Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a new class of materials that change their electronic properties when exposed to light. The composite material combines gold nanorods and zinc oxide, leading to improved performance in solar cells and potential applications for sensitive sensors.
Overgrazing by millions of sheep and goats is causing degradation of the Mongolian Steppe, a significant grassland ecosystem. About 12% of biomass has disappeared, with 70% of the ecosystem considered degraded.
Researchers found that apoptosis can reactivate latent herpesviruses in dying cells, which could have significant clinical implications. This discovery highlights the potential for cytotoxic cancer chemotherapies to activate dormant viruses, raising questions about the use of antiviral medications in treatment.
Researchers have discovered that non-adherent bone marrow stem cells can differentiate into neuronal-like cells in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that non-adherent BMSCs could be used as seed cells to treat nervous system diseases.
Scientists have detected previously unknown channels of slow-moving seismic waves in Earth's upper mantle, helping explain the formation of hotspot volcanoes like Hawaii and Tahiti. The discovery provides an important piece of the puzzle in understanding these volcanoes' complex interactions with plumes and the shallow upper mantle.
A study published in PeerJ found that nearly 50% of scientific resources are unidentifiable due to a lack of detail in journal articles. Researchers developed guidelines for reporting research resources to aid reproducibility, but these did not improve identification rates.
Research from the University of Adelaide found that pregnant women with asthma who smoke are at greater risk of complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight. The study suggests that quitting smoking during pregnancy can lead to some improvement in risks to the child.
Researchers at Kansas State University have discovered a new three-atom-thick material, molybdenum disulfide, and found that manipulating it with gold atoms improves its electrical characteristics. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in transistors, photodetectors, sensors, and thermally conductive coatings.
The report identifies substantial opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving scarce water resources by generating renewable energy. It highlights the potential for water sector innovation to increase renewable energy capacity, particularly in states like California.
Researchers in China have developed a mathematical model to design flexible vehicle-arrest systems that increase stopping distance and dissipate kinetic energy without destruction. The new system could lead to the development of intelligent vehicle-arrest systems with improved control at roadblocks and checkpoints.
New research from Carnegie Institution for Science reveals that coral bleaching occurs even when algae are heat-stressed in the dark, suggesting novel mechanisms beyond toxic oxygen molecules. The study provides key details on the breakdown of photosynthetic apparatus and potential strategies to mitigate bleaching.
A new study found that sleep deprivation leads to increased food purchasing the following day, with participants buying more calories and grams of food. Additionally, ghrelin levels were higher after total sleep deprivation, but this increase did not correlate with food purchasing behavior.
A quarter of mature female tiger sharks migrate from Northwestern to Main Hawaiian Islands, coinciding with shark birth season and months of highest bite risk. The researchers found that tiger sharks do not stay resident in specific bays for long periods, debunking the territoriality hypothesis.
Physicists at the University of Houston have discovered a non-toxic material that can convert waste heat from vehicle tailpipes, industrial smokestacks, and power plants into electricity. The new compound, tin telluride with indium, shows promise in boosting vehicle mileage by up to 5% and power plant efficiency by as much as 10%.
Researchers identify a rare genetic disorder, cblX, linked to Vitamin B12 metabolism, which can cause severe health problems. The discovery was made possible by studying a Colorado boy named Max Watson and his family, who participated in the study.
Researchers have discovered a compound that successfully blocks smooth muscle growth and promotes repair of the injured endothelium in stented arteries. This innovation has the potential to eliminate blood clots forming inside stents, reducing the risk of complications.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to create nanostructured, hollow ceramic scaffolds with remarkable strength and resistance to failure. The small building blocks of the structure exhibit unusually high tensile strength despite being over 85% air.
Cardiac muscle cells can be purified using molecular beacons, enabling their use in treating heart diseases. The technique has broad applications across regenerative medicine.
Researchers found similar disturbances in cortical circuit function between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with individuals with schizophrenia showing more severe abnormalities. The study suggests a continuous spectrum of circuit dysfunction across the disorders.
