News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Researchers develop computational model to simulate long-term effects of cardiac regenerative therapies, overcoming limitations of existing heart models. The results are consistent with some clinical study findings and will aid in optimizing therapy parameters.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for wound healing called wound-induced polyploidy (WIP), which maintains tissue size and function by enlarging existing cells rather than dividing new ones. This discovery has significant therapeutic potential for treating various human diseases.
Researchers discovered a unique 'hybrid' material in spider webs that maintains tautness even under stress. By mimicking this process, they created composite fibres with solid and liquid properties.
Researchers at HRL Laboratories are developing a man-portable system using high-definition transcranial current stimulation (HD-tCS) to tag specific memories and skills during learning. The STAMP method aims to improve consolidation by reactivating neural representations during sleep.
Researchers from Wake Forest University have discovered that tiger moths produce ultrasonic signals to deter bats, showing that this behavior occurs in nature and is used as a warning system. The study highlights the evolution of animal behavior in the bat vs. moth arms race.
A new parasitic wasp species, Conobregma bradpitti, has been discovered in South Africa, measuring less than 2 mm and bearing a striking resemblance to Hollywood star Brad Pitt. The species belongs to a large group of wasps that lay eggs in moth or butterfly caterpillars.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has released updated guidelines for cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) best practices. The new guidelines aim to improve the quality of care, enhance patient satisfaction, and promote consistency in cath lab operations.
Researchers at Iowa State University have created micro-scale, liquid-metal particles that can be used for heat-free soldering and metal processing without high temperatures. The discovery has significant implications for manufacturing, with potential applications in the fabrication, repair, and processing of metals.
The Maine Algal Research and Innovation Accelerator (MARIA) will be a center for developing universal algal standards, exploring new and varied ways that algae could be incorporated into products. MARIA aims to accelerate innovation in natural products created using micro and macro algae.
The MDI Biological Laboratory has received a $20,000 grant from the Glenn Foundation For Medical Research to support a two-week research training course on aging biology. The course will use four animal models to study molecular pathways and explore evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of aging.
A new study funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases proposes that co-housing laboratory mice with mice from pet stores could produce
A new publication by the Association for Molecular Pathology provides cost and value analysis of gene panels, including non-small cell lung cancer and hearing loss. The study demonstrates economic value in optimizing care for patients with hereditary diseases and cancer through targeted gene panels.
Researchers have used powerful computers to analyze the decay of calcium-48, a rare isotope that could reveal the mass of neutrinos. The study suggests the decay may be half as long as previously thought, improving chances of detection in underground labs and potentially confirming Majorana particles.
ATLAS project aims to break performance and cost barriers in inertial sensors using atomic frequency reference and MEMS Coriolis Gyroscope. The goal is to achieve robust GPS-independent navigation and guidance for the US military.
Researchers are studying coral genomes to better comprehend why some reefs thrive while others die, with implications for Guam's economy and tourism industry. The new genetic sequencer will enable local scientists to tackle molecular reef ecology and train the next generation of researchers.
The Society of Interventional Radiology honored two research papers for their impact on patient care. Dong Il Gwon's study validated a rapid PARTO procedure for treating gastric varices, while Ron C. Gaba's research explored gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma for improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers successfully replicated a range of fault slip modes found during earthquakes, quiet periods and slow earthquakes. They used ground quartz and a machine to apply pressure and alter stresses, revealing the forces behind slow earthquake mechanisms.
The EU's U_CODE Project aims to develop methods and processes for citizen involvement in large-scale construction projects, preventing conflicts and escalations. The project will create a virtual space for citizens and professional planners to exchange ideas and develop plans based on broad social consensus.
A new automated Ebola blood test has been evaluated in a field setting and shown to provide accurate results, potentially facilitating expanded access to testing. The test performed well on both whole blood and cheek swab samples, with high sensitivity and specificity.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have developed a 19-step process for synthesizing phorbol and its derivatives, providing access to powerful compounds for the development of new therapies. The method enables pharmaceutical researchers to make tiglianes in the laboratory, which are known for their biological activity and ...
