Mercury has magnetic storms

An international team of scientists has proved that Mercury, our solar system's smallest planet, has geomagnetic storms similar to those on Earth. Their finding, a first, answers the question of whether other planets, including those outside our solar system, can have geomagnetic storms regardless of the size of their magnetosphere or whether they have an Earth-like ionosphere.

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African network protects key turtle sites

A network of West African Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) covers key sites used by green turtles, new research shows.

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Those who ogle also more likely to have harmful attitudes, study finds

New research examining 'eye gaze behavior' has found that looking at people's bodies, rather than their faces, is linked with harmful attitudes towards sexual assault.

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Married mothers who earn more than their husbands take on an even greater share of the housework, research finds

While new mothers frequently take on a greater share of housework than their spouses, this effect is even more pronounced in mothers who earn more than fathers, new research shows.

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How e-scooters can safely operate in a city

E-scooters have become a familiar sight in cities worldwide in recent years, with many new companies renting them for use. But their arrival has also brought new safety concerns. Now, researchers present a framework for comparing how different micromobility vehicles, such as e-scooters, and bicycles move in cities, a methodology that can benefit companies and local authorities alike, and -- most importantly -- contribute to improving traffic safety.

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Researchers outline bias in epidemic research -- and offer new simulation tool to guide future work

A team of researchers unpacks a series of biases in epidemic research, ranging from clinical trials to data collection, and offers a game-theory approach to address them, in a new analysis. The work sheds new light on the pitfalls associated with technology development and deployment in combating global crises like COVID-19, with a look toward future pandemic scenarios.

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Americans love football, but differ on whether kids should play

Football may be America's most popular sport, but the nation is deeply divided about whether youth should play the tackle version of the game.

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Americans love football, but differ on whether kids should play

Football may be America's most popular sport, but the nation is deeply divided about whether youth should play the tackle version of the game.

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Exercise may reduce depression symptoms, boost effects of therapy

Exercising for half an hour may reduce symptoms of depression for at least 75 minutes post-workout and amplify the benefits of therapy, according to two new studies.

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The Rule of Two helps make spaces sound better

Researchers developed a new acoustic measurement technique in a room with more acoustic combinations than there are ants on Earth.

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Exercise may reduce depression symptoms, boost effects of therapy

Exercising for half an hour may reduce symptoms of depression for at least 75 minutes post-workout and amplify the benefits of therapy, according to two new studies.

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Treatment for substance use reduces depression for many adolescents and young adults with both problems

A new study reports that, among youth with substance use and depression, a significant proportion show early improvements in depression during their treatment for substance use. Youth who are using cannabis less frequently prior to treatment and those without conduct disorder are more likely to experience early depression improvement.

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Fuel from waste wood

According to the latest assessment report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions is required to limit the consequences of climate change. Producing fuel from renewable sources such as waste wood and straw or renewable electricity would be one way to reduce carbon emissions from the area of transportation.

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Good hydration may reduce long-term risks for heart failure

Staying well-hydrated may be associated with a reduced risk for developing heart failure. New findings suggest that consuming sufficient amounts of fluids throughout life not only supports essential body functioning but may also reduce the risk of severe heart problems in the future.

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Researchers shorten manufacturing time for CAR T cell therapy

A new approach could cut the time it takes to alter patients' immune cells for infusion back into the body to find and attack cancer. The cell manufacturing process for this type of immunotherapy that was pioneered at Penn -- CAR T cell therapy -- typically takes nine to 14 days. In a pre-clinical study, scientists have abbreviated this process and generated functional CAR T cells with enhanced anti-tumor potency in just 24 hours.

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AI helps radiologists detect bone fractures

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an effective tool for fracture detection that has potential to aid clinicians in busy emergency departments, according to a new study.

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Osmotic pressure and viscosity: Anticancer drug efficacy and restricting tumors using LDDS

Chemotherapy is known for its painful side-effects. It also has limitations when the cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes. The lymphatic drug delivery system, where anticancer drugs are injected directly into the sentinel lymph nodes under ultrasound guidance, offers an alternative to conventional chemotherapy. Researchers have now found the optimal osmotic pressure and viscosity ranges, significantly improving the antitumor effect.

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New test predicts sepsis before blood clots cause permanent organ damage, markedly increasing survival

In a potential paradigm change for sepsis diagnostics, a new test predicted sepsis soon after infection in mice -- well before blood clotting and organ failure -- enabling early antibiotic treatment and markedly increased survival. The findings provide a platform to develop rapid and easy-to-perform clinical tests for early sepsis detection and clinical intervention in human patients.

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Potential therapy may boost chemoimmunotherapy response in bladder cancer

Adding an anti-inflammatory medication to immunotherapy and standard chemotherapy drugs may provide long-term suppression of aggressive bladder tumor growth, according to a proof-of-concept study.

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Octopus-like tentacles help cancer cells invade the body

With help from the best tweezers in the world a team of researchers has shed new light on a fundamental mechanism in all living cells that helps them explore their surroundings and even invade tissue. Their discovery could have implications for research into cancer, neurological disorders and much else.

