Growing evidence shows water insecurity is an increasing challenge in the US and other high-income countries. Rural areas face unreliable access to safe and affordable water due to aging infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and extreme weather events.
Researchers Connor Thompson and Samuel Morriss share the US$30,000 prize for proposing innovative experiments on viruses and skin as test subjects for quantum biology. Their essays present novel frameworks for studying 'quantum advantage' and its applications to life's quantum foundations.
Research by ASU professor Anne Stone examines the evolutionary history of infectious disease, tracing tuberculosis from ancient DNA. She identifies recurring patterns in ecological and social conditions that facilitate widespread transmission of pathogens.
Researchers from Arizona State University are addressing the challenges of aging, loneliness and cognitive decline through innovative technology-enabled interventions. The university's Edson College is leading a panel discussion on scalable solutions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline.
Researchers found a smooth variation in sensitivity to diapause induction with air temperature and daylight length, suggesting genes regulating circadian rhythm play a key role. The timeless gene was associated with variations in female diapause sensitivity, providing insights into molecular mechanisms behind diapause.
A recent clinical trial found that remote telehealth services increased the uptake of genetic counseling and testing in adult survivors of childhood cancers. The study showed a significant impact on reducing morbidity and mortality by driving earlier detection of subsequent cancer.
A study of over 100 kindergarten-age children suggests that kids tend to view snakes as being distinct from other animals. The research found that exposure to positive information about snakes, such as pictures and stories, can help shape attitudes towards these animals.
A recent paper by Columbia University researchers calls for a re-examination of how famine thresholds are defined, citing stark disparities in how famine mortality is assessed across contexts. The authors argue that widespread starvation may go unrecognized until it is well advanced due to the current classification system.
Researchers at Sylvester Cancer Institute have identified a potential workaround for chemotherapy resistance by blocking a key protein. The study aims to teach lymphoma patients practical tools to manage stress and improve their daily quality of life through the SMART 3RP Lymphoma study. Meanwhile, the institute is expanding cancer dis...
Researchers tracked web-surfing activities of over 1,000 U.S. adults and found that only 6.8% of health-related browsing sites contained low-credibility information. The majority of exposure to such sites occurred among older adults, particularly those with right-leaning political views.
A comprehensive review reveals that biochar improves soil carbon storage, reduces greenhouse gases, and provides practical frameworks to measure its climate benefits. Biochar's dual carbon sequestration effect stores carbon directly while protecting existing soil organic carbon from decomposition.
Researchers have discovered that vesicles generated from cell-surface protrusions can deliver active proteins and genome-editing enzymes far more efficiently than conventional extracellular vesicles. This natural delivery system may enable the development of safer and more precise strategies for genome editing, regenerative medicine, a...
A newly discovered bacterium, Fundidesulfovibrio terrae, converts carbon dioxide into acetate using electrical energy. The discovery expands scientific understanding of sulfate reducing bacteria and holds promise for sustainable energy applications.
A new study reveals that the Erhai Lake Basin in southwest China is releasing far more atmospheric nitrogen pollution than it absorbs, threatening regional air quality and ecosystem health. The imbalance creates a net surplus of over 8,200 metric tons annually, making the basin a major source of atmospheric nitrogen pollution.
A team of researchers from Penn State and The University of Minnesota Medical School found that chemically changing the structure of a naturally occurring peptide can make it more stable and effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new shape imparted by the modified molecule allows it to physically degrade bacterial cell me...
The Global Exposome Forum is a global initiative that aims to understand the complex interplay between biological, chemical, and environmental exposures and human health. The project has partnered with national governments, scientific institutions, and large membership-led organizations to advance exposomics science.
A new study finds that U.S. tornado activity is shifting southeastward due to the relationship between extratropical cyclones and low-pressure systems. Additionally, global warming has led to a fourfold increase in tropical cyclone rapid slowdown events in coastal areas.
A new pilot study in Long Beach found that heightened federal immigration enforcement is undermining democratic participation, even among U.S. citizens who fear for undocumented family members. The study identified three critical barriers: climate of fear, knowledge gaps, and practical constraints.
Researchers developed a palladium-catalyzed tandem cyclization strategy to construct chiral bridged oxazole bicyclic skeletons with high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity. The method exhibits excellent substrate universality, providing an efficient route for synthesizing complex three-dimensional structures.
