ScienceDaily: All - February 15, 2025
Today's top research news
Mitochondria may hold the key to curing diabetes
Mitochondria are essential for generating energy that fuels cells and helps them function.
Mouse study finds impaired cell development: Intermittent fasting could be unsafe for teenagers
A recent study reveals that age plays a significant role in the outcomes of intermittent fasting. Researchers discovered that chronic intermittent fasting disrupted the development of insulin-producing beta cells in young mice. The findings raise concerns about potential risks for humans, especially teenagers.
Brake pad emissions can be more toxic than diesel exhaust
A study has found microscopic particles emitted from certain types of commonly fitted brake pads can be more toxic than those found in diesel vehicle exhaust.
'Game changing' release of Type Ia Supernovae data may hold key to the history of the Universe
A unique dataset of Type Ia Supernovae being released today could change how cosmologists measure the expansion history of the Universe.
Under-sea mountains are key 'hubs' for sharks
Under-sea mountains are key locations for predators -- with 41 times more sharks than the open ocean, new research shows.
Evidence of play-like interaction with carousel in insects
Scientists have for the first time demonstrated play-like behavior in flies. They found that fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) voluntarily and repeatedly visited a carousel.
Climate change threatens global cocoa production: New study highlights pollination-based solutions
This Valentine's Day, millions of pounds worth of chocolate will be exchanged as gifts, but climate change and biodiversity loss imperil future global supplies of this treat. A new research study demonstrates that sustainable agricultural practices that both protect pollinator populations and mitigate climate risks could help secure -- and even improve -- global cocoa yields.
Ancient Egyptian mummified bodies smell 'woody,' 'spicy' and 'sweet'
Ancient Egyptian mummified bodies smell 'woody,' 'spicy' and 'sweet', finds a new study, revealing new details about mumification practices.
Clot-busting meds may be effective up to 24 hours after initial stroke symptoms
In a randomized clinical trial, giving the clot-busting medication alteplase up to 24 hours after stroke symptoms first appeared increased the odds of better recovery by 50% compared to those who received standard antiplatelet treatment.
Potential new pathway to fight viruses
Scientists have identified genetic components in bats that provide insight into their immune systems.
Solar and electric-powered homes feel the effects of power outages differently
An expert in energy technologies uses AI tools to investigate the impact of extreme weather on solar-powered and electrified homes and uncover their unique vulnerabilities and develop insights on how they handle harsh conditions.
An Arctic 'beyond recognition' by 2100
Based on the current pledges of countries for limiting their emissions of greenhouse gases, global temperatures are projected to reach 2.7 degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. A new review paper highlights how this would dramatically reshape the Arctic, the fastest-warming region of Earth.
Scientist discovers 16 new grasshopper species, champions desert biodiversity
A scientist has discovered a hopping treasure trove -- 16 new species of grasshoppers living in the thorny scrubs of U.S. and Mexican deserts.
Co-located cell types help drive aggressive brain tumors
A type of aggressive, treatment-resistant brain tumor has a distinct population of immune cells that support its growth, according to new research.
Pregnancy complications linked to cardiovascular disease in the family
Women who have experienced pregnancy complications have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Now, a new study shows that sisters of women with complicated pregnancies are also at higher risk, even if they had uncomplicated pregnancies. The findings suggest that genes and shared environmental factors may influence the association between pregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease risk.
Pancreatic cancer immune map provides clues for precision treatment targeting
Pancreatic cancer patients may benefit from future precision treatments as a new study shows how some tumors may potentially be more susceptible to macrophage-based therapies, and clues behind why these tumors don't respond to existing immunotherapies.
Personalized cancer treatment using 3D bioprinting technology
Scientists have successfully developed a gastric cancer model using 3D bioprinting technology and patient-derived cancer tissue fragments. This innovative model preserves the characteristics of actual patient tissues and is expected to rapidly evaluate and predict individual patient drug responses.
New research using publicly-shared DNA barcodes and citizen science images have provided new evidence on the establishment and spread of a biological control agent used for the control of the major invasive shrub Lantana camara.
Saving energy is 'in', even neurons are joining in
Nerve cells have amazing strategies to save energy and still perform the most important of their tasks. Researchers found that the neuronal energy conservation program determines the location and number of messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteins, and differs depending on the length, longevity and other properties of the respective molecule.