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Octopus-like tentacles help cancer cells invade the body

With help from the best tweezers in the world a team of researchers has shed new light on a fundamental mechanism in all living cells that helps them explore their surroundings and even invade tissue. Their discovery could have implications for research into cancer, neurological disorders and much else.

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Scientists find that the impact of social media on wellbeing varies across adolescence

Girls and boys might be more vulnerable to the negative effects of social media use at different times during their adolescence, say an international team of scientists. The researchers show that, in UK data, girls experience a negative link between social media use and life satisfaction when they are 11-13 years old and boys when they are 14-15 years old. Increased social media use again predicts lower life satisfaction at age 19 years. At other times the link was not statistically significant.

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Scientists find that the impact of social media on wellbeing varies across adolescence

Girls and boys might be more vulnerable to the negative effects of social media use at different times during their adolescence, say an international team of scientists. The researchers show that, in UK data, girls experience a negative link between social media use and life satisfaction when they are 11-13 years old and boys when they are 14-15 years old. Increased social media use again predicts lower life satisfaction at age 19 years. At other times the link was not statistically significant.

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COVID-19 mixed with flu increases risk of severe illness and death

Adults in hospital who have COVID-19 and the flu at the same time are at much greater risk of severe disease and death compared with patients who have COVID-19 alone or with other viruses, research shows.

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COVID-19 mixed with flu increases risk of severe illness and death

Adults in hospital who have COVID-19 and the flu at the same time are at much greater risk of severe disease and death compared with patients who have COVID-19 alone or with other viruses, research shows.

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New study reveals why HIV remains in human tissue even after antiretroviral therapy

Thanks to antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection is no longer the life sentence it once was. But despite the effectiveness of drugs to manage and treat the virus, it can never be fully eliminated from the human body, lingering in some cells deep in different human tissues where it goes unnoticed by the immune system. Now, new research by University of Alberta immunologist Shokrollah Elahi reveals a possible answer to the mystery of why infected people can't get rid of HIV altogether. Elahi and his team found that in HIV patients, killer T cells -- a type of white blood cells responsible for identifying and destroying cells infected with viruses -- have very little to none of a protein called CD73. Because CD73 is responsible for migration and cell movement into the tissue, the lack of the protein compromises the ability of killer T cells to find and eliminate HIV-infected cells, explained Elahi.

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Scientists shave ‘hairs’ off nanocrystals to improve their electronic properties

A new study introduces a breakthrough in making nanocrystals function together electronically. The research may open the doors to future devices with new abilities.

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Study finds neurons that encode the outcomes of actions

A group of neurons in the brain's striatum encodes information about the potential outcomes of different decisions. These cells become particularly active when a behavior leads a different outcome than what was expected, which the researchers believe helps the brain adapt to changing circumstances.

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Innovative AI technology aids personalized care for diabetes patients needing complex drug treatment

Medical researchers have developed and tested an AI method to improve care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who need complex treatment. The new AI method analyzed electronic health record data across Utah and Indiana and learned generalizable treatment patterns of type 2 diabetes patients with similar characteristics. Those patterns can now be used to help determine an optimal drug regimen for a specific patient.

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Breakthrough application of moisture-trapping film to reduce heat stress in personal protective suits

Researchers have developed a novel super-hygroscopic material that enhances sweat evaporation within a personal protective suit, to create a cooling effect for better thermal comfort for users such as healthcare workers and other frontline officers. With this innovation, users will feel 40% cooler and their risk of getting heat stroke is lowered significantly.

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Vagus nerve stimulation lowers costs of care for children with uncontrolled epilepsy

A new study has examined a population of pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. For these patients, the study found that the patients who received vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), when used with anti-seizure medications (ASM), had lower hospital costs compared to the use of ASM alone. The study found that the patients treated with ASM plus VNS had savings of over $3,000 of epilepsy-related annual costs per year, compared to treatment with ASM only.

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Innovative AI technology aids personalized care for diabetes patients needing complex drug treatment

Medical researchers have developed and tested an AI method to improve care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who need complex treatment. The new AI method analyzed electronic health record data across Utah and Indiana and learned generalizable treatment patterns of type 2 diabetes patients with similar characteristics. Those patterns can now be used to help determine an optimal drug regimen for a specific patient.

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Novel therapy could help people with asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and cancer-related lung disease

Scientists have developed a drug to treat the uncontrolled secretion of mucins in the airways, which causes potentially life-threatening symptoms in millions of Americans with lung diseases.

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How campus design and architecture influence interaction among researchers

A new study examines the relationship between physical proximity, social networking, and collaboration on a university campus.

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Health risk due to micro- and nanoplastics in food

Five grams of plastic particles on average enter the human gastrointestinal tract per person per week. This is roughly equivalent to the weight of a credit card. Whether ingested micro- and nanoplastics pose a health risk is being investigated in numerous studies but is largely unknown to date. A research team has now summarized the current state of scientific knowledge.

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Male dolphins whistle to maintain key social relationships

Allied male bottlenose dolphins maintain weaker yet vital social relationships with whistle exchanges, researchers have found.

