News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
A multicenter study of 21 laboratories demonstrated digital PCR's high reproducibility in quantifying cancer mutations across different locations. The method showed greater reproducibility and reduced variability compared to real-time quantitative PCR.
A study investigating laboratory rats' behavioral needs has won the 2016 International 3Rs Prize. The research, led by Drs Joanna Makowska and Daniel Weary, found that providing rats with simple and natural behaviors like burrowing and standing upright improves their welfare.
A seven-year experiment has confirmed that two photons are indeed exchanged during electron-proton interactions, contradicting theoretical predictions. The OLYMPUS study, led by MIT researchers, used polarized electron beams to measure the intensity of scattered electrons at different angles.
UKCRIC will enable academia, industry, government and end users to collaborate on upgrading UK's infrastructure, reducing its cost and increasing resilience. The initiative will focus on developing new materials, techniques and technologies, as well as research into smart sensors and systems.
Researchers used Google Street View to map street tree canopy coverage in Singapore, finding that increasing cover can reduce ground surface and air temperatures. The study's method could help urban planners prioritize tree planting and create greener environments.
Researchers demonstrated a chiral metamaterial that exhibits significant spectral shift with milliwatt-level power modulation, outperforming current records by a factor of 100,000. The material's properties make it suitable for applications in data processing, sensing, and communications.
Scientists have successfully created plant-based wires and supercapacitors that can store energy, opening up new possibilities for renewable energy sources. The innovative technology enables plants to absorb conducting polymer solutions, forming functional transistors and storing electrical charge.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a key to increasing crop diversity by manipulating plant sex through the HEI10 gene. This breakthrough has significant implications for introducing novel disease resistance genes into elite crop varieties, addressing a major limitation in crop improvement.
A new study by Vladimir Dinets of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville shows that broad-footed moles feed on the ground frequently during cool, wet nights with fog or rain. This nocturnal foraging behavior makes surface-active moles difficult to observe, and contradicts long-held assumptions about their fossorial lifestyle.
A team of experts has developed a set of diagnostic criteria for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease, a life-threatening condition often misdiagnosed as other illnesses. The new criteria will help doctors diagnose the disease more accurately, leading to timely treatment and improved patient outcomes.
A recent study suggests the Ventura-Pitas Point fault in southern California has a 'ramp-flat geometry' with a flat section between two tilting sections, similar to a staircase. This structure would result in stronger shaking and more damage during an earthquake.
A new bioinformatics tool called IMP has been developed to increase the transparency and reproducibility of biological experiments. It preserves computer programs in a frozen state, allowing for easy reprocessing and analysis of complex data.
A $2 million Gates Foundation grant will support the development of novel test protocols to accelerate the creation and deployment of next-generation vector control products. The project aims to improve the understanding of vector control approaches and produce better-informed products to combat malaria in Africa.
A new assay has been developed to detect genetic mutations in tumors, showing high sensitivity and specificity in detecting actionable genomic variants. The NCI-MATCH trial aims to evaluate tumor biopsy specimens from 6,000 patients using this technology.
Researchers at Linköping University developed the world's first heat-driven transistor, opening up new possibilities for temperature detection and medical applications. The transistor converts a 100 times greater temperature gradient to electric voltage than traditional thermoelectric materials.
A new program, Early Check, offers free genetic testing for up to 120,000 families annually, aiming to improve health outcomes and scientific knowledge. The testing can help detect conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome, providing peace of mind for parents while also enabling research on potential treatments.
Researchers have created a new detection test for Zika that is faster and more accurate than existing tests. The new test can identify the virus in a tiny blood sample in under four hours, marking a significant improvement over current options.
A team of researchers has identified a novel regulatory mechanism that controls how plants defend themselves against pathogens. The study reveals how endogenous plant peptides regulate the formation of immune receptor complexes, leading to appropriate initiation of plant immune responses.
Researchers found that advanced wood-burning cookstoves reduce fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions by 45% and 47%, respectively. However, field measurements showed significantly higher emissions compared to laboratory testing.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics advocates for extensive sharing of genomic data to improve patient care. Responsible data sharing will provide critical information for clinical laboratories and treating physicians, leading to advancements in personalized medicine.
