Prions are abnormal, infectious agents that trigger the misfolding of normal cellular proteins, leading to a group of neurodegenerative diseases known as prion diseases. These conditions, which include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans and mad cow disease in animals, are fatal and currently lack effective treatments. The conversion of a normal prion protein (PrPC) into a
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A recent study conducted by Earth scientist Niels de Winter and his colleagues has shed light on the impact of climate change on seasonal temperatures in the North Sea area. By analyzing the chemical composition of fossil shells dating back to the Pliocene era, approximately three million years ago, the researchers were able to uncover
In the midst of rising global temperatures and increased pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the focus has turned towards methane, which is known for its high global warming potential in the short term. However, the task of monitoring and quantifying methane emissions has been a challenging one due to limitations with current detection methods.
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has redefined the way diffusion is understood and calculated in multicomponent alloys. By introducing the concept of “kinosons” as individual contributions to diffusion, the team has harnessed the power of machine learning to transform the traditional approach to modeling. Published in the prestigious
Stars are as diverse as the people on Earth, ranging from stable yellow-white stars like our Sun to massive, short-lived behemoths, and small, dim red dwarfs. Among these celestial beings are ultracool dwarfs, which are slightly larger than Jupiter and very cool by star standards. Recently, astronomers discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting an ultracool dwarf
Recent studies have shown that a gel made from milk proteins and gold nanoparticles could potentially revolutionize the way we think about hangovers. Initial tests in mice have demonstrated that this gel has the capability to reduce blood alcohol levels by 40 percent in just 30 minutes. This groundbreaking research, conducted by ETH Zurich materials
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 4 (SCA4) has long remained a mystery in the medical world due to its rarity, but after years of research, a breakthrough has been made. An international team of researchers has successfully identified the genetic coding behind SCA4, pinpointing the cause of this debilitating disease for the first time. Those affected by
Sleep has long been associated with various benefits, from memory consolidation to mental health improvement. However, a new brain imaging study in mice challenges the widely accepted notion that sleep helps in flushing out toxins and waste products from the brain. The idea that sleep plays a crucial role in brain detoxification has been a
The melting of the ice sheet in Greenland has been a cause for concern in recent years due to its impact on global sea levels. As the ice sheet melts, the bedrock beneath shifts slightly, allowing researchers to track the rate of ice melt. A new method developed by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
In a world where pathogens are evolving to resist antibiotics at an alarming rate, the need for innovative solutions in drug discovery has never been more urgent. Los Alamos National Laboratory has taken up this challenge by harnessing the power of machine learning to identify molecular properties crucial for the development of new antibiotics. Traditional
In a recent study conducted by computer scientists at the University of Helsinki, it was found that cinematography techniques can play a significant role in increasing user engagement with virtual environments. By applying principles of composition and continuity, commonly used in filmmaking, the team aimed to enhance navigation around virtual environments. Composition refers to the
The Perseverance rover’s mission to Mars began with its launch in 2020 and culminated in its successful landing in the Jezero Crater in February 2021. Since then, it has spent 1000 days exploring different geological areas within the crater and collecting 23 samples in the hopes of finding evidence of ancient life on the red
The universe is filled with surprises and mysteries, with one of the latest discoveries being the exoplanet WASP-193b located 1,232 light-years away. Described as a giant planet nearly 50 percent larger than Jupiter, its peculiar characteristic lies in its density, which is comparable to that of cotton candy. The mere 1 percent density of Earth,
Recent research has revealed a significant correlation between stressful life events and the development of dementia later in life. Specifically, the study found that individuals who experienced stressful events during childhood or midlife were at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. By analyzing spinal fluid samples for abnormal proteins like amyloid and tau, researchers
The discovery of brown fat’s role in the body’s metabolism has opened up new possibilities for combating obesity and related health issues. Recent research has identified a key protein that acts as the ‘off switch’ for brown fat metabolism, shedding light on how to potentially reactivate this important tissue. By understanding the mechanisms behind brown