Scientists identify mechanism that may influence infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants: Enzyme process alters spike protein function
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have found that a process in cells may limit infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, and that mutations in the alpha and delta variants overcome this effect, potentially boosting the virus’s ability to spread. The findings were published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study was […]
Potential strategy for fighting obesity: Lab safely replicates weight-loss benefits of plant linked to harmful side effects
UT Southwestern scientists may have identified a method of safely mimicking the weight-loss benefits of a plant compound that — despite its harmful side effects — hold critical answers to developing therapies for obesity. Celastrol, derived from the root extracts of a white-flowered plant in China, has drawn increased attention in recent years after studies […]
2 Win Nobel Prize In Medicine For Showing How We React To Heat, Touch
STOCKHOLM (AP) — Two scientists won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday for their discoveries into how the human body perceives temperature and touch, revelations that could lead to new ways of treating pain or even heart disease. Americans David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian identified receptors in the skin that respond to heat and […]
Scientists discover 14 genes that cause obesity: Findings could decouple overeating from harmful health effects
Promising news in the effort to develop drugs to treat obesity: University of Virginia scientists have identified 14 genes that can cause and three that can prevent weight gain. The findings pave the way for treatments to combat a health problem that affects more than 40% of American adults. “We know of hundreds of gene […]
Zebrafish anticipate the future to avoid virtual danger
Scientists from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) and collaborators in Japan have discovered particular neurons in the brain that monitor whether predictions made by fish actually come true. By making use of a new virtual reality-outfitted aquarium where brain imaging of zebrafish can be done as they learn and navigate through virtual reality […]
Lab grown tumor models could improve treatment for pancreatic cancer
An international team of scientists have created a three-dimensional (3D) pancreatic cancer tumour model in the laboratory, combining a bioengineered matrix and patient-derived cells that could be used to develop and test targeted treatments. In a new study published today in Nature Communications, researchers from the University of Nottingham, Queen Mary University of London, Monash […]
New machine learning method to analyze complex scientific data of proteins: Method allows faster and more accurate data analysis from NMR spectrometers
Scientists have developed a method using machine learning to better analyze data from a powerful scientific tool: nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). One way NMR data can be used is to understand proteins and chemical reactions in the human body. NMR is closely related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for medical diagnosis. NMR spectrometers allow scientists […]
After 20 years of trying, scientists succeed in doping a 1D chain of cuprates
When scientists study unconventional superconductors — complex materials that conduct electricity with zero loss at relatively high temperatures — they often rely on simplified models to get an understanding of what’s going on. Researchers know these quantum materials get their abilities from electrons that join forces to form a sort of electron soup. But modeling […]
Artificial intelligence to help predict Arctic sea ice loss
A new AI (artificial intelligence) tool is set to enable scientists to more accurately forecast Arctic sea ice conditions months into the future. The improved predictions could underpin new early-warning systems that protect Arctic wildlife and coastal communities from the impacts of sea ice loss. Published this week (Thursday 26 August) in the journal Nature […]
New ways to estimate climate change impacts on agriculture
Most scientists agree climate change has a profound impact on U.S. agricultural production. But estimates vary widely, making it hard to develop mitigation strategies. Two agricultural economists at the University of Illinois take a closer look at how choice of statistical methodology influences climate study results. They also propose a more accurate and place-specific approach […]