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Revamped design could take powerful biological computers from the test tube to the cell

Researchers may have developed long-lived biological computers that could potentially persist inside cells. Researchers forgo the traditional DNA-based approach, opting instead to use the nucleic acid RNA to build computers. The results demonstrate that the RNA circuits are as dependable and versatile as their DNA-based counterparts. What's more, living cells may be able to create these RNA circuits continuously, something that is not readily possible with DNA circuits.

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Chemical found in leafy greens shown to slow growth of COVID-19 and common cold viruses

A study in mice and lab-grown cells finds sulforaphane could help prevent and treat illnesses caused by certain coronaviruses, including COVID-19.

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New study of Yellowstone National Park shines new light on once hidden details of the famous American landmark

Those who have visited the park may have asked themselves, 'Where does all the hot water come from?' A study now provides stunning subsurface images that begin to answer that question.

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Humans have given wild animals their diseases nearly 100 times, researchers find

Scientists have found that humans might give viruses back to animals more often than previously understood.

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Dense bones allowed Spinosaurus to hunt underwater

Spinosaurus is the largest predatory dinosaur known -- over two metres longer than the longest Tyrannosaurus rex -- but the way it hunted has been a subject of debate for decades. In a new paper, palaeontologists have taken a different approach to decipher the lifestyle of long-extinct creatures: examining the density of their bones.

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One in three children with disabilities globally have experienced violence in their lifetimes, study finds

Children and adolescents (aged 0-18 years) with disabilities experience physical, sexual, and emotional violence, and neglect at considerably higher rates than those without disability, despite advances in awareness and policy in recent years. This is according to a systematic review of research involving more than 16 million young people from 25 countries conducted between 1990 and 2020. The study provides the most comprehensive picture of the violence experienced by children with disabilities around the world.

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Striking lane-like patterns found in bacteria populations

Researchers have found that competing strains of Escherichia coli bacteria form distinctive lane-like patterns as their populations grow.

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Could the asteroid Ryugu be a remnant of an extinct comet? Scientists now answer

The Hayabusa2 mission has recently uncovered information on the physical characteristics of the asteroid 'Ryugu,' which, according to the conventional theory, forms from a collision between larger asteroids. Now, a study by scientists from Japan suggests that Ryugu is, in fact, an extinct comet. With a simple physical model that fits currently available observations, the study provides a better understanding of comets, asteroids, and the evolution of our solar system.

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Study identifies new protection mechanism in breast cancer

Researchers have identified a protein that protects against breast tumor growth and that can be linked to a better prognosis in breast cancer patients. The results may contribute to the development of new therapies for difficult-to-treat forms of breast cancer.

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Novel quantum sensing possibilities with nonlinear optics

Researchers used the nonlinear optical response of atom-like defects in a diamond to build a tiny thermometer. This research may lead to temperature sensors that can work inside living cells and other nanoscale applications.

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Switching social identities happens seamlessly

People can switch seamlessly between different social identities, new research shows. Each person has multiple social identities, such as: employee, parent, young person, friend or even fan of a particular sports team.

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100g of cranberries a day improves cardiovascular health, study finds

A new clinical trial found daily consumption of cranberries for one month improved cardiovascular function in healthy men.

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Soil erosion and wildfire another nail in coffin for Triassic era

New research has revealed that soil erosion and wildfires contributed to a mass extinction event 201 million years ago that ended the Triassic era and paved the way for the rise of dinosaurs in the Jurassic period.

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A novel painless and reliable allergy test

Although allergies are widespread, their diagnosis is complex and, depending on the type of allergy, the prospects of success with therapy are not always clear. Skin tests so far have been unpleasant, time-consuming and associated with a certain risk of triggering an allergic overreaction. Researchers have now developed a novel test that massively simplifies the diagnosis of allergies and can reliably predict the success of a therapy.

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New ways to improve urban wetlands

New studies provide valuable insights into removing toxins from polluted waterways and improving filtration at urban wetlands. One study found a wetland plant capable of reducing PFAS in soil and water, and another looked for better urban wetland water flow management during summer.

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COVID-19 pandemic fueled massive growth in green industry

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn't been a great couple of years. But for the green industry, like plant nurseries and greenhouses, it's been a boon. But will the uptick in gardening last once the last coronavirus restrictions are lifted? Probably not to the same extreme levels, according to new research. But for some, the introduction to gardening may have been just what they needed to dive into a new hobby.

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MRI innovation makes cancerous tissue light up and easier to see

A new form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that makes cancerous tissue glow in medical images could help doctors more accurately detect and track the progression of cancer over time.

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MRI innovation makes cancerous tissue light up and easier to see

A new form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that makes cancerous tissue glow in medical images could help doctors more accurately detect and track the progression of cancer over time.

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Lung tissue from the lab

An international research team has found a simple method for growing lung tissue in the lab. These organoids could be used in diagnosis, drug development, and fundamental research. Laboratory studies of lung tissue usually require the removal of large amounts of human or animal tissue. Now scientists have generated tiny quantities of lung tissue, so-called organoids, from just a few body cells in the lab. The tissue forms a three-dimensional structure as it develops, complete with the tiny hairs on the surface typical of lung tissue. These organoids can play an important part in future research on lung diseases, drug development, or personalized medicine.

