recognizes high-quality research by trainees in genetics and genomics.
The CNRS secured 15 out of 34 French projects funded by the ERC Advanced Grants, marking a significant lead among European hosting institutions. This achievement comes at a time when the CNRS has demonstrated its expertise in various scientific domains.
Researchers at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have developed a statistical method to quantify important ocean measurements from satellite data. This breakthrough enables scientists to calculate concentrations of key particles in the water column, providing insights into ocean dynamics and biogeochemistry.
Researchers created a synthetic material that mimics the active camouflage of a chameleon's skin, changing its color and stiffness in response to mechanical stimuli. The material has potential applications in medicine, particularly in the manufacture of biological implants.
The JAX/Tufts CTSI collaboration aims to strengthen and expand research and training programs in clinical and translational science. Researchers will access Tufts CTSI resources for research design, clinical studies infrastructure, and fellowships.
A team of scientists has discovered that rocks round up in the same way regardless of their origin, with a common process guiding their shape evolution. By combining mathematical models and laboratory experiments, the researchers found that collisions between particles favor the chipping off of small sediment fragments.
A new brain-mapping technology has revealed that neurons in the primary visual cortex communicate with higher visual areas of the cortex more broadly than previously believed, following specific patterns. This discovery could provide a means of linking visual information across the brain to form complex percepts.
Scientists at Linköping University have developed a method to generate electricity from the natural fluctuations in temperature caused by sunlight and shade. By combining plasmonic antennas with pyroelectric materials, they can harness energy from light fluctuations. This innovative technology has the potential to be used in various ap...
A team of plant geneticists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a protein receptor on stem cells that issues different instructions depending on the peptide fragment activating it. This multi-functional receptor has important implications for boosting crop yields, particularly in crops like corn and rice.
Scientists at HZDR aim to demonstrate that precession is sufficient to create a magnetic field using liquid sodium. The experiment could provide insights into the geodynamo and clarify the role of precession in generating the Earth's magnetic field.
Researchers created a method to formulate a sequence of yes/no questions that rapidly achieves the best answer, enabling robots to maintain continuous conversation with humans. The study's findings have potential applications in machine-machine questioning and human-robot teaming.
The new edition includes quality management, reflecting the rapidly evolving field of bone marrow transplantation. The standards have been developed through international consensus and are recognized globally among transplantation professionals.
Researchers at Åbo Akademi University and Moffitt Cancer Research Centre are developing AI-driven precision cancer medicine to identify effective multi-drug therapies for each patient. The project combines molecular data with network modelling to analyze interactions between drugs and inhibitors, reducing the risk of drug resistance.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published consensus-based recommendations for clinical CYP2C19 genotyping allele selection. The guidelines aim to standardize testing across laboratories and improve concordance, enabling better patient care.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory find a genetic mutation that increases grains in sorghum by tripling each plant's yield. By reducing hormone levels, they generate more flowers and seeds.
Researchers created a scaled-down model of an active volcanic plumbing system to study magma flow through dykes. The novel experimental setup revealed the simultaneous measurement of fluid flow, sub-surface deformation during magma ascent, challenging existing thinking on magma flow.
Researchers found that using more diverse study samples can significantly improve the reproducibility of experimental results in pre-clinical animal research. By combining data from multiple studies, they showed that multi-laboratory studies produce more consistent results than single-laboratory studies.
A new technique has been developed to analyze additional chromosomes, which are found in some species and can be associated with developmental abnormalities. The study identified specific regions of the genome present on these additional chromosomes, including genes related to cell cycle control and cytoskeleton structure.
A team of scientists found that Emiliania huxleyi adapted rapidly to ocean acidification, with some lineages exhibiting extremely rapid changes in ecological fitness. However, the algae's ability to adapt did not translate to better survival in natural conditions.
A study by Steve Maren and his team identified a key brain circuit that triggers fear relapse. The research found that the hippocampus is connected to a specific type of cell in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in relapse. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for disorders like PTSD.
Researchers at Tohoku University successfully recreated conditions similar to those in space without an electric field-trapping boundary. The study shows the electron gas expands adiabatically when electric fields are removed, demonstrating the extension of classical thermodynamics to out-of-equilibrium systems.
