Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily

Moderate drinking linked to brain changes and cognitive decline

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:51:41 EDT

Consumption of seven or more units of alcohol per week is associated with higher iron levels in the brain, according to a study of almost 21,000 people. Iron accumulation in the brain has been linked with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and is a potential mechanism for alcohol-related cognitive decline.

Research probes how people control unwanted thoughts

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:51:39 EDT

When trying to avoid an unwanted thought, people often reactively reject and replace the thought after it occurs. But proactively avoiding an association in the first place can be much more efficient, and help prevent the repetitive looping of unwanted thoughts, according to a new study.

Scientists find primitive blueprint for embryo cell creation

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:51:20 EDT

A groundbreaking study has uncovered 14,000 unique sites in DNA that together form the most elementary blueprint for embryogenesis -- the creation of embryos.

DNA from ancient population in Southern China suggests Native Americans' East Asian roots

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:52 EDT

For the first time, researchers successfully sequenced the genome of ancient human fossils from the Late Pleistocene in southern China. The data suggests that the mysterious hominin belonged to an extinct maternal branch of modern humans that might have contributed to the origin of Native Americans.

Trade deals and changing diets key influencers in securing nutrient rich food

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:46 EDT

Research shows future choices about trade, diet and climate change will be crucial in securing micronutrient food supplies for the UK.

Eco-friendly sound absorbers from seaweed

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:44 EDT

From airplanes to apartments, most spaces are now designed with sound-absorbing materials that help dampen the droning, echoing and murmuring sounds of everyday life. But most of the acoustic materials that can cancel out human voices, traffic and music are made from plastic foams that aren't easily recycled or degraded. Now, researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds in this range.

Woodpeckers' heads act more like stiff hammers than safety helmets

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:37 EDT

Scientists had long wondered how woodpeckers can repeatedly pound their beaks against tree trunks without doing damage to their brains. This led to the notion that their skulls must act like shock-absorbing helmets. Now, researchers have refuted this notion, saying that their heads act more like stiff hammers. In fact, their calculations show that any shock absorbance would hinder the woodpeckers' pecking abilities.

North American birds not fully adjusting to changing climate

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:36 EDT

Some species of birds in North America have not fully adjusted their distributions in response to ongoing climate change. The places these birds live have become more decoupled from their optimal climate conditions, while other features of the environment become more constraining. This trend of climate decoupling is more pronounced for habitat specialists and for species declining in abundance.

Researchers discover DNA copy number alterations lead to changes in RNA circuits that impact melanoma metastasis

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:33 EDT

Most cancer research and available anticancer drugs focus on the impact of DNA and protein alterations that contribute to cancer; however, it is now understood that RNA molecules can also both positively and negatively impact the development of cancer. Researchers now describe how RNA molecules promote the development of melanoma metastasis by impacting anti-tumor microRNA.

Scientists develop new method and device to isolate single cells using electric fields

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:19 EDT

A new process, which is more effective and efficient than conventional methods, has the potential to significantly impact cancer diagnostics as well as other fields of research.

A type of 'step therapy' is an effective strategy for diabetic eye disease

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:15 EDT

Clinical trial results suggest that a step strategy, in which patients with diabetic macular edema start with a less expensive medicine and switch to a more expensive medicine if vision does not improve sufficiently, gives results similar to starting off with the higher-priced drug.

Could eating fruit more often keep depression at bay?

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:13 EDT

A study surveyed 428 adults and looked at the relationship between their consumption of fruit, vegetables, sweet and savoury food snacks and their psychological health. The more often people ate fruit, the lower they scored for depression and the higher for mental wellbeing.

Coastal glacier retreat linked to climate change

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:12 EDT

The world's coastal glaciers are melting faster than ever. New research gives scientists a way to unravel the causes of glacial retreat, and in turn, reveal how much can be attributed to human-caused climate change. Attributing the human role for coastal glaciers -- which melt directly into the sea -- could pave the way to better predictions about sea level rise.

Novel model of fluid distribution in the Cascadia Subduction Zone aids understanding of seismic activity

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:08 EDT

A novel three-dimensional model of the fluid stored deep in Earth's crust along the Cascadia Subduction Zone provides new insight into how the accumulation and release of those fluids may influence seismic activity in the region.

