Feed aggregator
"Molecular Tomographer" algorithm maps gene expression in space
EPFL scientists have developed an algorithm that can work out the spatial pattern of gene expression inside the body without the need for microscopes and complicated equipment used currently.
Categories: Content
New catalyst for lower CO2 emissions
Perovskites have so far been used for solar cells, as anode materials or electronic components rather than for their catalytic properties. Now scientists at TU Wien have succeeded in producing a special perovskite that is excellently suited as a catalyst for converting CO2 into other useful substances, such as synthetic fuels. The new perovskite catalyst is very stable and also relatively cheap, so it would be suitable for industrial use.
Categories: Content
Review summarizes known links between endocrine disruptors and breast cancer risk
Exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals could elevate the risk of breast cancer, according to a new comprehensive systematic review of epidemiological research. However, for many chemicals, evidence is inconsistent or still limited.
Categories: Content
A gene finding links severe canine juvenile epilepsy to mitochondrial dysfunction
In a study conducted at the University of Helsinki, researchers found a cause for severe epilepsy resulting in death in Parson Russell Terrier puppies at a few months of age. A change in the PITRM1 gene can lead to a dysfunction of mitochondria, the cellular energy pumps. Concurrently, amyloid-β accumulation and widespread neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease were identified in the puppies' brains. Changes to the PITRM1 gene in humans also cause a severe but slowly progressing brain disease.
Categories: Content
Base editors flex sights on sickle-cell disease
Researchers at Beam Therapeutics have developed a redesigned base editor that shows considerable promise in directly repairing the single-base mutation that causes sickle-cell disease.
Categories: Content
Noncalcified coronary plaque burden higher in people with HIV
People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and without known cardiovascular disease have two to three times the noncalcified coronary plaque burden of non-HIV healthy volunteers, according to a new Canadian study. Researchers said the results underscore the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle in people living with HIV.
Categories: Content
New biomaterial regrows blood vessels and bone, RCSI research
Scientists have developed a new biomaterial that regrows blood vessels and bone, potentially providing a single-stage approach when repairing large bone defects.
Categories: Content
Differing immune responses discovered in asymptomatic cases vs those with severe COVID-19
Using data from the Human Cell Atlas, researchers have identified the differences in immune cells' response in those who had no symptoms compared to severe symptoms.
Categories: Content
Crucial action needed for coral reefs
An international group of scientific experts co-directed by CNRS oceanographer Jean-Pierre Gattuso has stated the requirements for coral reef survival in an article published in Biological Conservation. Over 500 million people rely on coral reefs.
Categories: Content
Reliably detecting cocoa off-flavors
Musty, moldy, smoky or horse dung-like smelling cocoa is not suitable for chocolate production. As part of a larger research project, a team of scientists led by Martin Steinhaus from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich has identified the odorants responsible for such off-flavors. The food industry can now use these results to objectively assess the sensory quality of fermented cocoa based on odorant concentrations.
Categories: Content
The British variant is 45% more contagious than the original virus
The researchers compared the R (basic reproduction number) of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus with the R of the British variant, and found that the British variant is almost 1.5 times more infectious. The researchers: "The study proves that active monitoring of at-risk populations and prioritized vaccination programs can prevent hundreds of deaths."
Categories: Content
AI agent helps identify material properties faster
Artificial intelligence (AI) can analyse large amounts of data, such as those generated when analysing the properties of potential new materials, faster than humans. However, such systems often tend to make definitive decisions even in the face of uncertainty; they overestimate themselves. An international research team has stopped AI from doing this: the researchers have refined an algorithm so that it works together with humans and supports decision-making processes. As a result, promising new materials can be identified more quickly.
Categories: Content
Asymmetric synthesis of aziridine with a new catalyst can help develop novel medicines
Aziridine structures are an important component of several medicines and pharmaceutical drugs, due to which reactions yielding desirable aziridine structures with high purity have received much interest. In a new study, scientists from Japan have reported a high yield of aziridines with high purity from oxazolones using a novel catalyst and look into the underlying mechanism, paving the way for future development of novel drugs and medicines.
Categories: Content
Human land use wasn't always at nature's expense
Nearly three-quarters of Earth's land had been transformed by humans by 10,000BC, but new research shows it largely wasn't at the expense of the natural world.A study involving University of Queensland researchers combined global maps of population and land use over the past 12,000 years with current biodiversity data, demonstrating the effective environmental stewardship of Indigenous and traditional peoples.
Categories: Content
Cool and COVID-safe: How radiant cooling could keep our cities comfortable and healthy
A novel system of chilled panels that can replace air conditioning can also help reduce the risk of indoor disease transmission, suggests new analysis from the University of British Columbia, University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University.
Categories: Content
Growth in home health care failing to keep up with surging demand, study finds
Recent growth in the number of healthcare workers providing home care for Medicare patients is "small and inadequate" compared with the increasing demand in an aging America, a new study suggests.
Categories: Content
Little Foot fossil shows early human ancestor clung closely to trees
The fossil provides the oldest, most intact example of the shoulder of a human ancestor ever found. The bones provide telltale clues of how the individual moved and was adapted to climbing, a USC-led research team reports.
Categories: Content
Atomic-level insights gained for a key lipid-binding protein implicated in cancer
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified, at an atomic level, how a part of a protein called PLEKHA7 interacts with a cell's membrane to regulate important intercellular communications. The research, published in the journal Structure, points to hotspots within PLEKHA7 as targets for drugs. These targets could be key in designing treatments for advanced colon, breast and ovarian cancers.
Categories: Content
Brain-on-a-chip would need little training
A neural network that mimics the biology of the brain can be loaded onto a microchip for faster and more efficient artificial intelligence.
Categories: Content
Our attention is captured by eye-glance
Researchers (UNIGE) looked at the way we process human gaze, focusing on the estimation of the temporal duration of social interactions. They discovered that when we make eye contact with another person, our attention is solicited, causing a distortion in our temporal perception: time seems shorter than it really is. These results will make it possible to develop a diagnostic tool to evaluate the mechanisms at work in people who are sensitive to social gaze.
Categories: Content