Avian flu found in wastewater of 10 Texas cities through virome sequencing
Avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, which spread to cattle and infected 14 people this year, was detected using virome sequencing in the wastewater of 10 Texas cities.
Image: Lightspring/Shutterstock.com
New insights could help prevent psychosis relapses in youth and young adults
New findings could help clinicians understand the course of delusions in youth and young adults that signal the need for a timely intervention to prevent a full relapse of psychosis.
New, rare type of small cell lung cancer identified
A team of doctors and researchers have identified a new, rare type of small cell lung cancer that primarily affects younger people who have never smoked.
Light pollution a new Alzheimer's risk factor
Outdoor light at night could be a significant risk factor in Alzheimer's disease, according to new research from Rush.
Human 'molecular map' contributes to the understanding of disease mechanisms
Scientists have created an intricate molecular map of the human body and its complex physiological processes based on the analysis of thousands of molecules in blood, urine and saliva samples from 391 volunteers. The data was integrated to create a powerful, interactive visual web-based tool called Connecting Omics (COmics) that can be used to investigate the complex molecular make-up of humans and discover underlying traits associated with various diseases.
Can having a stroke change your sleep?
People who have had a stroke may be more likely to sleep too much or too little compared to those without prior stroke, according to a new study. The study does not prove that stroke causes abnormal sleep; it only shows an association.
How many people have A-Fib? Three times more than we thought
Atrial fibrillation, a rapid, irregular heart beat that can lead to stroke or sudden death, is three times more common than previously thought, affecting nearly 5% of the population, or 10.5 million U.S. adults, according to new estimates.
Self-medicating gorillas and traditional healers provide clues for new drug discovery
Four plants consumed by wild gorillas in Gabon and used by local communities in traditional medicine show antibacterial and antioxidant properties, researchers report.
Newly discovered antimicrobial could prevent or treat cholera
Researchers identified the first known microcin, a group of naturally produced antimicrobials, that targets the strains of bacteria that cause cholera.
Genes with strong impact on menopause timing also link to cancer risk
The team first looked at variation in data from genetic sequencing of 106,973 post-menopausal female participants in the UK Biobank study. Researchers focused on rare types of genetic changes which cause a loss of the protein, and investigated their effect on the timing of menopause. The genetic changes studied are all rare in the population, however their influence on menopause is five times greater than the impact of any previously identified common genetic variant.
Many clinical trials of new cancer drugs may be inappropriately excluding some people with Duffy-null phenotype, a trait found predominantly in people of African or Middle Eastern descent, researchers report in a new study.
Researchers uncover shared cellular mechanisms across three major dementias
Researchers have for the first time identified degeneration-associated 'molecular markers' -- observable changes in cells and their gene-regulating networks -- that are shared by several forms of dementia that affect different regions of the brain. Critically, the research also identified markers specific to different forms of dementia, and the combined findings represent a potential paradigm shift in the search for causes, treatments and cures.
Risk of secondary cancers after CAR T therapy may be similar to risk after other cancer treatments
The frequency of second primary malignancies (SPMs) arising in cancer survivors following treatment with CAR T-cell therapy was statistically comparable to the frequency of SPMs following other standard-of-care therapies, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Scientists expand the genetic alphabet to create new proteins
It's a dogma taught in every introductory biology class: Proteins are composed of combinations of 20 different amino acids, arranged into diverse sequences like words. But researchers trying to engineer biologic molecules with new functions have long felt limited by those 20 basic building blocks and strived to develop ways of putting new building blocks -- called non-canonical amino acids -- into their proteins. Now, scientists have designed a new paradigm for easily adding non-canonical amino acids to proteins.
Breakthrough research sheds light on the hidden effects of stress on sperm
A new study reveals that stress-induced changes in sperm motility occur after a stressful event, rather than during it and improves sperm performance. The discovery is essential in understanding how stress impacts the reproductive process to improve fetal development outcomes.
Throat problems could impair autonomic nervous system's ability to regulate blood pressure
Patients with throat problems were less able to regulate their blood pressure in a new study. The study shows reduced baroreflex sensitivity in patients with throat symptoms.
Researchers improve search for cancer drivers
A computer algorithm can efficiently find genetic mutations that work together to drive cancer as well as other important genetic clues that researchers might someday use to develop new treatments for a variety of cancers. Researchers used a novel network computer model to find co-occurring mutations as well as other similarities among DNA sequence elements across several types of cancer. The model allows for easier searches for patterns in huge seas of cancer genetic data.
Risky play exercises an ancestral need to push limits
Since their invention in the 1920s, jungle gyms and monkey bars have become both fixtures of playgrounds and symbols of childhood injury that anxious caretakers want removed. Anthropologists mark 100 years of the iconic playground equipment by arguing that risky play exercises a biological need passed on from apes and early humans for children to independently test and expand their physical and cognitive abilities in a context in which injury is possible but avoidable.
Boosting brain protein levels may slow decline from Alzheimer's
A study found that new monoclonal antibody drugs for Alzheimer's may slow cognitive impairment through boosting levels of a specific protein in the brain.