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Researchers develop the world's first power-free frequency tuner using nanomaterials

Phase-change nanowires could serve as the ultimate tunable frequency synthesizers and filters for the future of IoT and 5G networks.

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The colored skeletons of Çatalhöyük, Turkey, from 9,000 years ago

An international team provides new insights about how the inhabitants of the 'oldest city in the world' in Çatalhöyük (Turkey) buried their dead. Their bones were partially painted, excavated several times and reburied. The findings provide insight into the burial rituals of a fascinating society that lived 9000 years ago.

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New, possibly arboreal rice rat species discovered in Ecuador

Three expeditions led an international research to the Cordillera de Kutukú, an isolated mountain range in Ecuador, to find just one specimen of the previously unknown species. The find in the Amazonian side of the Andes underlines the valuable biological role of this mountainous region.

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New strategy reduces brain damage in Alzheimer’s and related disorders, in mice

Alzheimer's disease is the most common and best known of the tauopathies, a set of neurodegenerative brain diseases caused by toxic tangles of the protein tau. A study has now shown that targeting astrocytes -- an inflammatory cell in the brain -- reduces tau-related brain damage and inflammation in mice.

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Wildfires devastate the land they burn, and they are also warming the planet

The 2021 wildfire season broke records globally, leaving land charred from California to Siberia. The risk of fire is growing, and a recent report warned that wildfires are on track to increase 50% by 2050. These fires destroy homes, plant life, and animals as they burn, but the risk doesn't stop there. Researchers detail how the brown carbon released by burning biomass in the northern hemisphere is accelerating warming in the Arctic and warn that this could lead to even more wildfires in the future.

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Lighting the way to healthier daily rhythms

A new report addresses the issue of exactly how bright lighting should be during the day and in the evening to support healthy body rhythms, restful sleep, and daytime alertness.

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Engineering an 'invisible cloak' for bacteria to deliver drugs to tumors

Researchers have genetically engineered a microbial encapsulation system for therapeutic bacteria that can hide them from immune systems, enabling them to reach tumors more effectively and kill cancer cells in mice.

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Long-suspected turbocharger for memory found in brain cells of mice

Scientists have long known that learning requires the flow of calcium into and out of brain cells. But researchers have now discovered that floods of calcium originating from within neurons can also boost learning. The finding emerged from studies of how mice remember new places they explore.

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Engineering an 'invisible cloak' for bacteria to deliver drugs to tumors

Researchers have genetically engineered a microbial encapsulation system for therapeutic bacteria that can hide them from immune systems, enabling them to reach tumors more effectively and kill cancer cells in mice.

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In U.S., alcohol use disorder linked to 232 million missed workdays annually

Researchers have found that people with severe alcohol use disorder miss more than double the number of workdays missed by individuals without alcohol use disorder.

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In U.S., alcohol use disorder linked to 232 million missed workdays annually

Researchers have found that people with severe alcohol use disorder miss more than double the number of workdays missed by individuals without alcohol use disorder.

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Discovery of an immune escape mechanism promoting Listeria infection of the central nervous system

Some 'hypervirulent' strains of Listeria monocytogenes have a greater capacity to infect the central nervous system. Scientists have discovered a mechanism that enables cells infected with Listeria monocytogenes to escape immune responses. This mechanism provides infected cells circulating in the blood with a higher probability of adhering to and infecting cells of cerebral vessels, thereby enabling bacteria to cross the blood-brain barrier and infect the brain.

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Toward a quantum computer that calculates molecular energy

Researchers have developed an algorithm that uses the most quantum bits to date to calculate ground state energy, the lowest-energy state in a quantum mechanical system. The discovery could make it easier to design new materials.

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Discovery of an immune escape mechanism promoting Listeria infection of the central nervous system

Some 'hypervirulent' strains of Listeria monocytogenes have a greater capacity to infect the central nervous system. Scientists have discovered a mechanism that enables cells infected with Listeria monocytogenes to escape immune responses. This mechanism provides infected cells circulating in the blood with a higher probability of adhering to and infecting cells of cerebral vessels, thereby enabling bacteria to cross the blood-brain barrier and infect the brain.

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Toward a quantum computer that calculates molecular energy

Researchers have developed an algorithm that uses the most quantum bits to date to calculate ground state energy, the lowest-energy state in a quantum mechanical system. The discovery could make it easier to design new materials.

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For accuracy, brain studies of complex behavior require thousands of people

Scientists rely on brain-wide association studies to measure brain structure and function -- using brain scans -- and link them to mental illness and other complex behaviors. But a new study shows that most published brain-wide association studies are performed with too few participants to yield reliable findings.

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How gut microbes work to tame intestinal inflammation

Bile acids, well known for their role in dissolving fats and vitamins, are also important players in gut immunity and inflammation because they regulate the activity of key immune cells linked to a range of inflammatory bowel conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, according to new research.

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Longer, more intense allergy seasons could result from climate change

Allergy seasons are likely to become longer and grow more intense as a result of increasing temperatures caused by humanmade climate change, according to new research.

