For years, the underlying process that causes a debilitating muscle disorder in infants and young children has been largely unknown. Now, a group of genetics researchers has identified the fundamental mechanism that causes congenital myotonic dystrophy.

Viruses in the intestines may affect a person’s chance of developing Type I diabetes, new research suggests. Children whose gut viral communities are less diverse are more likely to generate self-destructive antibodies that can lead to Type 1 diabetes. Further, children who carried a specific virus belonging to the Circoviridae family were less likely to develop diabetes than those who carried members of a different group of viruses.

Moving things with a wave of the hand: thanks to new technology this dream could soon become real. A sensor made of piezo-resistive fibers integrated in a wristband measures wrist movements and converts them into electrical signals. This can be used to steer drones or other electronic devices without a remote control.

A new method offers a result that is closer to times taken by walking enthusiasts than the estimations made by the most commonly used current calculation systems.

In the gut of patients with heart failure, important groups of bacteria are found less frequently and the gut flora is not as diverse as in healthy individuals. Data obtained by scientists provide valuable points of departure for understanding how gut colonization is associated with the development and progress of heart failure.

A new algorithmic framework called multi-tiered iterative phasing (M-TIP) utilizes advanced mathematical techniques to determine 3-D molecular structure of important nanoobjects like proteins and viruses from very sparse sets of noisy, single-particle data.

A research group has developed a method to estimate various poses using deep learning with depth data alone. Although it requires a large volume of data, the group has realized a technology which efficiently generates data using computer graphics and motion capture technologies. This data is freely available, and expected to contribute to the progress of research across a wide range of related fields.

Dying adults in the United States have 2.5 people assisting them, on average, according to a new study. Yet those caring for adults at the end-of-life, especially spouses, are likely to report that they have no one assisting them and no time for themselves.

Researchers have discovered that volcanoes have a unique way of dealing with pressure -- through crystals. If enough crystals can develop in rising magma then a network of microscopic crystals can lessen the internal pressure of rising magma and reduce the explosiveness of eruptions.

Researchers have developed a new method that modifies the surface of nanorods, making them more efficient in transporting cancer-killing genes into cells.

Researchers have demonstrated shape memory and self-healing in gold microparticles. It could one day lead to self-repairing micro- and nano-robots; mechanically stable, damage-tolerant devices; and targeted drug delivery.

Sulfur dioxide, a major contributor to air pollution, is removed from the air by concrete surfaces, new research shows.

In a nanoscale photodetector that combines a unique fabrication method and light-trapping structures, a team of engineers has overcome obstacles to increasing performance in optoelectronic devices -- like camera sensors or solar cells -- without adding bulk.

Researchers are preparing for two exciting experiments in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) to test the viability of graphene for space applications. The microgravity parabolic flight drop tower experiments will launch between November 6-17, 2017, testing graphene in zero-gravity conditions to determine its potential in space applications including light propulsion and thermal management.

We don't have much information about how people select skilled nursing facilities or what information they're given to make informed choices. So a team of researchers recently studied how hospitalized older adults make decisions about choosing a facility, who helps them decide, what they think about the process, and what they consider as they make decisions.