News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Researchers cataloged interactions between breast cancer cells and normal cells in their environment, finding that most signals promoted cancer. Blocking multiple signals simultaneously inhibited tumor growth more effectively than blocking individual signals.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $50 million to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and other institutions to create a national cyberinfrastructure for the biological sciences. This grant will enable scientists worldwide to analyze large datasets efficiently, addressing global research priorities.
A new study reveals how maize plants regulate stem cell activity through a functional interaction between a G protein and an unexpected class of cell-surface receptors. The research, led by Professor David Jackson, provides insights into the CLAVATA signaling pathway and has implications for increasing crop yields.
Researchers created an animal model of adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using the TSUNAMI method, providing insight into disease progression and potential treatment. The study revealed that only moderate levels of SMN protein are needed in the adult nervous system for normal function.
Researchers at GSI Helmholtz Center and Mainz University successfully identify element 115 using a novel detector system. The experiment confirms the existence of the superheavy chemical element, providing a way to directly identify new elements beyond atomic number 104.
A pilot study by UC Davis researchers found that glucose monitoring systems with an autocorrect feature can produce more accurate blood glucose measurements, improving insulin dosing and glucose control for burn patients. This technology can help reduce mortality and morbidity in these patients.
Researchers have developed a fast and affordable blood test to detect early signs of organ rejection in transplant patients. The new test uses Droplet Digital PCR technology, which can identify graft-derived cell-free DNA released into the bloodstream by dying cells from the transplanted organ.
Researchers at Kansas State University and Avatekh Inc. are developing advanced nonlinear algorithms and circuits called adaptive nonlinear differential limiters (ANDLs) to reduce electronic noise and interference in industrial and consumer products. The technology may improve smartphone performance, battery life, and operating range.
The UNC-Malawi cancer pathology laboratory has provided invaluable service to patients and built capacity at a national teaching hospital. The lab, which assessed over 3,600 specimens, is now helping to relieve diagnostic delays and provide essential diagnostic services to Malawians suffering from cancer.
A NASA team outlines priorities for a future Europa lander mission to study its potential habitability. The mission would investigate the composition and chemistry of Europa's ocean and the thickness, uniformity, and dynamics of its icy shell.
A study has identified two networked groupings from 26 genes associated with autism that are overexpressed in the cerebellar cortex. The findings suggest specific brain regions implicated in pathology and complement genomic and neuroimaging analyses to obtain a broader picture of the autistic brain.
Researchers at University of California, Riverside identified odor molecules that impair mosquitoes' carbon dioxide detection machinery. Olfactor Labs developed a wearable patch that delivers non-toxic compounds to repel mosquitoes, providing up to 48 hours of protection.
Researchers link black-legged ticks to an increased risk of Powassan encephalitis, a rare but serious illness with a 10-15% fatality rate. The study found deer tick virus in over 13,500 ticks, with infected adult ticks concentrated east of the Hudson River.
A new guide from the Infectious Diseases Society of America and American Society for Microbiology provides guidance on using laboratory tests to diagnose infectious diseases. The guide highlights key findings, including the importance of accurate lab results and proper specimen collection and management.
Valery Fokin receives $3.75M grant to establish laboratory at MIPT, focusing on biomarker development for inflammation, cancer, and immune diseases. The lab will facilitate collaborations between Scripps and Russian scientists and companies.
Researchers reviewed existing studies on nanoparticle toxicity and found that ingestion is unlikely to cause health problems at typical exposure levels. However, the literature lacks evidence on long-term effects or subtle alterations in gut microbial populations.
Prader-Willi syndrome is associated with the loss of non-coding RNAs, resulting in dysregulation of circadian and metabolic genes. The study found that mice engineered with the loss of a long non-coding RNA showed altered energy use and metabolic differences during sleep.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new three-dimensional microfluidic device that can customize channel shapes to mimic natural conditions. The technology has potential applications in water and food safety, as well as biological terrorism detection.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a way to trigger the reproduction of human insulin-producing beta cells in a laboratory setting, potentially removing a significant obstacle to transplanting these cells as a treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes. This new technique uses a cell conditioning s...
A study by IDIBELL researchers recommends the use of faster and more potent antithrombotic drugs in high-risk heart attack patients. The study found that only 25% of patients responded to aspirin and 10% responded to clopidogrel, leading to a recommendation for stronger alternative treatments.