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'Long COVID' linked to lasting airways disease

Disease of the small airways in the lungs is a potential long-lasting effect of COVID-19, according to a new study. The study found that small airways disease occurred independently of initial infection severity. The long-term consequences are unknown.

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When it comes to sleep, it’s quality over quantity

Some people are gifted with genes that pack the benefits of slumber into an efficient time window, keeping them peppy on only four or six hours of sleep a night. In addition, the scientists said, these 'elite sleepers' show psychological resilience and resistance to neurodegenerative conditions that may point the way to fending off neurological disease.

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'Long COVID' linked to lasting airways disease

Disease of the small airways in the lungs is a potential long-lasting effect of COVID-19, according to a new study. The study found that small airways disease occurred independently of initial infection severity. The long-term consequences are unknown.

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Elevated inflammation persists in immune cells months after mild COVID-19

There is a lack of understanding as to why some people suffer from long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19 infection. A new study now demonstrates that a certain type of immune cell called macrophages show altered inflammatory and metabolic expression several months after mild COVID-19.

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Elevated inflammation persists in immune cells months after mild COVID-19

There is a lack of understanding as to why some people suffer from long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19 infection. A new study now demonstrates that a certain type of immune cell called macrophages show altered inflammatory and metabolic expression several months after mild COVID-19.

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Deciphering gut microbiome ‘chatter’ to combat IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a life-long, chronic condition characterized by sporadic bouts of gut inflammation causing debilitating symptoms. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis -- the latter affecting around 1 in 400 people - are the two most common types of IBD. Current treatments are ineffective and seriously impact the quality of life of the patients and those of their families.

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Microbes and minerals may have set off Earth’s oxygenation

Around 2.3 billion years ago, oxygen began building up in the atmosphere, eventually reaching the life-sustaining levels we breathe today. A new hypothesis suggests a mechanism for how this may have happened.

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Anyone can be trained to be creative

Researchers have developed a new method for training people to be creative, one that shows promise of succeeding far better than current ways of sparking innovation.

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Anyone can be trained to be creative

Researchers have developed a new method for training people to be creative, one that shows promise of succeeding far better than current ways of sparking innovation.

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New blood clot research indicates enhanced understanding of wound repair

New research has revealed new information about how blood clots are formed during wound healing.

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New blood clot research indicates enhanced understanding of wound repair

New research has revealed new information about how blood clots are formed during wound healing.

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Chronic lactate exposure leads to cellular disruptions implicated in cancer and possibly T2 diabetes

Acute amounts of lactate like those generated during exercise are probably required for healthy cells, but chronic exposure causes cellular disruption which can lead to cancer, heart failure and type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

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Nano carriers fit for purpose

A new approach to send 'friendly' nano-particles into a patient's blood stream has shown promising results by modifying the surface of these potential drug, vaccine or cancer treatment delivery objects to encourage the best result. Scientists are testing the body's responses to various surface treatments to nanomaterials.

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Mutations leading to omicron variant did not enable virus to fully escape immune system

People who gained immunity -- either through vaccination or exposure -- against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, also are likely to have some protection against the pathogen's omicron variant, according to a new study.

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Chemical analysis reveals effects of wildfire smoke on grapes and wines

As wildfire season in the West grows in length and severity, it is taking a toll on the wine industry through the effects of wildfire smoke on the quality of wine grapes. Volatile compounds in the smoke from wildfires can be absorbed by grapes and produce an unpleasant taste known as 'smoke taint' in wines made from affected grapes. A new study provides valuable data and guidelines for using analytical chemistry to identify grapes and wines affected by smoke taint.

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All organisms produce methane

It is well known that methane, a greenhouse gas, is produced by special microorganisms, for example in the intestines of cows, or in rice fields. For some years, scientists had also observed the production of methane in plants and fungi, without finding an explanation. Now researchers have shed light on the underlying mechanism. Their findings suggest that all organisms release methane.

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Bacteria on intertidal rockweed across the North Atlantic

Algae such as rockweeds are a fundamental part of marine ecosystems, providing habitat and food to many other marine organisms while also providing ecosystem services like oxygenation of the water. In turn, algae depend on bacteria to maintain their normal shapes and health. New sequencing methods are illuminating the relationships between marine bacteria and marine algae, as demonstrated in research by 15 scientists from countries across the North Atlantic. The published study contributes to the understanding how sensitive important algae are to the changing environment.

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Neurons are fickle: Electric fields are more reliable for information

A new study suggests that electric fields may represent information held in working memory, allowing the brain to overcome 'representational drift,' or the inconsistent participation of individual neurons.

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Magnetic reconnection breakthrough may help predict space weather

Researchers have recently discovered a breakthrough in magnetic reconnection that could ultimately help predict space weather.

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Exercise may treat long COVID-induced diabetes, depression

While no medically recognized treatment exists for long COVID, exercise may break the vicious cycle of inflammation that can lead to developing diabetes and depression months after a person recovers from the virus.

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Blood test as possible diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study shows promising results for a blood test that could be used to identify Alzheimer's changes in the brain before the onset of any symptoms, which could result in preventative treatments being used before any memory loss.