Researchers developed an algorithm that extracts diverse subsets from large data sets, improving machine learning efficiency and diversity. The new method is 1 billion times faster than existing algorithms, enabling real-time analysis of vast amounts of data.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published a joint guideline to standardize the interpretation and reporting of sequence variants in cancer. The guidelines aim to improve patient care by establishing standardized classification, annotation, interpretation, and reporting conventions for somatic sequence variants.
Researchers provide a major perspective on four key problems in magnetic reconnection, including the rate problem, trigger problem, energetics problem, and interplay of scales problem. The study advances understanding of these puzzles using data from satellite sightings, laboratory experiments, and computer simulations.
Researchers developed glycocluster-based diagnostic tools with better selectivity and precision than current tracers. Heterogeneous glycoclusters exhibited special properties, such as rapid transport to the intestine for excretion or selective accumulation in the liver.
A recent study reveals that men's brains require additional energy and resources when switching between tasks, unlike women whose brains appear to consume less power. This finding highlights the difference in brain activity between genders when performing complex tasks.
Researchers found GALV retrovirus was likely transmitted to gibbons from rodents by medical researchers working on human diseases, causing a serious outbreak in the 1960s and 1970s. No evidence of ongoing infection or threat found in current captive gibbon populations.
Researchers analyzed T cell protein expression in a human cohort, identifying unique markers associated with age and genetic predisposition to diseases. The study may lead to personalized medicine approaches and diagnostic tools for autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have developed a bioelectric system that can deliver neurotransmitters in the body at speeds nearly as fast as the nervous system itself. This breakthrough technology has the potential to treat conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have confirmed a long-suspected phenomenon, finding a bubble-like center of protons in the silicon-34 nucleus. The discovery was made possible by the use of an unstable, radioactive isotope and takes advantage of MSU's NSCL facility.
Researchers presented advancements in Droplet Digital PCR for detecting somatic cancer mutations, including novel methods for differentiating between mutant alleles and quantifying biomarker copy numbers. Single-cell sequencing was also showcased for understanding human pluripotent stem cell population heterogeneity.
The Association for Molecular Pathology released a new report highlighting the potential of MALDI-TOF-MS in identifying invasive infectious diseases. The technology has been shown to accurately identify filamentous fungi and mycobacteria, but more testing is needed before its use can be recommended.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between high tryptase levels, multiple copies of the alpha tryptase gene, and a range of symptoms including dizziness, skin flushing, and gastrointestinal issues. The study provides new insights into the cause of this frustrating syndrome and potential strategies for diagnosis and treatment.
Disney Research has developed a one-legged hopper that runs on battery power, breaking its dependence on off-board power. The robot weighs less than five pounds and can maintain its balance for approximately seven seconds.
A researcher from Aalto University has created a controlled rogue wave in realistic oceanic conditions, shedding light on the phenomenon of extreme ocean waves. This breakthrough enables the design of safer ships and offshore rigs by simulating realistic rogue waves in laboratory environments.
A study found that implementing an analytic tool to allocate clinical care costs and quality measures led to significant improvements in value of care for three designated outcomes. The program resulted in reduced costs and improved quality, with notable decreases in hospitalist laboratory testing and sepsis management.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified a distinct gene module for T cell dysfunction, contributing to chronic disease states like cancer and chronic viral infections. A transcription factor, Gata-3, was found to play a crucial role in T cell dysfunction, offering new avenues for targeted therapy.
The J.R. Macdonald Laboratory will receive a three-year, nearly $8 million grant to support its experimental and theoretical research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. The lab is one of the largest such programs in the country, involving over 69 researchers.
Polytechnique Montréal researchers develop nanorobotic agents that guide microscopic robots through blood vessels to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells. This breakthrough offers hope for patients with brain tumors and inoperable cancers.
Researchers at UTEP have developed a new brain preservation technique that allows for the study of brain tissue in remote locations without specialized laboratory equipment. The technique uses formaldehyde and can be performed with minimal resources, making it accessible to scientists in underdeveloped countries.
Researchers at SLAC and Stanford have created a nanostructured device that disinfects water using the full range of visible sunlight, killing bacteria in minutes. The device triggers the formation of hydrogen peroxide and other disinfecting chemicals.