An international team at the MDI Biological Laboratory is studying the role of dietary restriction in extending human lifespan. Researchers are investigating how lower amounts of food or food with lower energy content affect molecular regulators of gene expression, a key player in aging.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found particles of stardust, known as pre-solar grains, in meteoritic material on Earth. These grains are believed to have formed in stellar explosions billions of years ago and contain unusually high amounts of the rare isotope silicon-30.
Researchers developed Eyebrowse, a system allowing users to share self-selected aspects of their online activity with friends and the public. Users can add whitelisted sites, track friend visits, and view community browsing history, providing insights for academics and companies targeting consumers.
A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology suggests that green tea's antioxidant properties may be compromised when consumed with iron-rich foods or supplements. The researchers found that the main compound in green tea, EGCG, loses its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes when bound to iron.
The American Association of Science advocates data sharing to improve transparency and reproducibility in field sciences like geology, ecology, and archaeology. Discipline-specific repositories can provide better services for researchers to access and use shared data.
A new study by Caltech researchers finds that experimental economics studies have a high replication rate of 61%, indicating that published results are reliable. The success of replication is linked to sample size and p-values, suggesting good methodological practices in the field.
A study replicated 18 experimental studies in economics, reproducing results in 11 cases and showing promise for improving replication methods. The findings suggest that clear methodological documentation is crucial for successful replications.
Researchers from the Virtual Planetary Laboratory have identified biosignature impostors, which can masquerade as signs of life on exoplanets. By detecting these 'false positive' cases, scientists can avoid misinterpreting oxygen signatures in planetary atmospheres.
Researchers from HRL Laboratories used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve pilot learning in a realistic flight simulator. The study found that subjects who received tDCS showed improved piloting abilities, with enhanced skill retention and faster learning rates.
A single monoclonal antibody isolated from a human Ebola survivor has been shown to completely protect monkeys from lethal infection with the virus. The antibody, known as mAb114, was effective even when given five days after exposure, suggesting it could be used as a potential treatment for human cases.
Researchers developed an algorithm called Melvin to design novel quantum experiments, finding unfamiliar solutions without relying on human intuition. The algorithm has led to dozens of new experimental tricks and is being built in laboratories.
The 'NewSTEPs 360' program aims to improve timeliness measures in newborn screening, resulting in more infants receiving early treatment for rare but serious conditions. The initiative provides quality improvement training and technical assistance to selected states, aiming to reduce delays in diagnosis and save lives.
Concentrations of iron similar to those delivered through standard treatments can trigger DNA damage within 10 minutes, when given to cells in the laboratory. Researchers from Imperial College London suggest that standard treatment dosages may be causing cell damage, highlighting the need for careful consideration of iron levels.
Researchers at Iowa State University have successfully developed a hybrid technology that combines genetic engineering and electrocatalysis to convert sugar into biobased, unsaturated nylon-6,6. This process offers several advantages, including low operating temperatures, the use of cheap metals, and production from water.
Researchers have discovered a new bacterial species, B. mayonii, that causes Lyme disease in people in the upper Midwestern US. The species was previously unknown and has been identified through PCR testing of patient samples.
A new study published in Nature Biotechnology reports that a 2D-NMR spectroscopy method can reliably assess the atomic structures of biologically similar products, yielding equivalent fingerprints. The method's precision is demonstrated through an interlaboratory comparison of four versions of a therapeutic protein drug.
A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that close to half of Americans who are considered
Researchers found that unexpected sports wins and sunny days increased daily lottery purchases in New York City neighborhoods. The effect was seen across both wealthy and poorer areas, with a total increase of $160,000 in spending on lottery gambling on days with multiple sports team wins.
Researchers at ETH Zurich are studying the Atlantic hagfish's remarkable slime to understand its structure, properties, and formation process. The slime, composed of protein threads and mucin, can immobilize vast amounts of water, making it a potential inspiration for creating novel super hydrogels with numerous applications.
Researchers developed a tensile tester using LEGO blocks, showcasing their potential for prototyping stretchable and flexible electronics. The innovative approach combines cost-effective machinery design with easy handling, comparable to commercial testing devices.