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Could leaky blood vessels in the brain be a culprit in Alzheimer’s disease?

Researchers report that they found high levels of the protein Fli-1 in the brains of deceased Alzheimer's patients. Blocking Fli-1's action in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease reversed mental loss and reduced the brain inflammation and amyloid-beta clumping that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Although clinical translation of this finding is likely years off, the study suggests Fli-1 is a promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.

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Could leaky blood vessels in the brain be a culprit in Alzheimer’s disease?

Researchers report that they found high levels of the protein Fli-1 in the brains of deceased Alzheimer's patients. Blocking Fli-1's action in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease reversed mental loss and reduced the brain inflammation and amyloid-beta clumping that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Although clinical translation of this finding is likely years off, the study suggests Fli-1 is a promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.

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Exploring ancient tuberculosis transmission chains

Tuberculosis (TB) is the second most common cause of death worldwide by an infectious pathogen (after Covid-19), but many aspects of its long history with humans remain controversial. Researchers found that ancient TB discovered in archaeological human remains from South America is most closely related to a variant of TB associated today with seals, but surprisingly these cases were found in people who lived nowhere near the coast. This implies that these cases were not the result of direct transmission from seals, and instead one, or more, spillover events were likely to be the primary drivers of human infection.

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Exploring ancient tuberculosis transmission chains

Tuberculosis (TB) is the second most common cause of death worldwide by an infectious pathogen (after Covid-19), but many aspects of its long history with humans remain controversial. Researchers found that ancient TB discovered in archaeological human remains from South America is most closely related to a variant of TB associated today with seals, but surprisingly these cases were found in people who lived nowhere near the coast. This implies that these cases were not the result of direct transmission from seals, and instead one, or more, spillover events were likely to be the primary drivers of human infection.

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Scientists discover the origins of metastasis

Metastatic cells form in a primary tumor and then break away from it, migrate to other organs, attach to them and form new tumors. This spread reduces patients' chances of recovery. Scientists have discovered some of the mechanisms by which these cells arise. This is due to cells that have narrowly escaped cell death (apoptosis) following a chemotherapeutic treatment. Those cells reprogram themselves to acquire metastatic skills. Thanks to this study, these cells - called PAME by the researchers - now appear as new therapeutic targets.

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Targeting dysregulated kappa-opioid receptors reduces working memory deficits in alcohol use disorder

A preclinical study led by a neuroscientist shows that dysregulated kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex region (part of the frontal lobe) contribute to working memory deficits in severe alcohol dependence. The researchers discovered that an antagonist compound used to block KORs alleviated these working memory deficits and may help restore 'normal' executive function needed to make better decisions about alcohol consumption.

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Targeting dysregulated kappa-opioid receptors reduces working memory deficits in alcohol use disorder

A preclinical study led by a neuroscientist shows that dysregulated kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex region (part of the frontal lobe) contribute to working memory deficits in severe alcohol dependence. The researchers discovered that an antagonist compound used to block KORs alleviated these working memory deficits and may help restore 'normal' executive function needed to make better decisions about alcohol consumption.

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Skin cancer cells use Alzheimer’s protein to sabotage brain's immune defenses

Amyloid beta, a protein known to build-up in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, also helps skin cancer cells thrive when they spread to the brain, a new study finds.

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Skin cancer cells use Alzheimer’s protein to sabotage brain's immune defenses

Amyloid beta, a protein known to build-up in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, also helps skin cancer cells thrive when they spread to the brain, a new study finds.

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Unusual partners aid blood vessel growth

Insufficient oxygen to an area like the heart or legs, called hypoxia, is a cue to our bodies to make more blood vessels, and scientists have found some unusual partners are key to making that happen. They've found that two receptors on the surface of those cells come together then dive inside to enable the new growth, called angiogenesis, scientists report.

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Unusual partners aid blood vessel growth

Insufficient oxygen to an area like the heart or legs, called hypoxia, is a cue to our bodies to make more blood vessels, and scientists have found some unusual partners are key to making that happen. They've found that two receptors on the surface of those cells come together then dive inside to enable the new growth, called angiogenesis, scientists report.

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Study of rare disease reveals insights on immune system response process

In laboratory experiments involving a class of mutations in people with a rare collection of immune system disorders, researchers say they have uncovered new details about how immune system cells respond to disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.

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Analysis suggests China has passed U.S. on one research measure

After decades of dominance by the United States, a new measure suggests that China edged the U.S. in 2019 on one important measurement of national research success.

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Study of rare disease reveals insights on immune system response process

In laboratory experiments involving a class of mutations in people with a rare collection of immune system disorders, researchers say they have uncovered new details about how immune system cells respond to disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.

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Protect against aging and age-related disease with the MondoA protein

Researchers have shown that a protein called MondoA can activate the important health-linked process of autophagy, whereby cells are broken down and their components are recycled. MondoA both inhibited a protein called Rubicon and regulated the Prdx3 protein, which maintains the stability of energy-producing mitochondria within cells. Activation of MondoA protected against aging and age-associated kidney injury, indicating its potential as a target for the treatment of aging and age-related diseases.

