Connecting Research and Experts with Journalists

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Scientists have found that the naked mole-rat — an underground rodent that lives up to 40 years — has lost a number of CD1 functional genes. The CD1 gene family in mammals is responsible for protein synthesis that protects the body against infectious diseases. The findings indicate that the naked mole-rat’s immune system has significantly realigned and is using other — CD1-independent — molecular mechanisms. The results of the studies, supported by the Grants of Presidential program of the Russian Science Fund (RSF), were published in the Biology Direct magazine.

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Scientists at BFU named after Kant Immanuel, doctor of Physics and Mathematics Artyom V. Astashenok and Alexander S. Tepliakov have proved the viability of a holographic dark energy model. Such model was considered unstable and therefore wasn’t widely used for describing the acceleration in the expansion of the Universe. The results of the research have been published in the Physics Letters B magazine.

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Scientists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University analyzed scientific works dedicated to the role of proteins prohibitins in the development of obesity. It turned out that these proteins promote development of inflammation both in separate cells and the whole organism. This happens because prohibitins stimulate emission of anti-inflammatory substances by immune cells, and also participate in destruction of mitochondria damaged during oxidative stress. Obtained information points to the fact that prohibitins can become targets for medicine aimed at struggle with obesity consequences. Results of the research are published in the magazine Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences.

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A pivotal study has uncovered the genetic blueprint behind grape berry texture, a key factor in the fruit’s commercial value. By mapping the genetic markers associated with firmness and brittleness, researchers have identified critical quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes that could revolutionize grape breeding, leading to superior varieties for both table grapes and wine production.

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New research from the University of Portsmouth in England has provided a unique insight into football players' thought processes, and the results could help other players improve their game.

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Perovskia Solar has won more than ten leading companies from the Internet of Things (IoT) industry as customers and received over two million Swiss francs in seed capital. The multi-award-winning Empa spin-off prints customized solar cells for almost any electronic device. These can be produced cost-effectively – and even work indoors.

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A research team led by Georgia Tech’s Hailong Chen has developed a low-cost iron chloride cathode for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, which could significantly reduce costs and improve performance for electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems.

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Wegovy (semaglutide) now has Medicare approval for coverage among people with obesity and cardiovascular disease but no diabetes; a study looks at what level of risk might make someone eligible.

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Using newly released cancer surveillance data, researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) found decreases in cancer diagnoses and proportion of early-stage diagnoses continued in 2021 in the United States during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of late-stage diagnoses was lower in 2021 than in 2020, but has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The findings will be presented at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Care Symposium in San Francisco, September 27 – 28, 2024.

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Patients diagnosed with major diseases, including cancer, often experience financial hardship due to high out-of-pocket medical costs in the United States. However, little is known about changes in income, wealth, and debt before and after major disease diagnoses. New data by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows these families face various new types of debts, especially medical debt, after diagnoses. Moreover, newly diagnosed with cancer is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing medical debt. The findings will be presented at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Care Symposium in San Francisco, September 27 – 28, 2024.