Whole-genome sequencing reveals new secrets about killer fungus
New research from the University of Exeter reports the largest ever whole-genome sequencing project for the potentially fatal yeast infection Candida glabrata from hospitals across Scotland. Candida glabrata is a type of yeast that can cause disease in humans. It most commonly affects the urinary tract, genitals, mouth, and the bloodstream. If it is not […]
Discovery of ancient underwater landslide could help Middle Eastern nations realize tsunami hazards: 500-year-old landslide and a sizable tsunami
An earth scientist from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science discovered evidence of an ancient underwater landslide and associated tsunami in the Gulf of Aqaba, a subsidiary of the Red Sea, that should serve as a warning for many nations in the Middle East. Sam Purkis, professor and chair of […]
Fight or flight? How birds are helping to reveal the mysteries of evolution: A blend of natural and sexual selection sent birds skyward
New research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst uncovers the negative link between flight-worthiness and fight-worthiness in birds. Evolutionary pressure demanded that birds could either fly or arm themselves — but not both. Furthermore, the new research suggests that developing wings and not bony spurs involved both sexual and natural selection. This insight helps us […]
Researchers feed worms a natural plant extract; watch them fatten, live 40% longer
A research team in the Louisiana State University Department of Biological Sciences led by Assistant Professor Adam Bohnert has published a landmark study linking greater metabolic health — achieved through a natural plant extract — with longer lifespans in C. elegans, commonly known as roundworms. Although worms and humans don’t appear to have much in […]
Research advances knowledge of the battle between viruses and human cells: Discovery of protective RNA mechanism informs pursuit to develop anti-viral drugs
In the long-term battle between a herpesvirus and its human host, a University of Massachusetts virologist and her team of students have identified some human RNA able to resist the viral takeover — and the mechanism by which that occurs. This discovery, described in a paper published Feb. 15 in Proceedings of the National Academy […]
Study strengthens case that vitamins cannot treat COVID-19: Vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc were not found to lessen a patient’s chance of dying from COVID-19
A new review of COVID-19 hospitalization data by researchers at The University of Toledo has found that taking immune-boosting supplements such as vitamin C , vitamin D and zinc do not lessen your chance of dying from COVID-19. Early in the pandemic, healthcare providers tried a variety of micronutrients as potential therapies for the new […]
Key brain mechanisms for organizing memories in time: Convergence research project integrated neurobiology with data science techniques
In a scientific first, researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered fundamental mechanisms by which the hippocampus region of the brain organizes memories into sequences and how this can be used to plan future behavior. The finding may be a critical early step toward understanding memory failures in cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s […]
Exercise post-vaccine bumps up antibodies, new study finds
Researchers at Iowa State University found 90 minutes of mild- to moderate-intensity exercise directly after a flu or COVID-19 vaccine may provide an extra immune boost. In the newly published study, participants who cycled on a stationary bike or took a brisk walk for an hour-and-a-half after getting a jab produced more antibodies in the […]
Surprisingly high fraction of dead galaxies found in ancient galactic city: Why cluster’s galaxies are unlike those in all the other known protoclusters is a mystery
An international team of astronomers led by researchers at the University of California, Riverside, has discovered an unusual massive cluster of young galaxies forming in the early universe. The newly discovered growing galactic metropolis, named MAGAZ3NE J095924+022537, is a newborn galaxy cluster, or protocluster, consisting of at least 38 member galaxies, and is about 11.8 […]
Beyond sci-fi: Manipulating liquid metals without contact: Look Ma. No hands!
In a landmark discovery, FLEET University of Wollongong (UOW) researchers have realised the non-contact manipulation of liquid metal. The metals can be controlled to move in any direction, and manipulated into unique, levitated shapes such as loops and squares by using a small voltage and a magnet. The liquid metal used is galinstan, an alloy […]