Sterilization rates among women rose after U.S. Supreme Court abortion ruling
Researchers found an increase in surgical sterilization among women after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion.
Brain-wide decision-making dynamics discovered
Neuroscientists have revealed how sensory input is transformed into motor action across multiple brain regions in mice. The research shows that decision-making is a global process across the brain that is coordinated by learning. The findings could aid artificial intelligence research by providing insights into how to design more distributed neural networks.
Atypical metabolite levels at birth may increase SIDS risk
Newborns who had an atypical pattern of metabolites were more than 14 times as likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), compared to infants who had more typical metabolic patterns, according to a new study. Metabolites are molecules produced by the body's various chemical reactions. Researchers found that infants who died of SIDS had a specific pattern of metabolites compared to infants who lived to their first year. The researchers believe that checking for this pattern could provide a way to identify infants at risk for SIDS.
Researchers combine the power of AI and the connectome to predict brain cell activity
With maps of the connections between neurons and artificial intelligence methods, researchers can now do what they never thought possible: predict the activity of individual neurons without making a single measurement in a living brain.
Can chatbots help with genetic testing for cancer risk?
Demand for cancer genetic testing is on the rise, but there's not enough genetic counselors to guide patients through the process. Researchers say chatbots could be the answer.
Variety is the spice of learning, memory study suggests
Researchers found that older adults learned a memory task best after practicing multiple related tasks, suggesting that diverse cognitive training supports mental sharpness as we age.
Unaffordable food putting mums-to-be at risk
Pregnant women who have limited access to affordable, nutritious, and healthy foods have a higher chance of developing both physical and mental health problems and their baby's weight is at risk.
Findings from a new study suggest that older people with mild cognitive impairment who engage in high levels of activities such as word games and hobbies have better memory, working memory, attention and processing speed than those who do not.
An antidiabetic helps the immune system recognize reservoirs of HIV
Metformin, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, could help deplete the viral reservoir and eliminate it entirely in people living with HIV who receive antiretroviral therapy.
When they become fathers, men who have an unhealthy, high-cholesterol diet can cause increased risk of cardiovascular disease, or CVD, in their daughters, a mouse study has found.
Women with asthma are more likely to miscarry and need fertility treatment
Women who are being treated for asthma are more likely to miscarry and need fertility treatment to get pregnant, according to a large study. However, the study also suggests that most women with asthma are able to have babies.
Long-term exercisers have 'healthier' belly fat
People with obesity who are long-time exercisers have healthier belly fat tissue and can store fat there more effectively than nonexercisers with obesity, according to a new study.
Gene therapy effective in hereditary blindness
Bothnia dystrophy is a form of hereditary blindness, prevalent in the region Vasterbotten in Sweden. A new study shows that gene therapy can improve vision in patients with the disease.
Conscientiousness, not willpower, is a reliable predictor of success
According to two psychologists, the field of psychological science has a problem with the concept of self-control. It has named self-control both a 'trait' -- a key facet of personality involving attributes like conscientiousness, grit and the ability to tolerate delayed gratification -- and a 'state,' a fleeting condition that can best be described as willpower. These two concepts are at odds with one another and are often confused, the authors report.
Researchers identify new tools for anti-Acinetobacter drug development and AMR preparedness
Researchers have engineered a library of strains that can be used to develop new antibacterial compounds to help address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria.
Novel bone cancer therapy has 99% success rate, tests show
Bioactive glasses, a filling material which can bond to tissue and improve the strength of bones and teeth, has been combined with gallium to create a potential treatment for bone cancer. Tests in labs have found that bioactive glasses doped with the metal have a 99 percent success rate of eliminating cancerous cells and can even regenerate diseased bones.
Early exposure to diverse faces helps babies overcome prejudices later in life
Babies who have more diverse social contacts in the first years of their life can get over their prejudices more easily by the age of 17, according to new research.
Study identifies areas of Europe at risk from dengue fever due to spread of Asian tiger mosquito
As Europe grapples with the growing threat of tropical diseases brought by the Asian tiger mosquito, new research is enabling scientists to accurately predict towns across the continent where there is a high risk of dengue fever.
Experimental blood test predicts risk for developing COPD, other severe respiratory diseases
A scientific team has created a preclinical blood test to identify adults most likely to develop severe respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The blood test analyzes 32 proteins that scientists determined accurately predicted an adult with an increased likelihood for requiring medical care for or dying from severe respiratory illness. The risk score was based on lung health data collected from nearly 2,500 U.S. adults over a 30-year period.
Girls may start puberty early due to chemical exposure
Girls exposed to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be more likely to start puberty early, according to new research. EDCs mimic, block or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system.
Researchers have published a novel study exploring the effects of delayed feedback on learning in individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of delayed vs. immediate performance feedback on learning in individuals with TBI and to examine the associated brain networks.
