Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been thought to be largely a T-cell-mediated disease. To evaluate the role of T-cell-independent pathways in RA, we examined the interaction between isolated RA synovial fibroblasts and normal human cartilage engrafted into SCID mice in the absence of T cells and other human cells. The expression of cartilage-de grading enzymes and adhesion molecules was examined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques. The RA synovial fibroblasts invaded the cartilage and kept their transformed appearing cellular shape. They expressed VCAM-1 and produced the cathepsins L and B at the site of invasion. We conclude that RA synovial fibroblasts maintain their invasive and destructive behavior over longer periods of time in the absence of human T cells, indicating that T-cell-independent pathways play a significant role in rheumatoid joint destruction.
A medieval monk may have beaten Edmond Halley to one of astronomy’s greatest discoveries by nearly 700 years。 Researchers say Eilmer of Malmesbury recognized that the blazing comet seen in 1066 was the same one he had witnessed in 989。 At the time, comets were viewed as terrifying omens tied to war and royal deaths, adding even more drama to the fa
A powerful new electromagnetic thruster has taken a major step forward after a successful high-energy test at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory。 Fueled by lithium vapor and driven by intense magnetic forces, the experimental engine reached record-breaking power levels—far beyond anything currently used in space。 Glowing hotter than molten lava and f
Astronomers have spotted something surprising in the far outer Solar System—a faint, short-lived atmosphere clinging to a tiny icy world that shouldn’t be able to hold one at all。 The object, called 2002 XV93, is far smaller than Pluto, yet observations during a rare stellar alignment revealed its presence through a subtle dimming of starlight。 Eve
A bizarre planetary pairing 190 light-years away is challenging everything astronomers thought they knew about how worlds form。 A “lonely” hot Jupiter — typically found without nearby companions — is sharing its system with a smaller mini-Neptune tucked even closer to the star, a setup once thought nearly impossible
A new quantum physics study reveals that simply changing a magnetic field over time can unlock entirely new forms of matter that don’t exist under normal conditions。 By carefully “driving” materials with timed magnetic shifts, researchers created exotic quantum states that could be far more stable and resistant to errors—one of the biggest challeng
Scientists have taken a major step toward ultra-secure quantum communication by demonstrating a remarkably stable quantum encryption system that worked across more than 120 kilometers of optical fiber。 Using tiny semiconductor quantum dots that emit single particles of light on demand, the team achieved one of the highest secure key rates yet for t
Cumberland, B。 is reimagining its coal mining past as a clean energy opportunity。 Water trapped in abandoned mine tunnels could be used in a geothermal system to heat and cool buildings efficiently and with minimal emissions
The Universe’s biggest black holes may not be born giants after all。 Scientists analyzing gravitational-wave signals from dozens of black hole collisions found evidence that the heaviest black holes are likely “cosmic recyclers” — formed through repeated smashups inside incredibly crowded star clusters。 These violent chain reactions appear to creat
Researchers at Stanford have developed a compact optical amplifier that dramatically boosts light signals using very little power。 By recycling energy inside a looping resonator, the device achieves strong amplification with minimal noise and wide bandwidth。 Its efficiency and small size mean it could run on batteries and be integrated into consume
A new study suggests AI chatbots may do more than spread misinformation — they can actively strengthen a user’s false beliefs。 Because conversational AI often validates and builds on what users say, it can make distorted memories, conspiracy theories, or delusions feel more believable and emotionally real。 Researchers warn that AI companions may be
A bold step toward returning humans to the Moon is underway with Blue Origin’s uncrewed MK1 “Endurance” lander, designed to test the technologies that future astronauts will rely on。 Built in partnership with NASA, the mission will showcase precision landing, autonomous navigation, and advanced cryogenic propulsion—key capabilities for operating on
A new quantum-inspired algorithm has cracked a problem so massive that conventional supercomputers struggle to even approach it。 Researchers used the method to simulate extraordinarily complex quantum materials known as quasicrystals, opening the door to powerful new quantum devices and ultra-efficient electronics。 The work could help scientists de