Researchers have discovered that female Doryteuthis opalescens squid display male-like iridescent stripes that may help them evade male aggression. These unique markings are achieved through the activation of switchable leucophores and tunable iridocytes, which can produce a range of colors in response to neurotransmitters.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that hydrolyzed collagen is suitable for nerve cell culture due to its ability to facilitate cell survival and neurite outgrowth. Non-hydrolyzed collagen matrices had no obvious effects on these processes, making hydrolyzed collagen a promising tool for neural tissue engineering.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have determined the amino acid digestibility of five blood products produced in the US to provide swine producers with guidance for formulating diets. The study found that spray-dried blood products were good sources of amino acids, while flash-dried products had lower digestibility.
Data from 11 spacecraft shows a change in the direction of the interstellar wind, which may be due to turbulence near our solar system's edge. The heliosphere could be exposed to different directions of wind as it interacts with the local interstellar cloud.
Researchers have developed an animal model to simulate the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on the locus coeruleus. This study shows that degenerative alterations in noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus are consistent with pathological changes observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Research reveals that contaminated bivalve molluscs contain toxins at higher levels than the surrounding environment, posing a risk to human health.
A biomarker test has been shown to accurately detect acute kidney injury (AKI) in a diverse group of patients admitted from the emergency department. The test measures neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and can provide results within 15 minutes, allowing for timely treatment.
A new study by Stanford scientists found that extreme weather events, such as record-breaking heat, are more likely to occur in the US due to global warming. The researchers analyzed historical weather data and climate models to quantify the increased risk of severe heat events.
A new approach to calculating flooding costs will be presented at the International Conference on Flood Resilience. The methodology combines land use information with data on vulnerability to estimate past and future damage. This method has already been used in Barcelona and Dhaka to assess heavy rain event impacts.
Data from NASA's Global Hawk aircraft assisted forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in analyzing Tropical Storm Gabrielle. The system showed a tilted structure with southerly to southwesterly vertical shear, and dry air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that occurs after an acute bout of diverticulitis. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that patients who developed IBS-like symptoms after diverticulitis may also experience mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Researchers develop a Sudoku-inspired watermarking technology that can resist 9 out of 10 cropping attempts, providing robust protection for photographers and content owners.
Scientists have developed novel methods to identify thousands of molecules formed during hydrogen cyanide reactions in laboratory experiments. These approaches confirm the potential for these techniques in future chemical analyzes, including exploring autocatalytic cycles and understanding life's origins on Earth and other planets.
A study found that emerging lethal fungus infection can easily pass its deadly genes to closely related fungal strains but less readily to distantly related ones. This understanding will help predict the spread of outbreaks and inform surveillance efforts.
A study by Tim Mattes and colleagues found that microorganisms in the dark ocean, below 600 feet, absorb considerable amounts of carbon. The team discovered sulfur-oxidizing microbes dominating carbon fixation at hydrothermal vents, which could provide insights into global biogeochemical cycles.
A study found that young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant difficulties in transitioning into employment. Only half of this group had ever worked for pay outside the home, and only a third were employed at the time of the survey. However, outcomes improved for those who were older, from higher income househ...
Researchers have discovered a process defective in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, a leading cause of kidney failure. Induced pluripotent stem cells from patients were reprogrammed to study human kidney disease mechanisms, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy by correcting a protein defect.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have developed a new technology, DREADD, to study behaviors and cellular function in fruit flies. The system allows for precise control of behavior and physiological processes, enabling scientists to model human diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A multidisciplinary team will investigate production of social behavior in the brain using honey bees, mice, and stickleback fish. The study aims to identify shared gene actions guiding social behavior across species.
Researchers identified a molecular marker called Mig 6 that predicts longer survival among patients treated with two popular cancer drugs. The study found higher levels of Mig 6 in tumors that responded poorly to the drugs, while low levels were associated with prolonged survival.
Two neurology researchers propose that prion-like protein aggregates drive multiple brain diseases associated with aging. These seeds disrupt nervous system function and can stimulate the aggregation of other proteins, suggesting therapeutic strategies to combat these diseases.