Pressure sensing by muscles is a promising new target for treatments
A new study shows that the body's muscles sense mechanical pressure. This new discovery has important implications for movement neuroscience and may improve the design of training and rehabilitation to relieve stiff muscles.
Pausing biological clock could give boost to lab-produced blood stem cells
A research team has discovered when and why inflammatory signaling affects the formation of blood stem cells in embryos, which will benefit efforts to develop lab-grown, patient-derived stem cell transfusions to treat blood disorders. The promising advancement in regenerative medicine could eliminate the need for bone marrow transplants.
New AI can ID brain patterns related to specific behavior
Scientists have developed a new AI algorithm that can separate brain patterns related to a particular behavior. This work promises to improve brain-computer interfaces and aid with the discovery of new brain patterns.
A new psychology study shows that framing the need to address climate change as patriotic and as necessary to preserve the American 'way of life' can increase belief in climate change and support for pro-environmental policies among both groups.
Sickle cell disease is a common genetic disorder characterized by periodic occurrences of pain which happen repeatedly through life. These episodes, referred to as a vaso-occlusive episodes, happen when sickled cells obstruct blood vessels. The degree of pain may range from a mild discomfort to a severe disabling pain where the person needs treatment in hospital. A new study has found that hospital-admitted patients who received the fluid Lactated Ringer's, a solution used to replace water and electrolyte loss in patients with low blood volume or low blood pressure, rather than normal saline, had shorter hospital lengths of stay, fewer readmissions to the hospital, and fewer days of intravenous opioid medications for pain control.
Urate transporter structures reveal the mechanism behind important drug target for gout
Ten structures of URAT1 obtained by scientists provide a deep understanding of the mechanism of urate transport to guide gout therapeutic design.
Effective new gene therapy to treat multiple sulfatase deficiency
Researchers tested a preclinical model for an experimental gene therapy designed to treat multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD), a disorder that affects the brain, lungs, skin, and skeleton with no currently approved treatments. The findings demonstrated several improvements in outcomes, paving the way for future translation into clinical trials.
Belief in academic ability key factor in academic success for low-income students
A strong belief in their own academic ability can help children from low-income families defy the odds and achieve academic success, according to new research.
How the scars of demolished brain tumors seed relapse
A study has discovered that recurrent tumors of the aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) grow out of the fibrous scars of malignant predecessors destroyed by interventions such as radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy.
New research illuminates the impact of surface properties on bacteria movement
Scientists are studying how bacteria move across surfaces -- a process known as twitching motility. New findings led to the surprising discovery of the key role surface properties play in either enabling or preventing this movement.
New gene therapy offers promise for treating glaucoma -- as well as AMD
Scientists developed a highly promising gene therapy to treat glaucoma -- a debilitating eye condition that can lead to complete vision loss, and which affects around 80 million people worldwide. The team previously showed their therapy offered promise in treating dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Diagnostic tool identifies puzzling inflammatory diseases in kids
RNA is expelled from cells via cell death or active release, and can then find its way into blood plasma. Medical researchers have now developed machine learning models that use these cell-free molecular RNA dregs to diagnose pediatric inflammatory conditions that are difficult to differentiate. The diagnostic tool can accurately determine if a patient has Kawasaki disease (KD), Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a viral infection or a bacterial infection, while simultaneously monitoring the patient's organ health.
COVID-19 lockdowns prematurely aged teenage brains, study shows
New research has found that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in females.
Air pollution exposure in infancy may limit economic mobility in adulthood
Higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) during infancy was associated with lower economic earnings in adulthood, according to a new study. The association was most pronounced in the midwestern and southern U.S.
Breaking the trend: Skin cancer incidence in young adults declines
The risk of skin cancer for adults under the age of 50 is now decreasing for the first time in Sweden.
Loss of skin's pigment-producing cells could be related to basement membrane disruption
A team has uncovered clues to the mechanism behind vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disorder said to have a worldwide incidence of 1-2%.
Researchers identify factor that drives prostate cancer-causing genes
Researchers have uncovered a key reason why a typically normal protein goes awry and fuels cancer. They found the protein NSD2 alters the function of the androgen receptor, an important regulator of normal prostate development. When androgen receptor binds with NSD2, it causes rapid cell division and growth leading to prostate cancer. The study may suggest a new way to therapeutically target prostate cancer.
New molecular engineering technique allows for complex organoids
A new molecular engineering technique can precisely influence the development of organoids. Microbeads made of specifically folded DNA are used to release growth factors or other signal molecules inside the tissue structures. This gives rise to considerably more complex organoids that imitate the respective tissues much better and have a more realistic cell mix than before.
How the brain's inner chamber governs our state of consciousness
Investigators studying the nature of consciousness have successfully used a drug to identify the intricate brain geometry behind the unconscious state, offering an unprecedented look at brain structures that have traditionally been difficult to study.
Hep C: We're closer than ever to solving mystery of deadly virus
Around 300,000 people die from hepatitis C every year. A new study has mapped the protein complex that enables the virus to infect our cells, potentially paving the way for an effective vaccine.