A new hybrid-capture sequencing assay has been established as the method of choice for detecting 'actionable' gene mutations in lymphoid cancer, with a high accuracy rate of 91%. The assay can be implemented by clinical laboratories into routine diagnostic workflows.
A new study reveals that genetic factors causing autism spectrum disorders diminish brain cognitive functions, leading to lower non-verbal IQ. Motor skills also correlate with de novo mutations in ASD, making them a sensitive indicator of damage.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of 13 wild and domesticated rice species, revealing valuable genetic information for developing new, efficient, and sustainable rice varieties. The newly created genetic resource provides insights into disease resistance genes, which could help reduce pesticide use and ensure reliable rice harvests.
Researchers recruited 61 PTLDS patients and 26 healthy controls for a comprehensive clinical and laboratory evaluation. They found significant differences in questionnaire results, with PTLDS patients reporting severe fatigue, pain, cognitive complaints, and sleep difficulties.
Researchers from MIT's CSAIL present ColorFab, a method for repeatedly changing the colors of 3-D printed objects after fabrication using custom ink and UV light. The system can recolor a multi-colored object in under 20 minutes, with the goal of reducing waste and increasing customization.
Scientists are exploring a new method to extract high-viscosity oils from challenging reservoirs such as shales and strong sands. The technique involves injecting colloidal solutions of nanosized metal oxide agents, which have shown promise in increasing efficiency and profitability.
Researchers developed a model to explore the effect of ocean acidification on coral skeletal growth, finding that acidification influences skeletal density but not extension. The simulation predicted an average decline of around 12.4% in Porites skeletal density across global reef sites by the end of the 21st century.
A multidisciplinary team has developed software called Scikit-Ribo to more accurately determine when cells translate RNA into protein. This method uses advanced statistical modeling techniques and can filter out noise from previous data, providing a clearer picture of translation dynamics.
A team of geneticists has discovered a mechanism that enables plants to count their chromosomes, solving a century-old problem. They found that small RNA molecules, called miR845, trigger the synthesis of secondary RNAs that silence key genes, preventing viable seeds from forming.
Researchers studied four species of scale-eating fish, finding that each employed distinct strategies to pry scales off prey. The study highlights the diversity of life on Earth and sheds light on the evolution and behavior of these unusual carnivorous grazers.
The new laboratory will focus on advancing understanding in areas including number theory, mathematical analysis, biomathematics and financial mathematics. It represents the highest level of collaboration between French and UK mathematics communities.
Scientists discover that training precursor cells in the bone marrow with beta-glucan leads to a sustained positive response of the hematopoietic system. This effect could help accelerate the formation of new white blood cells, which are vital during chemotherapy.
Researchers at Linköping University developed the world's first complementary electrochemical logic circuits that function stably for long periods in water. This breakthrough has major consequences for many applications, including bioelectronics and printed electronics.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) created an individual access right to genomic data, but its implementation has been marred by controversy and conflicting regulations. Bioethicists and safety regulators have raised concerns about the misuse of genetic data, while lawmakers argue that GINA solves a non-existent problem.
Researchers analyzed Okinawan textile Basho-fu using Scanning Electron Microscopes and X-ray diffraction to compare traditional and laboratory production processes. They found that traditional degumming is milder than laboratory methods, retaining more air voids and breathability.
A team of researchers found that nearly 63,000 Russian Twitter accounts were bots, with a majority tweeting about politics, spreading pro-regime information. The study reveals similarities between human and automated posts, but also notable differences, such as bot use of mobile devices and retweeting habits.
Researchers from MIT's CSAIL team show that keeping an equal distance between cars reduces traffic jams, enabling drivers to reach their destinations almost twice as quickly. The approach, known as bilateral control, could be achieved through software and hardware updates, without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology analyzed data from almost 7,000 tests and found that both FDA-approved companion diagnostics and laboratory-developed tests demonstrated excellent performance on proficiency testing, exceeding 97% accuracy combined across three cancer genes. Most laboratories purchasing in vitro diagnostics for FD...
A new case study reveals the potential for Chagas disease transmission among individuals with family ties to Central and South American nations. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious long-term effects such as heart failure.
