Researchers have discovered a process called singlet fission that can increase solar cell efficiency by as much as 30 percent. This breakthrough has the potential to make solar cells more energy-efficient and widely adoptable.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that parents of newborns experience detrimental effects from frequent night wakings, leading to impaired cognitive function, negative emotions, and decreased alertness. The researchers established a causal link between interrupted sleep patterns and compromised cognitive abilities.
A study published in JAMA found that patients who underwent gall bladder removal without postoperative antibiotic treatment did not experience a higher incidence of infections compared to those who received antibiotics. The lack of antibiotic treatment was associated with similar length of hospital stay and readmission rates.
A University of Colorado study found that home visits from nurses significantly reduced preventable child deaths and maternal mortality among low-income families. The Nurse-Family Partnership program improved pregnancy outcomes, childhood health, and women's economic self-sufficiency.
Research found that low doses of arsenic, similar to those consumed by humans, cause lung cancer in male mice. Arsenic levels above 50 ppb led to significant increases in benign and malignant lung tumors.
Researchers recorded record-breaking solar ultraviolet radiation in the Bolivian Andes, significantly higher than normal levels. This extreme radiation is comparable to those found on early Mars and poses a threat to local ecosystems.
Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 was shown to protect against hippocampal neuronal injury in a rat model of diabetic cerebral ischemia. However, reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 decreased Ku70 activity and increased Bax expression, leading to increased lost hippocampal neurons.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a way to visualize daily activity patterns over time, helping users understand their habits and make meaningful changes. The study found that participants who used this visualization tool had an easier time meeting personal fitness goals.
A study found significant variation in the use of minimally invasive surgery among US hospitals, with some offering it to only a fraction of eligible patients. Surgical complications are estimated to cost $25b annually in the US and can be reduced by using minimally invasive surgery.
Researchers found that advances in parasite purification and culture methodologies significantly increased publication rates by 3-10 fold, leading to new molecular tools and resources. This study provides a side-by-side comparison of the publication records for four major genera of protozoan parasites affecting mollusks.
A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside has created a novel method to produce high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes using sand. The innovative technique, which involves milling and purifying quartz from sand, results in a porous nano-silicon material that improves battery lifespan up to three times.
A new study outlines opportunities to reduce healthcare costs through the use of big data. Researchers highlight five key areas: high-cost patients, readmissions, triage, decompensation, and adverse events. By analyzing large datasets, clinicians can identify high-risk patients, predict readmissions, and optimize treatment for chronic ...
Researchers found that higher levels of C-reactive protein in maternal blood were significantly associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. The study suggests that pregnancy-related inflammation may play a role in the development of schizophrenia, providing new insights into its biological mechanisms.
A CU-Boulder-led team has discovered fossils of a tiny, unknown hedgehog species, Silvacola acares, approximately 2 inches long. The ancient creature was found in north-central British Columbia and provides insights into the evolution of North American mammal communities during the Early Eocene Epoch.
A new study reveals ancient hedgehog and tapir fossils from Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park in British Columbia, which lived around 52 million years ago. The discovery fills a significant gap in the geographic distribution of mammals during this period.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and UC San Diego found that tiny galaxies contributed nearly 30% of UV light during reionization, marking a significant shift from previous focus on larger galaxies. Simulations show that small galaxies' high abundance and lower gas density allowed for more UV light to escape, illuminating the early universe.
A group of industry and regulatory scientists released consensus recommendations for assessing the safety pharmacology evaluations of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. The guidelines emphasize the importance of safety pharmacology studies to evaluate cardiovascular function effects.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that class III obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2) is linked to higher mortality rates from various diseases. The analysis of 20 prospective studies revealed a substantially increased risk of death among class III obese individuals, particularly those with heart disease and cancer.
Scientists at the University of Utah have identified a new plant species found in Valentine, Texas, as Solanum cordicitum. The genus Solanum includes over 1,500 species, including poisonous nightshades and edible crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
A team of scientists has identified a master regulatory gene for sex determination in the green alga Volvox carteri, which shows how it evolved from a more primitive mating system in a close relative. The discovery may provide a possible blueprint for the origin of sexes in other multicellular organisms.
A new paradigm for understanding friction has been developed, showing that how things break and slide are intimately intertwined. This breakthrough study provides a fundamental description of the mechanics driving earthquakes.
