ScienceDaily: All - January 06, 2024
Today's top research news
Researchers identify why cancer immunotherapy can cause colitis
Researchers have identified a mechanism that causes severe gastrointestinal problems with immune-based cancer treatment, also finding a way to deliver immunotherapy's cancer-killing impact without the unwelcome side effect.
3d rendered illustration of a cancer cell (SciePro / shutterstock.com)
Feathers from deceased birds help scientists understand new threat to avian populations
Animal ecologists developed an analytical approach to better understand one of the latest threats to feathered creatures: the rise of wind and solar energy facilities.
New study reveals crucial 'housekeeping' genetic elements and their potent role to fight cancer
A recent study in genetic control elements revealed around 11,000 gene regulators active in every cell type, also known as housekeeping cis-regulatory elements (HK-CREs). These elements are vital in maintaining cellular stability beyond conventional gene regulation, influencing diverse cellular functions across healthy cell types. Moreover, a subset of these housekeeping elements, particularly those related to zinc finger genes, was found to have reduced activity in diverse cancers, suggesting their role as potential housekeeping tumor suppressors.
Protected areas for elephants work best if they are connected
Inhalable sensors could enable early lung cancer detection
Using a new technology, diagnosing lung cancer could become as easy as inhaling a sensor and then taking a urine test that reveals whether a tumor is present.
Using static electricity to enhance biomedical implant durability
Medical technology innovations achieved by integrating science and medicine have improved the quality of life for patients. Especially noteworthy is the emergence of electronic devices implanted in the body, such as in the heart or brain, which enable real-time measurement and regulation of physiological signals, presenting new solutions for challenging conditions like Parkinson's disease. However, technical constraints have hindered the semi-permanent use of electronic devices after their implantation.
Cult mentality: Monumental discovery in Italy
Researchers have discovered an ancient Roman temple that adds significant insights into the social change from pagan gods to Christianity within the Roman Empire.
Monitoring the well-being of reservoir water through an uncrewed surface vehicle
In a recent tragic incident, approximately 100 elephants in Africa perished due to inadequate access to water. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) issues a warning that around 2.5 billion people worldwide could face water scarcity by 2025. In the face of water shortages affecting not only human society but also the entire ecological community due to the climate crisis, it becomes crucial to adopt comprehensive measures for managing water quality and quantity to avert such pressing challenges.
Arctic cold snap transforms into a blessing
Scientists investigate the influence of Arctic cold air on carbon dioxide uptake of the east sea.
Hearing loss increases the risk of dementia
In a new study featuring data from 573,088 people, researchers have found a link between hearing loss and the development of dementia. The study is the largest of its kind to date.
Soft robotic, wearable device improves walking for individual with Parkinson's disease
Researchers have used a soft, wearable robot to help a person living with Parkinson's walk without freezing. The robotic garment, worn around the hips and thighs, gives a gentle push to the hips as the leg swings, helping the patient achieve a longer stride. The device completely eliminated the participant's freezing while walking indoors, allowing them to walk faster and further than they could without the garment's help.
Getting a better look at tumors
The cycling of water across membrane transporters is an hallmark of the cell metabolism and is potentially of high diagnostic significance for the characterization of tumors and other diseases. A research team has now introduced a new MRI-based method for assessing this water exchange. By this method, they were able to estimate the degree of malignancy and the success of treatments in mice tumor models.
Researchers have identified microstructures in fossil cells that are 1.75 billion years old. These structures, called thylakoid membranes, are the oldest ever discovered. They push back the fossil record of thylakoids by 1.2 billion years and provide new information on the evolution of cyanobacteria which played a crucial role in the accumulation of oxygen on the early Earth.
A new study unlocks the secrets of how high blood pressure (hypertension) fuels the progression of arterial disease.
Mysterious missing component in the clouds of Venus revealed
Researchers may have identified the missing component in the chemistry of the Venusian clouds that would explain their color and splotchiness in the UV range, solving a long-standing mystery.
The pathogenic potential of inhaling the inert fibrous nanomaterials used in thermal insulation (such as asbestos or fiberglass) is actually connected not to their chemical composition, but instead to their geometrical characteristics and size. This was revealed by a study conducted on glass nanofibers.
A new approach can address antibiotic resistance to Mycobacterium abscessus
Scientists have created analogs of the antibiotic spectinomycin that are significantly more effective against these highly resistant bacteria.
Seizures identified as potential cause of sudden unexplained death in children
In a study designed to better understand sudden, unexpected deaths in young children, which usually occur during sleep, researchers have identified brief seizures, accompanied by muscle convulsions, as a potential cause.