ScienceDaily: All - July 11, 2024
Today's top research news
A new species of extinct crocodile relative rewrites life on the Triassic coastline
The surprising discovery of a new species of extinct crocodile relative from the Triassic Favret Formation of Nevada, USA, rewrites the story of life along the coasts during the first act of the Age of Dinosaurs. The new species Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis reveals that while giant ichthyosaurs ruled the oceans, the ancient crocodile kin known as pseudosuchian archosaurs ruled the shores across the Middle Triassic globe between 247.2 and 237 million years ago.
Prime editing efficiently corrects cystic fibrosis mutation in human lung cells
Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic disorders, causing thick mucus build-up in the lungs and other parts of the body, breathing problems, and infection. Now, researchers have developed a gene-editing approach that efficiently corrects the most common mutation that causes cystic fibrosis, found in 85 percent of patients. With further development, it could pave the way for treatments that are administered only once and have fewer side effects. The new method precisely and durably corrects the mutation in human lung cells, restoring cell function to levels similar to that of Trikafta.
Planted mangroves' ability to store carbon
Ecologists have published new findings on how planted mangroves can store up to 70% of carbon stock to that found in intact stands after only 20 years.
Image: Jhampier Giron M/Shutterstock.com
Trial of cell-based therapy for high-risk lymphoma leads to FDA breakthrough designation
CAR-T cell therapy helps some with intractable lymphoma, but those who relapse have few options. Modifying the therapy's molecular target improved response.
Major trial looks at most effective speech therapy for people with Parkinson's disease
A major clinical trial has shown the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD ) is more effective than the current speech and language therapy commonly provided, when treating patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).
A new twist on artificial 'muscles' for safer, softer robots
Engineers have developed a new soft, flexible device that makes robots move by expanding and contracting -- just like a human muscle. To demonstrate their new device, called an actuator, the researchers used it to create a cylindrical, worm-like soft robot and an artificial bicep. In experiments, the cylindrical soft robot navigated the tight, hairpin curves of a narrow pipe-like environment, and the bicep was able to lift a 500-gram weight 5,000 times in a row without failing.
Pumpkin disease not evolving, could make a difference for management
The pathogen that causes bacterial spot is very good at what it does. Forming small lesions on the rinds of pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits, it mars the fruits' appearance and ushers in secondary pathogens that lead to rot and severe yield loss. The bacterium, Xanthomonas cucurbitae, is so successful that it has had no reason to evolve through time or space.
Cirrhosis affects twice as many transgender adults as cisgender adults, study finds
A new study has found a startling disparity in the frequency of liver disease for transgender individuals and highlights the need for more specialized care.
There is a pressing need for countries and international organizations to understand better how existing international law can help them address serious concerns about the militarization of outer space, a new study says.
Chronic allergic disorder EoE's rising incidence in Japan confirmed by large-scale data analysis
Researchers have uncovered the incidence and prevalence of the chronic allergic disorder eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE, which can cause difficulty in swallowing as eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, build up in the esophagus.
Atlas of proteins reveals inner workings of cells
Researchers discover how proteins behave inside cells using AI, which has the potential to guide drug design.
Discovery of a new defense mechanism in bacteria
When confronted with an antibiotic, toxic substance, or other source of considerable stress, bacteria are able to activate a defense mechanism using cell-to-cell communication to 'warn' unaffected bacteria, which can then anticipate, shield themselves and spread the warning signal.
Mozambican Woodlands could store more than double the carbon previously estimated
The capacity of Mozambican woodlands to capture and store carbon is underestimated and potentially undervalued for their protection and restoration, finds new research from an international team of scientists.
Research reveals the most complete dinosaur discovered in the UK in a century
The most complete dinosaur discovered in the UK in the last 100 years, with a pubic hip bone the size of a 'dinner plate', has been described in a new article.
Not so simple: Mosses and ferns offer new hope for crop protection
Mosses, liverworts, ferns and algae may offer an exciting new research frontier in the global challenge of protecting crops from the threat of disease.
Wolves' return has had only small impact on deer populations in NE Washington
Wolves returned to Washington state in 2008. A new study shows that, despite their rising numbers, wolves are not having much of an impact on white-tailed deer, one of their primary prey. Scientists report that the biggest factor shaping white-tailed deer populations in northeast Washington is the quality of habitat available, which is largely determined by human activity. Cougars were second in their impact. Wolves were a distant third.
Up to 60% of near-Earth objects could be dark comets, mysterious asteroids that orbit the sun in our solar system that likely contain or previously contained ice and could have been one route for delivering water to Earth, according to a new study.
The Gulf Stream is wind-powered and could weaken from climate change
New evidence of changes to the Gulf Stream during the last ice age could indicate additional sensitivity to future climatic changes, finds a new study.
Discovery could help reduce adverse side effects of popular next-generation obesity medications
By teasing apart the therapeutic benefits from the adverse effects of new generation obesity medications, researchers found a population of neurons in the brain that controls food intake without causing nausea in an animal model.
The molecule that could alleviate stroke-related brain injury
New research identifies novel path to protecting the brain from stroke-induced damage.
Scientists discover a cause of lupus and a possible way to reverse it
Scientists have discovered a molecular defect that promotes the pathologic immune response in systemic lupus erythematosus (known as lupus) and show that reversing this defect may potentially reverse the disease.
Big gain in battle against harmful bacteria
An unexpected find has enabled important progress to be made in the battle against harmful bacteria.
Strong evidence for intermediate-mass black hole in Omega Centauri
Most known black holes are either extremely massive, like the supermassive black holes that lie at the cores of large galaxies, or relatively lightweight, with a mass of under 100 times that of the Sun. Intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) are scarce, however, and are considered rare 'missing links' in black hole evolution.
Cutting farm nitrous oxide emissions helps climate and ozone layer
Adding crushed basalt rocks and special fertilizers can reduce potent nitrous oxide (N2O) greenhouse gas emissions and help safeguard the stratospheric ozone layer.
Researchers listen to the hearts of bats in flight
Unique recordings show that bats can ramp up heart rate from 6 to 900 b.p.m within minutes.
Archaeologists report earliest evidence for plant farming in east Africa
A trove of ancient plant remains excavated in Kenya helps explain the history of plant farming in equatorial eastern Africa, a region long thought to be important for early farming but where scant evidence from actual physical crops has been previously uncovered.
Exercise brain boost can last for years
A longitudinal study has found that high-intensity interval exercise improves brain function in older adults for up to 5 years.