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Severe genetic immunodeficiency reversed by a rare DNA change

Researchers have revealed how a rare DNA change rebalanced the immune system of patients with a life-threatening genetic immunodeficiency.

2 Feb 2021

Study describes dynamic link between protein folding and misfolding

Correct, or native, protein folding is essential for correct protein function. Protein misfolding can lead to the formation of amyloid fibrils, and amyloidosis, which is implicated in various human neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases.

From Osaka University 2 Feb 2021

Study highlights the co-benefits of coastal restoration

Australians love their beaches, and now a new study also confirms the broad appeal of other coastal assets such as tidal wetlands, nature trails, and protected areas including bird and dolphin sanctuaries.

2 Feb 2021

Study discovers new anti-inflammatory role for well-known blood clot protein

Flinders University researchers have discovered a new anti-inflammatory role for well-known blood clot protein fibrinogen, which could support targeted new treatments for kidney, heart and other common diseases.

2 Feb 2021

Researchers study persister cells that go dormant and tolerant to antibiotics

Mehmet Orman, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, has received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation.

2 Feb 2021

Intensive BP lowering effective in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients exposed to air pollution

Evidence suggests particulate matter is the air pollutant which poses the greatest threat to global health. Studies have shown that exposure to particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns is associated with acute and chronic elevations in blood pressure (BP) as well as hypertension.

2 Feb 2021

Yale scientists discover novel metabolic gatekeeper mechanism for leukemia

In a new study led by Yale Cancer Center, researchers have discovered a novel metabolic gatekeeper mechanism for leukemia. This mechanism depends on a molecule called PON2, which could lead to a new treatment for the disease. The findings were published online today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

2 Feb 2021

Unknown root trait allows some cereal plants to grow deeper roots

A previously unknown root trait allows some cereal plants to grow deeper roots capable of punching through dry, hard, compacted soils, according to Penn State researchers, who suggest that harnessing the inherited characteristic could lead to crops better able to deal with a changing climate.

2 Feb 2021

Study on Arctic shrubs lends new understanding to an enduring ecological puzzle

A 15-year experiment on Arctic shrubs in Greenland lends new understanding to an enduring ecological puzzle: How do species with similar needs and life histories occur together at large scales while excluding each other at small scales? The answer to this question has important implications for how climate change might shift species' distributions across the globe.

From The University of California, Davis 2 Feb 2021

Computer modeling system can accurately predict the impact of ozone on soybean production

The impact of ozone on soybean production can be predicted more accurately thanks to improvements to a computer modeling system.

From University of Exeter 2 Feb 2021

Some bacteria change their shape to become more adaptive to antibiotics

New research led by Carnegie Mellon University Assistant Professor of Physics Shiladitya Banerjee demonstrates how certain types of bacteria can adapt to long-term exposure to antibiotics by changing their shape.

1 Feb 2021

Novel microscopy system for scanless 3D measurement with submicron resolution

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Tohoku University, Toin University of Yokohama, and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) have succeeded in developing a scanless high-speed holographic fluorescence microscopy system with submicron resolution for a 3D space.

1 Feb 2021

Scientists identify specific genes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder

A research team has found 18 specific, fixed positions on chromosomes (called loci) that seem to be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

29 Jan 2021

Study reveals NLRP1 protein that serves as a sensor for invasive pathogens

Researchers are paving the way to a more in-depth understanding of the race between pathogens and the host organisms they search to infect.

29 Jan 2021

Scientists discover the origin of rare genetic syndrome

Improvements in DNA sequencing have revealed a rare syndrome triggered by changes in the SATB1gene.

29 Jan 2021

Researchers identify key molecule involved in immune regulation

The majority of the molecules in human bodies support the immune system to keep individuals healthy but they do so without reacting excessively, as this may otherwise drive the immune cells to cause problems, like autoimmune disorders.

29 Jan 2021

Ocean acidification could be affecting lobsters on a molecular scale

The American lobster, which supports the most valuable fishery in North America, maybe more susceptible to the effects of climate change than previously thought, according to a new study published in Ecology and Evolution.

29 Jan 2021

3D genome study reveals molecular regulatory mechanisms of human brain evolution

A team led by Prof. SU Bing from the Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prof. LI Cheng from Peking University, and Prof. ZHANG Shihua from the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science of CAS has reported the highest resolution by far of the 3D genome of the primate brain, and demonstrated the molecular regulatory mechanisms of human brain evolution through cross-species multi-omics analysis and experimental validation. The study was published in Cell.

29 Jan 2021

Targeting glycoprotein could improve response to immune checkpoint therapy

It was an unexpected discovery that started with an analysis of more than 1,000 genes. The question: why game-changing cancer immunotherapy treatments work for only a fraction of patients.

29 Jan 2021

Trade restrictions by a few countries could create global food price spikes

Recent events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, locust infestations, drought and labour shortages have disrupted food supply chains, endangering food security in the process.

29 Jan 2021