ScienceDaily: All - August 21, 2024
Today's top research news
New view of North Star reveals spotted surface
High-resolution images show large spots on the surface of Polaris.
Image: grayjay/Shutterstock.com
How early-life antibiotics turn immunity into allergy
Researchers have shown how and why the depletion of microbes in a newborn's gut by antibiotics can lead to lifelong respiratory allergies. The research team identified a specific cascade of events that lead to allergies and asthma, opening many new avenues for exploring potential preventions and treatments.
Aceneuramic acid is the first approved drug for GNE myopathy treatment
A clinical trial has led to the approval of a treatment for patients with a rare, muscle-weakening disease called GNE myopathy.
New worm study paves way for better RNA-based drugs to treat human disease
Researchers have discovered RNA mechanisms that may lead to more effective, durable and targeted treatments for conditions like high cholesterol, liver diseases and cancers.
Explanation found for X-ray radiation from black holes
Researchers have succeeded in something that has been pursued since the 1970s: explaining the X-ray radiation from the black hole surroundings. The radiation originates from the combined effect of the chaotic movements of magnetic fields and turbulent plasma gas.
Deadly sea snail toxin could be key to making better medicines
Scientists are finding clues for how to treat diabetes and hormone disorders in an unexpected place: a toxin from one of the most venomous animals on the planet.
Fossil hotspots in Africa obscure a more complete picture of human evolution
A new study shows how the mismatch between where fossils are preserved and where humans likely lived may influence our understanding of early human evolution.
'Molecular compass' points way to reduction of animal testing
Machine learning models have become increasingly popular for risk assessment of chemical compounds. However, they are often considered 'black boxes' due to their lack of transparency. To increase confidence in these models, researchers proposed carefully identifying the areas of chemical space where these models are weak. They developed an innovative software tool for this purpose, and the results of this research approach have just been published.
A new reaction to enhance aromatic ketone use in chemical synthesis
Researchers develop a one pot process to transform aromatic ketones to esters, offering advancements in pharmaceutical synthesis and materials science.
Investigating the interplay of folding and aggregation in supramolecular polymer systems
Scientists have developed photoresponsive supramolecular polymers that can undergo both intrachain folding and interchain aggregation.
Adaptive 3D printing system to pick and place bugs and other organisms
A new adaptive 3D printing system can identify the positions of randomly distributed organisms and safely move them to specific locations for assembly.
Precision therapy for metastatic prostate cancer improves survival
Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer should be treated primarily with second-generation hormone drugs, which offer better treatment response and longer life expectancy than chemotherapy. However, the effect depends on which mutations the patient's tumor carries, according to a new study.
Scientists discover new code governing gene activity
A newly discovered code within DNA -- coined 'spatial grammar' -- holds a key to understanding how gene activity is encoded in the human genome. This breakthrough finding revealed a long-postulated hidden spatial grammar embedded in DNA. The research could reshape scientists' understanding of gene regulation and how genetic variations may influence gene expression in development or disease.
Type 2 diabetes increased by almost 20% over a decade in U.S., study finds
Type 2 diabetes increased by almost 20% between 2012 and 2022 in the United States, according to a new study. The researchers found an increase in diabetes among all sociodemographic groups. But non-Hispanic Black people were particularly hard hit by the disease, with just under 16% of Black study participants reporting being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Growth from adversity: How older adults bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic
The study highlights the remarkable resilience of older adults (median age 86) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions to their routines led many to discover new hobbies like gardening and painting and explore virtual activities such as online yoga. While 51% experienced psychosocial issues such as anxiety and depression, 86% did not see worsening of their medical conditions and supported pandemic precautions. Despite the hardships, including the loss of residents and increased use of antidepressants and telehealth, many found joy and growth in their altered circumstances.
Scientists harness quantum microprocessor chips for revolutionary molecular spectroscopy simulation
Engineering researchers have successfully developed a quantum microprocessor chip for molecular spectroscopy simulation of actual large-structured and complex molecules.
Researchers uncover a link between cognition and brain networks prior to psychotic break in individuals at risk of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
Cognitive behavioral therapy app improves anxiety in young adults
Researchers found that a self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app, called Maya, significantly reduced anxiety in young adults struggling with mental health challenges. The decrease in anxiety symptoms was clinically and statistically significant at six weeks and continued at the 12-week follow-up period with improvement levels similar to anxiety medication studies.