Science & Technology
Dominant form of heart failure caused by metabolic-immune interaction, review article suggests
The dominant form of heart failure worldwide appears to be caused by a strong, bidirectional interaction between the body’s response to metabolic stress and the immune system, according to a review article. The article argues for more research into thi…
Correcting night blindness in dogs
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that restores dim-light vision in dogs with a congenital form of night blindness, offering hope for treating a similar condition in people.
Tracking real-time atomic movement between crystal grains in metals
Using advanced microscopy coupled with novel computer simulations to track atomic movement, researchers conducted real-time atomic-level observations of grain boundary deformation in poly-grained metallic materials called polycrystalline materials. The…
Biodegradable implant could help doctors monitor brain chemistry
A wireless, biodegradable sensor could offer doctors a way to monitor changes in brain chemistry without requiring a second operation to remove the implant, according to an international team of researchers.
Getting fuel to an invading cell’s front line
Invading armies need a steady supply of fuel and armaments. That’s just as true when the invaders are cells, such as when tumor cells break away and spread to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis — the most deadly part of cancer. Now…
Design tweak helps prevent malfunction in yarns designed to store energy
Findings in a recent study could advance the development of ‘smart textiles’ that would capture energy from the wearer’s movements.
Research suggests interrupting immune response improves multiple sclerosis outcomes
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that damages neurons. New research looks at the role that a protein, STAT5, plays in the development of MS.
Drug use beliefs found to be strongest predictor of youth substance use
What are the most important factors to consider for developing effective drug use prevention programs? Many current programs for adolescents focus on elements including peer and family relationships, school connection, and youth’s self-confidence and s…
Investigators uncover small molecule to engineer intestinal cell types
Investigators have created specialized, tissue-like structures in the laboratory to model barrier tissues, such as the intestines, to identify new targets for treatment.
Studies of endangered animals on border of China and Vietnam stress need for transboundary conservation
A series of studies on endangered species that make their homes on the border of Vietnam and China underscores the growing importance of transboundary conservation efforts in the face of climate change. As the world warms, many plant and animal species…
Researchers control brain circuits from a distance using infrared light
Scientists have developed the first non-invasive technique for controlling targeted brain circuits in behaving animals from a distance. The tool has the potential to solve one of the biggest unmet needs in neuroscience: a way to flexibly test the funct…
Nature study: Ocean life may adapt to climate change, but with hidden costs
A new study shows that some ocean animals may be able evolve their way out of troubles caused by climate change — but at a high cost. By artificially evolving 23 generations of a marine copepod, Acartia tonsa, a team of scientists found that the tiny …
Social media data could help predict the next COVID surge
New research suggests that a novel, short-term forecasting method, using machine learning and vast, anonymized datasets from social media accounts, significantly outperforms conventional models for projecting COVID trends at the county level.