New research challenges conventional wisdom on backup plans, finding they can cause people to work less hard and achieve primary goals less successfully. Researchers suggest understanding potential costs, but also encourage strategic planning to mitigate these effects.
A weakness in Linux operating systems allows attackers to track users' online activity, terminate connections, and inject false material into their communications. Researchers identified the vulnerability and have alerted Linux about it, resulting in patches applied to the latest Linux version.
CityLab will partner with Fordham University and local squash organizations to provide engaging STEM experiences for students from diverse backgrounds. The program aims to develop a national model for informal precollege biomedical science education, inspiring careers in STEM fields.
Experts have established a common vocabulary in pharmacogenetics to advance precision medicine. The standardized terms will help guide clinicians, laboratory staff, and patients in interpreting clinical pharmacogenetic test results. The goal is to improve medication safety and effectiveness by individualizing patient care.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated self-organizing pattern formation in active materials at microscale by modifying one parameter. The study uses Janus colloids to experimentally test collective, dynamic behavior, creating swarms, chains, clusters, and isotropic gases.
Empa researchers develop new flame retardants with improved flame retardancy and no toxic effects, highlighting the importance of toxicological cross-checking before mass production. The newly developed EDA-DOPO is a good candidate for further development, showing better safety and effectiveness than previously available products.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed a simple and versatile method using inkjet printing technology to test bacteria for susceptibility to antibiotics. The method has been shown to be accurate and reproducible, significantly decreasing the antimicrobial testing gap.
A new anonymity scheme called Riffle provides strong security guarantees while using bandwidth efficiently. The system employs a mixnet with onion encryption and uses authentication encryption to verify the authenticity of messages, ensuring cryptographically secure communication as long as one server remains uncompromised.
Dr. Diane Mathis has been awarded the FASEB Excellence in Science Award for her groundbreaking research on immunological tolerance, autoimmune diseases, and immune regulation. Her numerous publications and teaching achievements have also made a significant impact on the field of immunology.
Researchers at Jackson Laboratory aim to develop clinical adjuvants that boost vaccine effectiveness in vulnerable populations, with a focus on elderly and immunosuppressed patients. The $3.4 million grant will support the screening of new adjuvant combinations and investigation into their mechanisms of action.
The College of American Pathologists, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and Association for Molecular Pathology announced a revised evidence-based guideline for molecular testing in lung cancer patients. The guidelines aim to improve patient selection and targeted therapies.
Scientists have found that antibodies developed in response to dengue virus can cross-react with and neutralize Zika virus, but also enhance its infection in laboratory experiments. These findings suggest a complex relationship between the two viruses and offer potential insights for vaccine design and treatment.
Researchers discovered that charge carriers in perovskites are polarons, moving coherently as one unit. This finding could help progress perovskite research projects and large-scale applications.
A team of engineers from Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory have developed an innovative approach to stabilize supercavitation bubbles, reducing the pulsation and noise that can occur during underwater vehicle movement. By applying a sinusoidal air flow variation, they were able to suppress pulsation states in many cases, allowin...
The MDI Biological Laboratory will host a lecture series on the science of aging, featuring leaders in the field who will discuss life-extending treatments and cellular recycling processes. The lectures will explore how these advances may lead to therapies that prolong healthy lifespan and address age-related diseases.
The Pew Charitable Trusts announced ten innovative postdoctoral scientists from Latin America who will receive two years of funding to pursue research at US laboratories and academic institutions. The program aims to expand frontiers in biomedical science, improving human health and well-being globally.
The Harold Alfond Foundation's charitable gift will support The Jackson Laboratory's efforts to enhance cancer diagnostics and treatment in Maine. JAX aims to provide precision cancer care using the latest genetic technologies to determine the best treatment for each patient.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects millions of Americans, causing profound fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep abnormalities. A new study led by Professor Derya Unutmaz aims to develop better diagnostic tools and personalized treatments for the disease.
Taxonomer analysis software rapidly identifies pathogens and profiles gene expression, revolutionizing infectious disease diagnosis. This technology can help reduce mortality rates of children in resource-limited settings by quickly detecting treatable infections.
EMBO has elected 58 outstanding scientists as new members, including Adam Antebi and George Fu Gao, in recognition of their groundbreaking research. The organization aims to support talented researchers at all stages of their careers and promote international collaboration.