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People with heart defects may be at greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness

People with congenital heart defects who were hospitalized with COVID-19 were up to twice as likely to suffer severe illness or death from the virus compared to people who were not born with a heart defect, according to a new study. People with a heart defect plus another underlying medical condition, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, Down syndrome, diabetes or obesity, were among those most at risk of having severe COVID-19 illness.

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Cooler waters created super-sized Megalodon

A new study reveals that the iconic extinct Megalodon or megatooth shark grew to larger sizes in cooler environments than in warmer areas.

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People with heart defects may be at greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness

People with congenital heart defects who were hospitalized with COVID-19 were up to twice as likely to suffer severe illness or death from the virus compared to people who were not born with a heart defect, according to a new study. People with a heart defect plus another underlying medical condition, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, Down syndrome, diabetes or obesity, were among those most at risk of having severe COVID-19 illness.

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Pig grunts reveal their emotions

We can now decode pigs' emotions. Using thousands of acoustic recordings gathered throughout the lives of pigs, from their births to deaths, an international team of researchers has translated pig grunts into the emotions they appear to express.

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Higher risk of temperature-related death if global warming exceeds 2°C

The death rate linked to extreme temperatures will increase significantly under global warming of 2°C, finds a new report. Temperature-related mortality -- where a death is directly linked to climate temperature -- in England and Wales during the hottest days of the year will increase by 42% under a warming scenario of 2°C from pre-industrial levels. This means an increase from present-day levels of around 117 deaths per day, averaged over the 10 hottest days of the year, to around 166 deaths per day. The findings underline the importance of keeping global warming levels to below 2°C.

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Higher risk of temperature-related death if global warming exceeds 2°C

The death rate linked to extreme temperatures will increase significantly under global warming of 2°C, finds a new report. Temperature-related mortality -- where a death is directly linked to climate temperature -- in England and Wales during the hottest days of the year will increase by 42% under a warming scenario of 2°C from pre-industrial levels. This means an increase from present-day levels of around 117 deaths per day, averaged over the 10 hottest days of the year, to around 166 deaths per day. The findings underline the importance of keeping global warming levels to below 2°C.

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New discovery may help reduce side effects of multiple sclerosis drugs

Investigators have discovered how a drug for multiple sclerosis interacts with its targets, a finding that may pave the way for better treatments.

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New discovery may help reduce side effects of multiple sclerosis drugs

Investigators have discovered how a drug for multiple sclerosis interacts with its targets, a finding that may pave the way for better treatments.

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AI helped protect businesses from COVID-19 risks

A new study has found that artificial intelligence (AI) apps helped protect small and medium-sized businesses against many of the risks that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic -- yet only a quarter of small firms currently use them.

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Cohorting patient care model during pandemic improved patient outcomes, researchers find

Researchers found that, during the extenuating circumstances of an emerging pandemic, grouping patients together in one area or facility was successful in providing high-quality care and containing infectious patients.

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More alcohol, less brain: Association begins with an average of just one drink a day

Even light-to-moderate drinking is associated with harm to the brain, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data from more than 36,000 adults that found a link between drinking and reduced brain volume that begins at an average consumption level of less than one alcohol unit a day -- the equivalent of about half a beer -- and rises with each additional drink.

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Changing the standard of care for stage III melanoma surgery

For years, surgery for patients with stage III melanoma -- melanoma that has spread to the lymph nodes -- involved removing those lymph nodes along with the primary tumor. Known as completion lymph node dissection (CLND), the surgery was meant to ensure that no cancer remained after surgery. More recently, however, cancer surgeons have discovered that CLND has the potential to cause more problems than it solves. In most cases, patients do better on immunotherapy alone than they do when their surgery involves removal of the lymph nodes, due to potential complications from lymph node surgery.

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More alcohol, less brain: Association begins with an average of just one drink a day

Even light-to-moderate drinking is associated with harm to the brain, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data from more than 36,000 adults that found a link between drinking and reduced brain volume that begins at an average consumption level of less than one alcohol unit a day -- the equivalent of about half a beer -- and rises with each additional drink.

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Researchers map magnetic fields in 3D, findings could improve device storage capacity

Researchers have mapped magnetic fields in three dimensions, a major step toward solving what they call the 'grand challenge' of revealing 3D magnetic configuration in magnetic materials. The work has implications for improving diagnostic imaging and capacity in storage devices.

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Meta-analysis of 15 studies reports new findings on how many daily walking steps needed for longevity benefit

A meta-analysis of 15 studies involving nearly 50,000 people from four continents offers new insights into identifying the amount of daily walking steps that will optimally improve adults' health and longevity -- and whether the number of steps is different for people of different ages.

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Taller adults may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer

A new meta-analysis, or data examination of several independent studies, adds to evidence that taller adults may be more likely than shorter ones to develop colorectal cancer or colon polyps that can later become malignant.

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Computer games in the classroom: Educational success depends on the teacher

Future teachers see educational potential in computer games, study shows. Teacher training should therefore address their potential in the classroom.