Soft tissue from a 183 million-year-old Jurassic plesiosaur analyzed
Researchers have analyzed the soft tissue from a fossilized plesiosaur for the first time. The results show that the long-necked marine reptile had both smooth and scaly skin. This was likely so it could both swim rapidly and move along rough seabeds.
Genetic research unlocks new ways to prevent and treat multiple long-term conditions
The largest study to date to analyse millions of both genetic and patient records on the long-term health conditions of later life has identified opportunities for new ways to prevent and treat multiple overlapping conditions.
ALS survival may be cut short by living in disadvantaged communities
Living in a disadvantaged community may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, by over 30%, a study suggests. Similar studies have shown that living in resource-deprived areas is associated with a higher burden of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.
Spliceosome: How cells avoid errors when manufacturing mRNA
A complex molecular machine, the spliceosome, ensures that the genetic information from the genome, after being transcribed into mRNA precursors, is correctly assembled into mature mRNA. Splicing is a basic requirement for producing proteins that fulfill an organism's vital functions. Researchers have succeeded for the first time in depicting a faultily 'blocked' spliceosome at high resolution and reconstructing how it is recognized and eliminated in the cell.
Tracking algae species interactions to help predict harmful algae blooms
Because of climate change, harmful algal blooms are increasing in frequency and intensity. New science helps demystify the frequent harmful algal blooms in the Pacific off the coast of Chile by studying how algae species interact with each other and their environment.
Do embedded counseling services in veterinary education work? A new study says 'yes'
Embedded counseling services are becoming increasingly common in veterinary medical programs, but their effectiveness has not historically been measured. A new study revealed that these programs may not only enhance access to mental health care but also lead to significant reductions in psychological distress among veterinary trainees.
Discovery of unexpected collagen structure could 'reshape biomedical research'
Collagen, the body's most abundant protein, has long been viewed as a predictable structural component of tissues. However, a new study challenges that notion, revealing an unexpected confirmation in collagen structure that could reshape biomedical research.
Temperamental stars are distorting our view of distant planets
'Temperamental' stars that brighten and dim over a matter of hours or days may be distorting our view of thousands of distant planets, suggests a new study.
Researchers achieve total synthesis of ibogaine
Researchers have achieved total chemical synthesis of the psychoactive compound ibogaine and its analogs from pyridine. The discovery will make it easier to explore the therapeutic possibilities of ibogaine.
Some species of baleen whales avoid attracting killer whales by singing too low to be heard
New research finds some baleen whale species call at such deep frequencies that they're completely undetectable by killer whales, which cannot hear sounds below 100 hertz. These also tend to be the species of baleen whales that flee in the face of attack from killer whales.
New technology lights way for accelerating coral reef restoration
Scientists have developed a novel tool designed to protect and conserve coral reefs by providing them with an abundance of feeding opportunities.
Multinational research project shows how life on Earth can be measured from space
Measurements and data collected from space can be used to better understand life on Earth. An ambitious, multinational research project has demonstrated that Earth's biodiversity can be monitored and measured from space, leading to a better understanding of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Novel 'living' biomaterial aims to advance regenerative medicine
A biomaterial that can mimic certain behaviors within biological tissues could advance regenerative medicine, disease modeling, soft robotics and more, according to researchers.
Warding off superbugs with a pinch of turmeric
The researchers showed that when curcumin is intentionally given to bacteria as food and then activated by light, it can trigger deleterious reactions within these microbes, eventually killing them. This process, they demonstrated, reduces the number of antibiotic-resistant strains and renders conventional antibiotics effective again.
Essential genome of malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi mapped
A new, comprehensive map of all the genes essential for blood infections in Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi), a parasite that causes malaria in humans, has been generated. The map contains the most complete classification of essential genes in any Plasmodiumspecies and can be used to identify druggable parasite targets and mechanisms of drug resistance that can inform the development of new treatments for malaria.
Cystic fibrosis damages the immune system early on
Despite new medication, cystic fibrosis often leads to permanent lung damage. Researchers have discovered that the disease causes changes in the immune system early in life, presumably even in newborns. These changes lead to frequent inflammation and are not affected by drugs targeting the altered mucus production.
Just a thought. If Metformin is for diabetes, and it is used off label for long covid, what is the deal with mitochondria in both illnesses?
Not enough oxygen in the blood?
TIA from this former triathlete with long covid.