166 articles from THURSDAY 15.9.2022

Scientists discover novel mechanism that causes rare brain disease

A rare but potentially debilitating brain disorder finally has a definitive cause, thanks to research teams working on opposite sides of the globe. A mutation in the gene that manages the transportation out of cells of zinc, an essential dietary micronutrient, is responsible for the disorder, called hypomyelinating leukodystrophy.

How songbirds' striking colors put them at risk

Bright, uniquely colored songbirds are at higher risk of extinction and more likely to be traded as pets. Researchers also predict that almost 500 additional bird species, most of them living in the tropics, are at risk of future trade based on their unique and desirable coloration.

Discovery of extinct prehistoric reptile that lived among dinosaurs

Researchers have discovered a new extinct species of lizard-like reptile that belongs to the same ancient lineage as New Zealand's living tuatara. A team of scientists describe the new species Opisthiamimus gregori, which once inhabited Jurassic North America about 150 million years ago alongside dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Allosaurus. In life, this prehistoric reptile would have been about 16...

Immunotherapy reduces lung and liver fibrosis in mice

Chronic diseases often lead to fibrosis, a condition in which organ tissue suffers from excessive scarring. Researchers have now developed an immunotherapy that specifically targets the cause -- activated fibroblasts -- while leaving normal connective tissue cells unharmed. If this approach is also found to work in humans, it could lead to an effective treatment for fibrosis.

When microbiomes collide

Researchers used data from over 300 human fecal microbiota transplants to understand what happens when two gut microbiomes mix together. The answer could inform better therapeutic strategies for gut disorders and provide a richer understanding of how microbes behave and interact in complex natural ecosystems.

New signal for triggering human immune response

Researchers found that disruption of a cellular structure, known as the actin cytoskeleton, is a 'priming signal' for the body to respond to a virus. These findings potentially lay the groundwork for development of new anti-viral vaccines and treatments.

molecular origin of the genetic disease cystinosis revealed

The rare genetic disease cystinosis is caused by mutations in the gene for a protein called cystinosin. A team of scientists has now solved the structure of cystinosin and determined how mutations interfere with its normal function, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms and suggesting a way to develop new treatments for the disease.

How to keep kids curious: Five questions answered

Kids are naturally curious. But various forces in the environment can dampen their curiosity over time. Can anything be done to keep kids' curiosity alive? For answers to this question, The Conversation U.S. turned to Perry Zurn, a philosophy professor at American University and author of three books on curiosity, including "Curious Minds: The Power of Connection," which was released in September...

Solvent effect on film formation and device performance for 2D Dion-Jacobson perovskite solar cells

Quasi two-dimensional perovskite solar cells (2D PSCs) have received much attention recently due to their unique optoelectronic properties and excellent device stability. Among 2D perovskite, 2D Dion-Jacobson (DJ) perovskite has closer interlayer distance and does not rely on van der Waals interaction between adjacent spacer cations, which can weaken dielectric confinement effect while maintaining...

Disadvantaged population groups perceive their capabilities to promote individual health and well-being as weak

Young people not in education, employment or training, long-term unemployed, people with refugee backgrounds, and older people living alone and at risk of exclusion perceive their capabilities to promote their individual health and well-being as weak. A new study shows that these people also perceived their quality of life to be weaker than the Finnish population on average.

Study reveals the molecular origin of the genetic disease cystinosis

The rare genetic disease cystinosis is caused by mutations in the gene for a protein called cystinosin. A team of scientists has now solved the structure of cystinosin and determined how mutations interfere with its normal function, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms and suggesting a way to develop new treatments for the disease.

T cells use force to destroy cancer cells

As a part of our immune defenses, cytotoxic T cells—or killer T cells—seek out and destroy cells that are infected or cancerous. This process is essential for the body's defense against diseases.