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Women with irregular periods may be at risk for liver disease

Women with long or irregular periods are known to have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but researchers found these women may also be at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

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Computer games in the classroom: Educational success depends on the teacher

Future teachers see educational potential in computer games, study shows. Teacher training should therefore address their potential in the classroom.

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Women with irregular periods may be at risk for liver disease

Women with long or irregular periods are known to have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but researchers found these women may also be at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

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We should be eating more insects and using their waste to grow crops, says plant ecologist

Researchers already knew that insects are an excellent source of protein for humans, but they didn't expect to learn that they have such a positive impact on plants. Researchers discuss the benefits of using the waste from insect-as-food-and-feed production to promote sustainable crops.

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Mucus could explain why SARS-CoV-2 doesn't spread easily from surfaces

Early in the pandemic, many people fastidiously disinfected surfaces because laboratory studies predicted that SARS-CoV-2 could be easily transmitted in this way. Now, researchers have found a possible explanation for why the predictions didn't pan out: Sugar-decorated proteins in mucus could bind to the coronavirus on surfaces, keeping it from infecting cells. The findings could also hint at why some people are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others.

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We should be eating more insects and using their waste to grow crops, says plant ecologist

Researchers already knew that insects are an excellent source of protein for humans, but they didn't expect to learn that they have such a positive impact on plants. Researchers discuss the benefits of using the waste from insect-as-food-and-feed production to promote sustainable crops.

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Archaeologists discover innovative 40,000-year-old culture in China

When did populations of Homo sapiens first arrive in China and what happened when they encountered the Denisovans or Neanderthals who lived there? A new study opens a window into hunter-gatherer lifestyles 40,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations at the site of Xiamabei in the Nihewan Basin of northern China have revealed the presence of innovative behaviors and unique toolkits.

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Powerful warm winds seen blowing from a neutron star as it rips up its companion

Black holes and neutron stars are some of the most extreme objects in the Universe, ripping up neighboring stars. But they are messy eaters and much of they take in gets flung back into space. Scientists have now observed a neutron star blasting out warm and cold wind as it devoured another star. The findings shed new light on the behavior of these stellar cannibals and how they influence the evolution of galaxies.

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Plasma accelerators recover in a FLASH

Scientists have demonstrated at the FLASHForward experiment that in principle it is possible to operate plasma accelerators at the repetition rates desired by particle physicists and photon scientists. This opens the opportunity to utilize such high-gradient accelerators as booster stages in existing high-repetition-rate facilities, such as the large-scale X-ray free-electron lasers FLASH and European XFEL, in order to significantly increase the energy of long trains of particles in short distances.

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The role of lipids in the development of Alzheimer’s disease

Neurons in the brain coexist with and rely on many other cell types to function properly. Astrocytes, which take their name from their star shape, ensure the survival of neurons by feeding and detoxifying them with the help of a multifunctional protein, APOE. One of three forms of this protein, APOE4, significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but the mechanisms at play are unknown.

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Harmless or deadly? New study examines evolution of E. coli bacteria

A new study suggests genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals could be contributing to the evolution of deadly strains of E. coli in humans.

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Researchers develop procedure to interpret x-ray emission spectra of liquid water

Water is an abundant and essential compound, found everywhere on Earth. Yet despite its familiarity and simple structure, water displays many unusual physical properties. For more than a century, scientists have turned their attention to the study of water, attempting to better interpret its structure.

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New epigenetic biomarkers found that potentially predict preterm birth

A signature found in the cheek cells of mothers and fathers of preterm infants may help develop a test to determine whether a pregnancy may end too early. Such a test could help prevent premature births and the many resulting health impacts on infants by alerting medical providers to the need for early intervention measures. In a proof of concept study, researchers documented more than 100 epigenetic biomarkers in mothers of preterm babies that were distinct from mothers of babies carried to term. Fathers had fewer biomarkers but enough to indicate a likely paternal role in preterm birth. They also found that the preterm female babies carried more than 100 of these biomarkers, indicating the propensity to have a preterm baby may be passed down.

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Protein protects brain cells most impacted by glaucoma

A ubiquitous protein called sigma 1 receptor, which is known to protect cells from stress, appears key to the function and survival of the neurons most impacted by glaucoma, scientists report.

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Why exercise gets harder the less you do

Doing less exercise could deactivate a vital protein in the body, causing further inactivity and making exercise more difficult, new research suggests.  Deactivating the Piezo1 protein, a blood flow sensor, reduces the density of capillaries carrying blood to the muscles.  This restricted blood flow means activity becomes more difficult and can lead to a reduction in how much exercise is possible. This helps to explain the biology of why exercise becomes harder the less you do.

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What’s happening in the depths of distant worlds?

The physics and chemistry that take place deep inside our planet are fundamental to the existence of life as we know it. But what forces are at work in the interiors of distant worlds, and how do these conditions affect their potential for habitability? New work uses lab-based mimicry to reveal a new crystal structure that has major implications for our understanding of the interiors of large, rocky exoplanets.

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Noble false widow spider captures bats in the attic

Scientists have published the first record of a Noble False Widow spider feeding on a protected species of Pipistrelle bats in the UK. The new study demonstrates that False Widow spiders continue to impact native species.

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