A Brazilian study analyzing 4,280 adolescents and their guardians found that parental attitudes play a significant role in preventing alcohol and drug use among young people. The 'authoritative' parenting style, which combines acceptance and monitoring, is the most effective in mitigating the risk of repeated consumption patterns.
University of Delaware researchers have discovered a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis that helps plants resist soil-borne diseases and retain moisture. The microbe, UD1022, is effective in controlling dollar spot fungus but only when applied directly to leaves, not through soil treatment.
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) expresses deep concern over the repeal of the EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding, which concluded that greenhouse gas emissions harm human health and well-being. AMS reaffirms key scientific conclusions on climate change, including its impacts on people and nature.
A study using satellite data found that deforestation in the Amazon increases surface temperature by 3°C during the dry season, with a 25% decrease in rainfall. This leads to greater forest degradation, increased tree mortality, and susceptibility to forest fires, threatening biodiversity.
A new white paper by Dr. Stella Smith explores how digital access disparities in rural areas affect employee wellness and career mobility. The research highlights the need to close the rural digital divide to support workforce stability and stronger organizational wellness.
Researchers at Ragon Institute discovered that antibodies produced in germinal centers act as a 'brake' on selection, redirecting the immune system toward broader protection. Stronger-binding B cells suppress weaker ones targeting the same site, establishing a localized feedback loop.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that heat strengthens pure metals under extreme conditions, challenging long-held assumptions. The study revealed a stark divide between pure and alloyed metals, with pure metals becoming stronger and harder as temperatures increased.
Researchers from UC San Francisco successfully decoded brain activity patterns associated with walking, enabling the development of personalized neural biomarkers for movement state classification. This breakthrough could lead to more effective adaptive DBS systems that adjust stimulation in response to a patient's activity state.
Researchers developed a methodology that uses remote sensing to map the impact of frost on corn crops, reducing exposure to climate risks. The model allows users to customize variables, making it useful for other crops in different agricultural contexts.
Krystal Tsosie emphasizes Indigenous science offers frameworks for equitable governance, accountability, and stewardship in genomics and AI. Her talk at the AAAS Annual Meeting highlights the need to recognize Indigenous ways of knowing and include them in advancing science responsibly.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used lab-grown retinal tissue to discover the cellular mechanisms that shape the foveola, a critical part of the eye responsible for sharp vision. The findings suggest that blue cones convert into red and green cones during early development, rather than migrating to other parts of the retina.
Researchers from FAPESP-supported center create novel molecular architecture to efficiently degrade emerging water contaminants. The material demonstrates removal efficiencies greater than 95% and potential for sustainable solar-powered applications.
A new study finds that different organic acids result in varying levels of sourness and mouthfeel sensations, even when consumed at the same concentration. The study suggests that individual differences play a significant role in shaping our perception of sour foods.
Astronomers discovered a distant planetary system around LHS 1903 that breaks the pattern of rocky planets orbiting close to their host star and gas giants farther away. The system's unusual architecture suggests an inside-out planet formation process, where planets form sequentially in ever-changing environments.
A newly described HIV antibody targets the V3 glycan site in a different manner than previously known antibodies, remaining effective against virus variants that are resistant to classical V3 antibodies. This breakthrough supports antibody therapy combinations that neutralize the virus more effectively.
Dr. Bruce Gnade, professor emeritus at the University of Texas at Dallas, has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to advancing electronic materials and semiconductor device technologies. He is also recognized for his leadership in education and workforce development.
A new study found that improvements in relationship confidence have the biggest impact on individual outcomes, including improved mental health, better sleep, and reduced substance use. Relationship confidence involves trusting that a partner can handle challenges and feeling assured of building a lasting future together.
A study developed an innovative tool based on hydraulic power to aid in search and rescue operations. The tool accurately reproduces the dynamics of flooding events, including extreme flow velocities and depths exceeding four meters, to identify areas where people are most likely to be swept away.
A team from the Universitat Politècnica de València and Corify Care has developed the first whole-heart mapping technology that provides real-time views of cardiac arrhythmias. This innovation enables physicians to make faster decisions, target ablations more effectively, and potentially reduce procedure time.
A new national registry study found that people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have an increased risk of work disability, which can recur years after the injury. The study included nearly 100,000 participants and found that even minor TBI injuries can affect long-term employment.