Researchers at Ateneo de Manila University discovered a new species of aquatic beetle in a small creek within the university's campus. The tiny insect, Hydraena ateneo, is one of 14 known species of its genus and highlights the diversity of life in urban areas.
Researchers have identified changes in the microbiome that can predict chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and developed new diagnostics, including a breath test for fungal disease. A single dose of an antibiotic candidate has been found to be as effective as a week-long course of vancomycin for certain skin infections.
A study conducted on Chicago trains found that individuals with a sense of purpose in life are less affected by negative moods triggered by diversity. Those who had written about their life aims or had a strong sense of purpose did not experience worsened mood, unlike those without a clear direction.
A new study by LSU Associate Professor Sean Lane explores the cognitive machinery of lies, revealing that false descriptions are more accessible and durable in our memories due to the effort required to make them up. This finding has implications for police interrogation methods and forensic techniques.
The study found that measuring cystatin C in the blood strengthens the association between kidney function and risks of death and end-stage renal disease. Kidney function stages categorized by cystatin C were better at reflecting future risk than those based on creatinine estimates.
Stanford biologists found that leaving patches of rainforest in coffee plantations increases bird biodiversity and reduces borer beetle infestation rates. The birds' activity can increase yield by $75 to $310 per hectare, providing a sustainable win-win opportunity for pest management.
Arizona State University researchers develop nanostructures through dealloying process, showing promise for lithium-ion batteries with improved energy storage capacity. The porous nanostructures can also improve electrochemical sensing technology and provide more resilient radiation damage-resistant materials.
A specially designed 3-D video game has been shown to improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. The game, NeuroRacer, enhances cognitive control and reverses some of the negative effects of aging on the brain.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in metal-insulator-metal, or MIM diodes, which could lead to the development of faster and more efficient electronic devices. The new diodes use a 'sandwich' structure to enable electron tunneling through insulators, potentially enabling precise control over device operation.
Scientists at Xiamen University and the University of Jyväskylä have successfully synthesized stable metal nanoclusters containing 44 metal atoms. The unique electronic structure of these clusters enables peaked absorption in a wide region of ultraviolet and visible parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. This breakthrough has significa...
Researchers found that spouses tend to have similar levels of retirement planning, which can lead to more success and less stress when leaving the workforce. Couples can make retirement a more positive experience by preplanning and discussing their expectations with each other.
Researchers studying hibernating fat-tailed dwarf lemurs found they can go days without deep sleep during winter hibernation. This supports the idea that sleep regulates body temperature and metabolism in humans.
A team of UT Arlington biologists discovered that watershed wetlands can improve stream health by binding toxic aluminum and reducing inorganic acids. This process, known as brownification, may also aid in recovering biological communities from industrial acidification.
A study found that heart attack mortality rates have not declined despite a significant reduction in door-to-balloon time, highlighting the need for further strategies to improve care. The analysis of 100,000 heart attack admissions revealed that faster treatment times did not lead to better patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new laser-based technology that can distinguish between cancerous and healthy brain tissue in real-time during surgery. This could lead to better outcomes and longer survival rates for patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the most deadly type of brain tumor.
A study by University of Utah bioengineers found that visual cues can dominate sound perception, leading to the McGurk effect. The team used brain signal recordings to demonstrate how vision overrides hearing in certain conditions.
Researchers developed a microneedle patch that delivered an effective and long-lasting influenza vaccine, providing 100% protection in mice over one year. The vaccine used virus-like particles coated on needles, reducing refrigeration needs and potential side effects.
A new set of evidence-based guidelines recommend lung cancer screening for high-risk populations in Ontario using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). The guidelines suggest annual screening for two years, followed by biennial screenings until a negative result is obtained. The recommended parameters for LDCT include 120 to 140 kVp and...
A matched-peer controlled study found that an outside mentoring support program increased the number of peer-reviewed research publications, federal grants, and professional activities among minority-serving science faculty members. The program showed significant results in advancing academic interests.
A prospective cohort study of 81,697 racially diverse adults found that lung cancer survival between black and white patients was similar when demographic factors and smoking were controlled. The study aimed to address racial disparities in lung cancer survival rates.