Researchers found that animals used to rich conditions work less hard when conditions suddenly worsen compared to those exposed to poor conditions all along. The 'contrast effect' affects how animals respond to their current situation and is driven by uncertainty.
A team of seismologists has discovered that slow earthquakes, which last minutes rather than seconds, are linked to the type of rock in faults. Laboratory experiments using natural samples from Japan found that clay minerals play a key role in this slip behavior, influencing how rocks react to shear.
A retrospective study of nearly 40,000 proficiency test results found that food laboratories report false negatives for Campylobacter (9.1%) and Salmonella (4.9%), while also experiencing high false positive rates for these pathogens. Improved accuracy is crucial for a safer food supply.
Researchers have discovered that innate lymphoid cells and T cells follow a similar development pathway, involving the Notch protein pathway. This finding has implications for understanding inflammatory diseases and could lead to new treatments.
Leslie Ungerleider will receive the inaugural Andrew Carnegie Prize in Mind and Brain Sciences for her groundbreaking research on brain functions and their relevance to public health. Her neurobehavioral theory has revolutionized the understanding of human vision, setting high standards for cognitive neuroscience.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde and Imperial College London have developed a portable device for producing ultracold atoms for quantum technology. The device uses micro-fabricated diffraction gratings to cool and trap large numbers of atoms, enabling accurate measurements in various fields.
Researchers found that rats' sniffing and whisking movements are synchronized even when running at different frequencies. This synchronization allows for efficient multisensory integration, which is crucial for decisions like locating food.
Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed by relying on the art of medicine, as physical findings or laboratory tests are often absent. Primary care physicians are best positioned to manage this condition due to its prevalence rate, with a combination of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies being the most appropriate management strategy.
A PLOS ONE study has confirmed that Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology is suitable for routine analysis of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food, feed, and seeds. The study found that ddPCR is more accurate and reliable than real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for quantifying GMOs, especially at low levels.
Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discover that specialized neurons in the auditory cortex transmit information to the striatum, forming a 'representative democracy' where minority neurons convey 'votes' to make decisions. This finding has implications for neural circuitry and decision-making.
Researchers found that people respond strongly to the voice of smart objects, even if they're not human-like. The study suggests that speech is a social cue that can make objects more social and acceptable.
Giant Axonal Neuropathy is a rare and lethal genetic disorder affecting central and peripheral nervous systems, caused by mutations in the gigaxonin gene. The study identifies gigaxonin's role in regulating intermediate filament turnover and suggests potential therapeutic targets for related neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed novel statistical models to identify associations between DNA variants and diseases, leading to a more complete understanding of genetic underpinnings and potential breakthroughs in disease treatment and gene discovery.
Researchers have identified a new type of immune cell in the skin that plays a role in fighting parasitic invaders and could be linked to eczema. The discovery sheds light on the causes of allergic skin diseases and offers new hope for treating hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory identified a molecule that prevents repair of some cancer cells, providing a potential new approach to cancer treatment. The molecule, DIDS, blocks the DNA repair action in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), causing cancer cells to die while leaving healthy cells unaffected.
Researchers discovered a genetic deletion in the SMIM1 gene responsible for the Vel blood group, allowing for more accurate DNA testing and reducing the risk of severe reactions during blood transfusions. The study also sheds light on how this gene influences red blood cell traits and haemoglobin levels.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has developed a guideline for molecular testing in lung cancer, recommending testing for EGFR and ALK abnormalities in all patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. This approach provides individualized treatment options and improved quality of life for patients.
Geoscientist Michele Cooke's study explores fault evolution around bends using a mechanical efficiency approach, dubbed the "Lazy Earth" hypothesis. The findings suggest that the crust behaves in accord with work minimization principles, leading to increased efficiency and the formation of new faults.
The study reveals that the efferent system plays a crucial role in mitigating cochlear neuropathy caused by moderate noise exposure. Researchers demonstrated that individuals with healthy efferent systems are less susceptible to difficulty hearing in noisy environments.
Three Ludwig scientists - Webster K. Cavenee, Bert Vogelstein, and Robert A. Weinberg - were named Fellows in the inaugural class of the AACR Academy for their pioneering work in cancer research. The recognition honors their contributions to enhancing cancer understanding and accelerating new treatments.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has released recommendations on handling incidental genetic findings in clinical genome and exome sequencing. The guidelines prioritize the disclosure of disorders with preventative measures, treatments, and well-recognized genetic mutations.