A study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that five percent of Ontarians account for 65% of provincial health care costs, with the top 1% accounting for one-third of these costs. The study tracked $30.5 billion in healthcare spending, which is about 75% of total government health expenditures.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that trimming the nails of laboratory mice can cure a common and life-threatening skin disease. The technique saved 93% of mice from ulcerative dermatitis, a condition that caused deep ulcers and led to animal euthanasia.
Agricultural researchers propose a network of research stations across Europe to increase collaboration and accessibility. The ECOFE project aims to create a shared resource for open-field experiments, addressing challenges such as productivity increase, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Christoph Aeppli and colleagues studied how petroleum released during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill transformed in the environment over six years, finding novel compounds with potential toxic effects on marine organisms.
Researchers develop algorithm to quantify brain map continuity, finding pathological processing reflected by discontinuity rather than signal reduction. This discovery may serve as biomarker for neurological pathologies and enable early detection of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have discovered a mechanism that can halt solar eruptions before they reach the Earth. This finding could improve the timing of future space missions and provide crucial insights for protecting satellites and power grids from geomagnetic storms.
A genetic mutation in the alpha-catenin 1 gene (CTNNA1) causes a butterfly-shaped pigment accumulation in the macula of the eye, leading to severe vision loss. The finding may have relevance to understanding macular degenerative diseases.
A team from Disney Research and ETH Zurich has developed a system that can transform existing stereoscopic content into multiview content in real-time, enabling the use of glasses-less 3-D displays. The system uses image domain warping to synthesize eight new views in high definition.
A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has devised a method to inhibit nonsense-mediated decay, a cellular process that detects errors in protein synthesis. This allows for the therapeutic restoration of protein manufacture, even when resulting proteins are truncated or partially functional.
A geneticist has used powerful internet and social media tools to find doctors and researchers worldwide to confirm a new X-linked intellectual disability syndrome in young boys. The syndrome is characterized by severe developmental delays, facial malformations, and generalized hypotonia, with 14 cases involving 11 unrelated families.
Researchers find that high-energy lepton plasma flows can accelerate interstellar ions in a two-stage process, with the first stage driven by the Weibel instability and the second stage involving collisionless shock waves. This discovery has implications for our understanding of cosmic ray generation.
A review of medical literature suggests that isotretinoin therapy does not require frequent laboratory monitoring for most patients. The analysis of 26 studies found low rates of high-risk laboratory abnormalities and no significant increase in liver function or lipid levels. This finding supports less frequent lab testing, potentially...
A study by Meredith Chivers found that heterosexual women exhibit diverse patterns of sexual response to both male and female stimuli, challenging previous assumptions about heterosexuality. The research suggests a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between sexual identity, attractions and genital responses.
Researchers at UMD and ARL have created a Water-in-Salt aqueous Lithium ion battery technology that doubles the voltage of current batteries without fire risk or poisonous chemicals. The new technology holds great promise for safety-critical applications, including electric vehicles and grid storage.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear found that chronic conductive hearing loss can lead to permanent hearing impairment if left untreated. The study, published in PLOS ONE, showed dramatic changes in the inner ear after a year of sound deprivation.
Researchers at Harvard University have demonstrated effective safeguarding mechanisms for gene drives and unveiled a method for reversing the changes they spread. This breakthrough enables the safe management of disease-transmitting organisms and paves the way for potential use in pest control and disease prevention.
The Bigelow Laboratory is part of a $8 million initiative to develop molecular tools for understanding dinoflagellates' function and their impact on ocean ecosystems. The project aims to create genetic tools that will allow researchers to investigate the activities of microbial genes and provide new capabilities for scientific inquiry.
A study found low rates of laboratory monitoring for patients with heart failure following MRA initiation, with only 7% receiving appropriate testing. Key factors associated with increased monitoring included atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease.
A rapid-detection Ebola test developed by Dr. Manfred Weidmann has been deployed in Senegal and Guinea, performing exceptionally well under field conditions. The test uses a method called recombinase polymerase amplification and can be stored at room temperature, operated by local teams without the need for confirmatory tests.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how the flu virus works by studying its M2 proton channel. Using advanced MRI technology, researchers gained insight into the virus's replication process, which could lead to the development of new prescription drugs.