As globe warms, infected pines starve and disease-causing fungi thrive

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:06 EDT

The high heat and low water conditions produced by global warming weaken pine trees' resistance to disease by hindering their ability to mount an effective defense at the same time that pathogenic fungi in their tissues become more aggressive, new research suggests.

Nanotube-embedded coating detects threats from wear and tear in large structures

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:02 EDT

Carbon nanotubes' natural fluorescence enables a method to detect high strain concentrations that can lead to damage threatening the integrity of critical infrastructure like aircraft, buildings, pipelines, bridges and ships.

Simple skin biopsy can assess tissue damage related to COVID-19

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:50:00 EDT

A minimally invasive test was able to identify pathology in patients at different stages of disease and potentially enable earlier intervention, researchers report.

Brentuximab vedotin may improve overall survival in patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:49:59 EDT

A study has found that the addition of brentuximab vedotin to standard chemotherapy treatment improves overall survival in patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma, when compared to the current standard of chemotherapy alone.

Individualized eating program helps dieters lose weight, keep it off

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:49:57 EDT

iDip, an individualized diet program, uses a unique visual tool that helps dieters choose foods that limit their daily calories while consuming adequate amounts of protein and fiber. Now in its third clinical trial, the program shows promise at helping people lose weight and keep it off.

A new peptide system for the targeted transport of molecules into living mammalian cells

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:43:36 EDT

Scientists have developed a novel peptide suitable for the targeted transport of molecules -- for example, active substances and dyes -- into the cells of mammals.

Established drug for symptoms of angina pectoris also protects vascular system, study finds

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:30:27 EDT

A drug used in the clinical treatment of angina symptoms also has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels -- thereby reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke, according to a new study.

Changes in protein structure and assembly with fluoride nanoparticles and coexisting ions

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:30:26 EDT

Scientists demonstrate the influence of nanoparticles and surrounding ions on the formation of beta-sheet structure in amyloid beta proteins.

Photovoltaics: Fully scalable all-perovskite tandem solar modules

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:30:21 EDT

Optimized light paths, high-throughput laser scribing and the use of established coating processes paves the way to commercial viability.

Stress transmitter wakes your brain more than 100 times a night -- and it is perfectly normal

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:30:16 EDT

You may think that a good night's sleep should be uninterrupted. But in fact, the neurotransmitter noradrenaline causes you to wake up more than 100 times a night, new research concludes. It is perfectly normal and may even indicate that you have slept well.

A brain network for social attraction

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:30:10 EDT

How does an animal's brain recognize other animals of its own kind? Scientists studying this process in young zebrafish have now discovered a neuronal circuit that mediates social attraction. This specialized pathway, which runs from the retina deep into the brain, enables zebrafish to detect and approach nearby conspecifics.

Waves in the maze of no return: Anti-reflective structure for perfect transmission

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:30:08 EDT

Researchers have developed a surprising method to eliminate wave reflections. The method allows the calculation of a tailor-made anti-reflective structure. It can be used, for example, to design an additional layer to a wall that is only partially permeable to a wireless signal so that the entire signal can be channeled through the wall without reflections.

Risk factors in adults with cardiovascular disease are worsening over time despite advances in secondary prevention, study shows

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:29:59 EDT

In an analysis of medical information of more than 6,000 American adults with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), researchers conclude that CVD risk 'profiles' in secondary prevention have failed to improve over the last two decades.

Action of drug compounds in tissue revealed by new technique

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:51:53 EDT

A new technique that can analyze how drug molecules bind to proteins in tissue samples could offer an improved route to drug discovery and development.

Researchers create highly accurate non-invasive test for major liver diseases

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:51:51 EDT

Researchers have created a liquid biopsy test, which uses two circulating proteins, to test for major liver diseases. The test was found to be highly accurate, sensitive, and specific for both NASH and liver fibrosis.

Professional soccer players fought fatigue for six weeks after COVID infection, study finds

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:51:49 EDT

Matchday performance of professional soccer players dropped after recovering from COVID-19 with three quarters fighting fatigue for six weeks, a study has found.

C. difficile drives some colorectal cancers, study suggests

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:11:21 EDT

Data suggest that Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff, a bacterial species well known for causing serious diarrheal infections, may also drive colorectal cancer.