Scientists found that European lobsters reared in hatcheries with similar-sized mothers had better survival rates, suggesting a potential solution to genetic bottlenecks. The study's findings suggest that releasing more juveniles from hatcheries could harm wild lobster populations if not managed properly.
A study analyzing 23 years of meteorological data confirms that wind patterns are a key factor in extending the grass pollen season. The research found that winds tend to be mild before peak concentration and transport/dispersion at the end, influencing pollen accumulation and transport.
A KIT researchers developed an AI model to analyze gait biomechanics data from patients with hip osteoarthritis before and after total hip replacement surgery. The study identified three groups with different gait change patterns, which can predict individual responses to the operation.
Research conducted by the Universitat Politècnica de València shows that artificial wetlands can retain up to 80% of suspended solids and reduce ammoniacal nitrogen levels. The study highlights the importance of hydraulic design in improving water treatment efficiency.
A recent study identifies plankton tropicalization in the western Mediterranean, indicating ocean warming impacts on marine ecosystems. Rising sea surface temperatures alter the base of marine food webs, affecting planktonic primary producers and consumers.
A recent study by Lucy Osler from the University of Exeter highlights how human-AI interactions can lead to inaccurate beliefs, distorted memories, and delusional thinking. Generative AI systems can create an ideal environment for delusions to flourish due to their conversational nature.
A new AI-powered tool accurately predicts when MND patients need a feeding tube, allowing doctors to plan the critical intervention at the ideal time. The model's accuracy is high, with an error of just three months in all patients and less than a month in the largest group.
Researchers developed blood-based biomarkers that can support accurate dementia diagnosis in diverse populations when integrated with cognitive and neuroimaging measures. The study demonstrated that key plasma biomarkers can reliably distinguish major dementia syndromes even in complex settings.
Research shows that psychedelics suppress visual processing by activating the 2A receptor, leading to hallucinations as the brain fills the gap with fragmented memories. Short-term oscillations also play a crucial role in communication between brain areas.
Current early warning systems often fail to lead to action due to varied reactions to general messages. Researchers propose EW4All+U with personalized information based on location, mobility and circumstances. The technology exists, but challenges remain in scaling up solutions.
Sally C. Morton shares a practical framework for aligning research with local and national priorities, highlighting ASU's pioneering model of use-inspired research that strengthens communities through economic, social, and cultural impact.
Research finds that SSRIs during pregnancy increase gestational diabetes risk in newborns but lower preterm birth and low birth weight risks. SSRIs also associated with breathing problems and neonatal care needs in newborns.
Researchers found that fungi recycle mycelium based on two clear strategies: wasteful and frugal. The 'wasteful' group leaves behind inactive mycelium, while the 'frugal' group quickly recycles nutrients to preserve them and reduce losses to other organisms. This discovery provides new insights into the carbon cycle and climate.
A study by Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research found that particulate matter concentrations depend heavily on height above ground level. Drone measurements supplemented with standard data improved air quality models and strategies to combat air pollution.
Researchers found that grey wolves consume harder foods like bones during warmer climates, indicating a shift in their diet due to climate change. This adaptation helps them extract nutrition during periods of limited food availability.
Researchers discovered how bacteria Pseudomonas sp. SZ40 and Paenibacillus sp. SZ31 work together to produce a toxic substance against an amoeba predator. The study revealed the role of DL peptidases in converting lipopeptides into a substance that is harmful to the amoeba.
Researchers developed a novel method to enhance 3D image quality, increasing depth of focus in holograms by fivefold. This technology facilitates the study of complex biological structures and improves performance of 3D holographic microscopy under challenging conditions.
A high-energy cosmic event detected by the China-led Einstein Probe space telescope may mark the moment when an intermediate-mass black hole tears apart and consumes a white dwarf star, according to astrophysicists from The University of Hong Kong. The team provided crucial theoretical judgement that led to the focus on this model.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that muscular strength is associated with lower mortality rates in women aged 63-99. Controlling for physical activity and other factors, researchers discovered a significant link between muscle mass and reduced mortality risk.
Research at University of Seville and CABIMER reveals circadian protein Cryptochrome1 regulates DNA repair in response to time of day. Effective radiotherapy timing found to improve sensitivity of breast and prostate cancers, but not lung or glioma cancers.
A study by HKUMed found serious gaps in current communication practices among doctors, patients, and family members during advance care planning. The 'Advance Care Planning Communication Assessment Tool' (ACP-CAT) was validated for the first time in real-world clinical settings.