Researchers have determined the high-resolution atomic structures of two human serotonin receptor types, shedding light on why certain drugs interact with these receptors in complex and sometimes harmful ways. The study's findings offer valuable insights into designing safer and more effective medicines.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine identified significant problems with laboratory test naming conventions, leading to increased medical costs and delayed diagnosis. Researchers propose using search engine-like technologies to guide clinicians towards the most appropriate tests, improving patient safety and outcomes.
ConservoCare is developing a medical device to restore bladder function lost due to injury or illness. The device uses high-frequency electrical nerve stimulation to eliminate sphincter spasms and allow on-demand control of bladder function.
A study published in Molecular Cell reveals that the oncogenic protein SRSF1 promotes cellular senescence by stabilizing p53, preventing cancerous proliferation. The research also identifies a link between oncogenic stress and ribosomal stress response.
A team of researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory explains for the first time the operation of a mechanism in plants that controls developmental regulatory genes, including homeobox genes like BREVIPEDICELLUS and KNAT2. In plant stem cells, a polycomb gene-repressing protein complex called PRC2 is recruited to specific sites alo...
Researchers describe a new technique based on particle physics that could reveal the composition and characteristics of the deep Earth. The approach relies on a hypothetical fifth force of nature, which could help reconcile conflicting scientific lines of evidence.
Scientists have developed a new approach to study the composition of Earth's deep interior by detecting long-range spin-spin interactions. The technique, which relies on a hypothetical fifth force, could provide new insights into the geophysics and geochemistry of the planet's interior.
Miniature, ultra-flexible electrodes developed in Switzerland may improve Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatment for Parkinson's disease and other conditions. These new electrodes allow for more precise directional stimulation, reducing side effects and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.
Scientists at EPFL have made significant progress in developing prosthetic limbs that can be controlled by the nervous system, paving the way for more realistic sensory feedback and improved function. The new technology has already shown promising results in clinical trials, with potential to restore dexterity and sensation to amputees.
Aalto University researchers have made a breakthrough in connecting a superconducting qubit with a micrometer-sized drum head, enabling the transfer of information between the two. This achievement opens up new possibilities for creating exotic mechanical quantum states, such as simultaneous vibration and non-vibration.
A new study by researchers at the University of Bergen found that an iPhone app, iDichotic, produces as reliable results as laboratory tests. The app measures brain function in language processing and attention, opening up new possibilities for psychological research and remote testing.
A new study by Claire McAndrew and Julie Gore found that professional training in real-world scenarios can override laboratory decision preferences. The research suggests that trainers should focus on the professional, task, and environment to understand how decisions are made.
Researchers will analyze DNA of hundreds of balsam poplar trees to identify genes responsible for adaptation traits, combining with satellite maps and modeling techniques to predict regions at risk. This knowledge will help prioritize conservation efforts and understand the health of forests under changing climates.
The new Advanced Metrology Laboratory at NPL will house an estimated 20 laboratories for 40 scientists, focusing on high-precision metrology. This facility will enable cutting-edge research in key nano and quantum metrology programmes, driving growth in the UK's technological development and application.
The gift enables researchers to study ways to improve electrical systems using software-defined networking technology, aiming to boost efficiency and security. The laboratory will be one of the first facilities to test emerging tech in managing power distribution.
Scientists have developed a new method to produce large amounts of the promising anti-cancer substance AMF-26, which targets the Golgi apparatus in cells. The synthetic version of AMF-26 shows equal effectiveness as its natural counterpart in laboratory tests.
Dr. James Watson suggests that antioxidants in late-stage cancer cells can promote cancer progression, and that reducing antioxidant levels may be key to developing new anti-metastatic drugs. He calls for a faster timetable for researching this proposition.
Researchers developed a new tool to evaluate genome sequencing methods, tracking key statistical features in assembled genomes. The tool, FRCbam, validates its analysis by examining large ensembles of assemblers and genomes, revealing that many expert-recommended features were misleading.
Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have identified a new way to attack Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes ulcers and stomach cancer. By pinpointing the Achilles' heel of this tough bacteria, scientists hope to develop specific and effective treatments.