Virtual reality app trial shown to reduce common phobias

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:11:18 EDT

The trial studied phobia patients using a headset and a smartphone app treatment programme -- a combination of Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree video exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Scientists pinpoint reason why women may not respond to depression treatments the same as men

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:42:46 EDT

Previous analyses within the nucleus accumbens showed that different genes were turned on or off in women, but not in men diagnosed with depression. These changes could have caused symptoms of depression, or alternatively, the experience of being depressed could have changed the brain -- a clue to why anti-depressants had not been successful for some women.

Researchers use quantum-inspired approach to increase lidar resolution

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:42:43 EDT

Researchers have shown that a quantum-inspired technique can be used to perform lidar imaging with a much higher depth resolution than is possible with conventional approaches. Lidar, which uses laser pulses to acquire 3D information about a scene or object, is usually best suited for imaging large objects such as topographical features or built structures due to its limited depth resolution.

Patients with lupus benefit from COVID-19 vaccine booster

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:29:00 EDT

People with systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, who received a 'booster' dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine after full vaccination are roughly half as likely to have a subsequent 'breakthrough' COVID-19 infection, a new study shows.

An ocean of galaxies awaits

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:28:51 EDT

New COMAP radio survey will peer beneath the 'tip of the iceberg' of galaxies to unveil a hidden era of star formation.

Researchers develop computer model to predict whether a pesticide will harm bees

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:28:45 EDT

Researchers have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to help protect bees from pesticides.

How mitochondrial damage ignites the 'auto-inflammatory fire'

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:39:55 EDT

Researchers describe the biochemical pathway that results in the generation of oxidized mitochondrial DNA, how it is expelled by mitochondria and how it triggers the complex and destructive inflammatory response that follows.

Corrupted proteins in focus: How shape gives rise to variations of fatal brain disease

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:39:52 EDT

New research brings into focus how prions might be formed and how they can result in different disease outcomes.

Activity patterns saw dramatic shifts during and beyond COVID-19 pandemic in United Kingdom

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:39:50 EDT

A new analysis describes how U.K. residents shifted the amount of time they spent on various activities over the course of the pandemic and whether they participated online or in-person.

Microparticles could be used to deliver 'self-boosting' vaccines

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:39:44 EDT

Engineers have developed microparticles made of a biocompatible polymer that can deliver a payload at different time points and could be used to create 'self-boosting' vaccines.

A robot learns to imagine itself

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:39:41 EDT

Researchers have created a robot that is able to learn a model of its entire body from scratch, without any human assistance. In a new study, the researchers demonstrate how their robot created a kinematic model of itself, and then used its self-model to plan motion, reach goals, and avoid obstacles in a variety of situations. It even automatically recognized and then compensated for damage to its body.

Underwater glove puts octopus' abilities on the hand of humans

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:39:39 EDT

A team of researchers has developed an octopus-inspired glove capable of securely gripping objects underwater. This is significant because humans aren't naturally equipped to thrive underwater. There are critical times when this becomes a liability. Rescue divers, underwater archeologists, bridge engineers, and salvage crews all use their hands to extract people and objects from water, and some of those removals suffer damage if subjected to an iron grip.

Atomically-smooth gold crystals help to compress light for nanophotonic applications

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:39:36 EDT

Highly compressed mid-infrared optical waves in a thin dielectric crystal on monocrystalline gold substrate investigated for the first time using a high-resolution scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope.

Research reveals how brain inflammation may link Alzheimer's risk, sleep disturbance

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:39:33 EDT

Scientists have discovered that brain inflammation may link Alzheimer's disease risk with sleep disturbance, which may aid early detection and prevention efforts by identifying novel treatment targets at preclinical stages.

How RNA processing goes awry in rare immune disease

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:45:35 EDT

Researchers have discovered a new underlying cause of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare genetic disease that leads to bleeding and immune deficiencies in babies. Their findings revolve around how cells cut and paste strands of RNA in a process called RNA splicing. The genetic mutations associated with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, they found, disrupt this process which, in turn, prevents numerous immune and anti-inflammatory proteins from being made correctly.