Researchers at Clemson University are developing a new type of smart material that can detect damage in vehicles, such as impacts and cracking. This technology has the potential to reduce maintenance costs and improve safety by enabling vehicles to perform self-diagnostic checks and avoid accidents.
Experts at HSE found that foreign direct investment (FDI) can facilitate the success of export-oriented strategies by increasing diversification of funding sources, participation in global value chains, and access to cheaper credit resources. This can offset poor corporate governance and lack of institutional development.
The Cavendish Laboratory is set to receive a significant boost with £75 million government funding and an additional £85 million private donation, securing its position as one of the world's leading physics research facilities. The new facility will offer unrivalled resources for researchers in Cambridge and across the UK.
A US Army Research Laboratory researcher has won a best paper award at an internet conference in Thailand for his work on NDN fuzzy interest forwarding. The technique enables discovery and retrieval of data using approximate knowledge of the data namespace, alleviating the need for exacting name matching.
The QXDx BCR-ABL %IS Kit uses Droplet Digital PCR technology to detect deep molecular response values with high reproducibility and precision. This allows for more confident disease management decisions in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
Researchers developed a point-of-care device to diagnose and monitor neonatal jaundice in low-resource settings. The device, using disposable lateral flow cards, measures total serum bilirubin levels with high accuracy, suggesting a potential solution for resource-limited settings.
Neural recordings of wild bats reveal a layered structure in the superior colliculus facilitating rapid tracking and capturing of prey through echolocation. The study contributes to understanding of SC function during naturalistic behaviors, finding both sensory and motor neurons throughout the midbrain region.
A large cohort study found that patients with low-level viremia are at increased risk of treatment failure and developing virological failure. Clinical interventions should take place at lower viral loads than current WHO guidelines to prevent poor outcomes.
A Swedish study of over 3.4 million individuals found that dog owners had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Dog ownership was particularly protective for singles, with a 33% reduced risk of death and 11% reduced risk of myocardial infarction.
Researchers at Ohio State University describe a new semiconductor LED made with GaN-based materials that could enhance LED solid state lighting without significant changes to manufacturing facilities. The breakthrough uses quantum-mechanical tunneling to create 'holes' for radiative recombination, reducing energy losses and self-heating.
The Association for Molecular Pathology publishes consensus recommendations for validating next-generation sequencing bioinformatics pipelines. The guidelines emphasize the critical role of trained molecular laboratory professionals and provide practical advice for laboratories.
Researchers tested participants 24 months after a decade-long memory test, finding they recognized 55% of the original images. The study suggests three exposures are sufficient for long-term image recognition.
Carnegie Mellon University researcher Kasey Creswell has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to investigate the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in young adults. The study will examine how participants respond to alcohol in a laboratory setting and translate findings to daily life experiences.
A new study discovered how our body clocks impact wound healing, with wounds sustained at night taking up to 60% longer to heal compared to daytime injuries. The research found that skin cells move to the wound site faster during daylight hours, leading to increased collagen deposition and improved healing.
The HRL team will use magnetoelastic material for man-portable low-frequency radio antennas, enabling communication in traditionally radio-denied conditions. The project aims to create a communications system that transmits at less than a thousand hertz and is man-portable.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have elucidated the mechanism by which newborn neurons migrate to their target destinations in the olfactory bulb. This process is crucial for maintaining proper neural function and may hold promise for treating brain disorders.
A recent study found that foreign direct investments reduce the negative impact of recessions on Russian companies. The research analyzed over 1,000 public companies and discovered that linkages with foreign partners alleviate the effects of economic downturns.
Researchers will systematically identify and catalog cell types across the mammalian brain using molecular signatures and genetic targeting. The project aims to better understand brain function and dysfunction, with potential applications for therapeutic uses in humans.
A recent Regenstrief Institute study explores the impact of health information exchange on patient outcomes in emergency departments. The research reveals that access to complete medical records via health information exchange may lead to reduced hospitalizations, improved decision-making, and better patient care.
A multidisciplinary research collaboration has found a way to target key cancer-linked proteins by exploiting a unique binding site in an enzyme. The approach could lead to the development of new drugs that control tumour growth and promote normal cell control mechanisms.