Microbiology research furthers understanding of ocean’s role in carbon cycling
Microbiology researchers at Oregon State University have shed new light on the mechanisms of carbon cycling in the ocean, using a novel approach to track which microbes are consuming different types of organic carbon produced by common phytoplankton species. The research is an important step toward forecasting how much carbon will leave the ocean for […]
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 […]
Researchers discover unknown childhood genetic condition and its potential cure: Findings point to the possibility of treating and preventing birth defects before birth
Describing a previously unknown genetic condition that affects children, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine say they also found a potential method to prevent the gene mutation by administering a drug during pregnancy. The findings publish in the September 30, 2021 issue of The […]
Two new species of large predatory dinosaur discovered on Isle of Wight, UK
A new study led by palaeontologists at the University of Southampton suggests that bones found on the Isle of Wight belong to two new species of spinosaurid, a group of predatory theropod dinosaurs closely related to the giant Spinosaurus. Their unusual, crocodile-like skulls helped the group expand their diets, allowing them hunt prey on both […]
Power of stem cells harnessed to create cartilage tissue
Researchers at the University of Southampton have invented a new way to generate human cartilage tissue from stem cells. The technique could pave the way for the development of a much-needed new treatment for people with cartilage damage. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber in joints, but it is susceptible to damage through daily wear-and-tear, […]
3D nano-inks push industry boundaries
Mechanical engineering researchers at Michigan Technological University have created a way to make a 3D-printable nanocomposite polymeric ink that uses carbon nanotubes (CNTs) — known for their high tensile strength and lightness. This revolutionary ink could replace epoxies — and understanding why its properties are so fantastic is a first step toward its mass use. […]
Systems approach helps assess public health impacts of changing climate, environmental policies
A team co-led by a Washington State University scientist offers an alternative way to understand and minimize health impacts from human-caused changes to the climate and environment in a new study published in the journal One Earth. Based at WSU Vancouver, lead author Deepti Singh, assistant professor in the School of the Environment, drew on […]
Compact amplifier could revolutionize optical communication
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, present a unique optical amplifier that is expected to revolutionise both space and fiber communication. The new amplifier offers high performance, is compact enough to integrate into a chip just millimeters in size, and — crucially — does not generate excess noise. “This could be compared to switching […]
Time until dementia symptoms appear can be estimated via brain scan: Alzheimer’s dementia predicted by brain amyloid levels, age
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed an approach to estimating when a person who is likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, but has no cognitive symptoms, will start showing signs of Alzheimer’s dementia. The algorithm, available online in the journal Neurology, uses data from a kind of brain scan known […]
Jaws; or, how an African ray-finned fish is helping to rethink the fundamentals of evolution: New research suggests that some evolutionary constraints are the secret to success
A family of fishes, called the cichlids, in Africa’s Lake Malawi is helping researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to refine our understanding of how evolution works. In new research published in Nature Communications, co-authors Andrew J. Conith, postdoctoral researcher in the UMass Amherst biology department, and Craig Albertson, professor of biology at UMass […]