Uncharted genetic territory offers insight into human-specific proteins

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:47:02 EDT

An international research consortium brings together 7,200 segments of the human genome that are virtually unexplored and presents a roadmap for integrating them into human genome databases. Much of this uncharted territory is thought to code for proteins, and could hold information about what sets humans apart from other animals. The new study paves the way for brand-new research avenues into human health and disease.

Scientists discover 'future-proof' method using bacteria to remove phosphorus from wastewater

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:54 EDT

Scientists have developed a technique to remove phosphorus from wastewater at higher temperatures than is possible using existing techniques, by using bacteria to store the chemical.

Long COVID has a significant impact on UK workforce, study finds

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:52 EDT

Experts looking at the effects of Long COVID on the UK workforce warn it has had a significant and potentially lasting impact on labor supply.

This is how water fleas defend themselves against carnivorous plants

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:49 EDT

Fleas are only a few millimeters in size. But they do have a whole arsenal of defenses -- even against aggressive plants.

Tiny gene fragments revealed as crucial new players in retinal development and vision

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:45 EDT

Researchers have identified a gene that is crucial for the proper development of photoreceptor cells in the retina. The gene works by regulating microexons, tiny fragments of DNA that play an important role in cell function, many of which are found in genes crucial for the cell's ability to transform light into sight. Experimentally knocking the gene out in zebrafish resulted in severely altered photoreceptors with features that closely resemble retinitis pigmentosa in humans. The findings pave the way for new lines of research that uncover the gene's role in unexplained causes of heritable retinal diseases, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.

Whether you're 18 or 80, lifestyle may be more important than age in determining dementia risk, study reveals

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:43 EDT

Individuals with no dementia risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes or hearing loss, have similar brain health as people who are 10 to 20 years younger than them, according to a new study. The study found that a single dementia risk factor could reduce cognition by the equivalent of up to three years of aging.

Researchers develop new agent to help root out hypertension-causing tumor

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:41 EDT

Researchers have developed a noninvasive method to identify a potential cause of hypertension with a drastic reduction in radiation exposure, a new study shows. The fluorine-based reagent detects whether the hormone aldosterone is being produced abnormally, which is a possible sign of an adrenal adenoma, a tumor that can cause hypertension and can be removed surgically.

New AI model for the accurate diagnosis of neoplasia associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:39 EDT

The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated dysplasia is often challenging due to diagnostic techniques that are unable to accurately differentiate and classify the severity of neoplastic lesions. Now, researchers have developed an AI-system based on a conventional neural network, by training it with endoscopic images of neoplastic lesions. This system displayed a higher diagnostic ability in the classification of the lesions, as compared to that of endoscopists.

Turning white blood cells into medicinal microrobots with light

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:37 EDT

Medicinal microrobots could help physicians better treat and prevent diseases. But most of these devices are made with synthetic materials that trigger immune responses in vivo. Now, for the first time, researchers have used lasers to precisely control neutrophils -- a type of white blood cell -- as a natural, biocompatible microrobot in living fish. The 'neutrobots' performed multiple tasks, showing they could someday deliver drugs to precise locations in the body.

Speeding up the search for the next COVID-19 antiviral

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:35 EDT

To develop new COVID-19 medications, researchers are working to target one protein, nsp13, that coronaviruses need to replicate. In a new study, one team describes a new approach to identifying molecules that interfere with this protein -- a step toward development of pan-coronavirus antivirals.

COVID-19 antibodies from eggs

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:33 EDT

Researchers have been able to produce antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in hen eggs. Antibodies harvested from eggs might be used to treat COVID-19 or as a preventative measure for people exposed to the disease.

Longer lasting sodium-ion batteries on the horizon

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:31 EDT

A new longer-lasting sodium-ion battery design is much more durable and reliable in lab tests. After 300 charging cycles, it retained 90 percent of its charging capacity.

Study confirms lead-in-water causes adverse fetal health outcomes

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:29 EDT

Health economics researchers have confirmed a causal relationship between lead-in-water and adverse fetal health outcomes. Although many studies have found a correlation between lead exposure and health, a causal link had been lacking in the literature -- until now.

Curbing Candida: The cells that keep fungal infections at bay

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:46:25 EDT

Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown defense mechanism employed by the immune system in fighting Candida infections.