A new research unit at Goethe University Frankfurt aims to understand the molecular basis of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains, a common and deadly nosocomial pathogen. The researchers will study the bacterium's biology, infection process, and resistance mechanisms using an interdisciplinary approach.
A study by Sandia National Laboratories reveals that existing California gas stations can safely store and dispense hydrogen. The research examined 70 commercial gasoline stations and found that 14 could readily accept hydrogen fuel, while 17 more possibly could with property expansions.
A recent Duke University study has found that the mutated Huntington's disease protein is crucial for normal brain development and synaptic circuitry in early life. The research suggests that faulty connections may be the root cause of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's, with potential implications for treatment strategies.
A study found that logging, partial destruction by burning, and fragmentation result in the loss of nearly 54 million tons of carbon annually, equivalent to up to 40% of total deforestation. This degradation has a severe impact on the forest, with enormous quantities of stored carbon being lost into the atmosphere.
A new study found that children in households with two siblings are more likely to be obese if both siblings are overweight, regardless of the parent's weight. The data also showed that older siblings have a significant impact on younger sibling obesity risk, with boys being more susceptible to their male older siblings.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center argue that new technologies, including electronic health records and wearable monitoring devices, enable patients to provide real-time information on symptoms and clinical outcomes. This shift towards patient-driven data collection enhances the accuracy and timeliness of health research.
A study by Professor Takashi Yoshimura and colleagues identified a deep brain photoreceptor in Japanese quails that directly responds to light, controlling seasonal breeding activities. The receptor, called cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons, also plays a role in detecting the arrival of spring.
A Swedish study found that the full moon affects sleep patterns, with subjects averaging 20 minutes less sleep and more trouble falling asleep during this phase. However, other research has yielded mixed results, with some studies showing no correlation between lunar phases and human sleep.
Researchers found that an individual with unhealthy habits, such as smoking and physical inactivity, has a 2.5-fold higher mortality risk than one who maintains a healthy lifestyle. The study's findings have significant implications for health policy and prevention strategies for non-communicable diseases.
Researchers from Scripps Research Institute have identified two compounds, CoPP and ZnPP, which bind to REV-ERBs and inhibit their activation by heme. These findings suggest that altering the metal ion chemistry of these compounds could be a way to target REV-ERB for treating metabolic disorders.
Researchers found that ground cinnamon can reverse biomechanical changes in mice with Parkinson's disease by protecting neurons and normalizing neurotransmitter levels. Cinnamon is metabolized into sodium benzoate, an FDA-approved drug used to treat hepatic metabolic defects.
Research found that people with bipolar disorder have stronger brain activity in the 'pleasure centre', guiding them towards riskier decisions. In contrast, a healthy control group's prefrontal cortex guides safer choices. This study aims to design and monitor therapies for bipolar disorder using neuroscience.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory followed Hurricane Arthur through its full life cycle, providing the first time a precipitation-measuring satellite has been able to capture its structures. GPM data showed Arthur's asymmetrical shape with spiral arms on the eastern side but not on the western side.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that sandalwood scent activates olfactory receptors in human skin cells, increasing cell proliferation and improving wound healing. The team identified the receptor OR2AT4 as responsible for this effect.
A study suggests that Planet Mercury's unusual metal-rich composition is a result of early hit-and-run collisions with larger planets. This process could have stripped away Mercury's mantle without intense shock, leaving behind a mostly-iron body.
Researchers used physical analog models to simulate Ganymede's geologic structures, finding that stretching forces created characteristic patterns of ridges and troughs. The study suggests that a process involving crustal breaks due to large amounts of extension is the primary mechanism for forming these features.
A study published in mBio reveals that a fungus found in contaminated Greek yogurt can cause disease in healthy humans. Researchers isolated the strain and tested it on mice, finding that it can cause lethal infections when injected into the bloodstream.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that 50 pregnant women develop life-threatening maternal sepsis, often progressing rapidly, while antibiotics do not prevent progression to severe sepsis. The authors recommend closer monitoring of symptoms and follow-up for pregnant or recently pregnant women with suspected infections.
A new study shows wet wrap therapy can reduce eczema symptoms by 71% and eliminate the need for medications in children. The technique involves soaking, applying lotions, and dressing in wet clothing to seal in moisture, resulting in significant improvements in skin health.
Astronomers have discovered that ALESS65 galaxy is running out of gas at an alarming rate, with only tens of millions of years left, much faster than the Milky Way's 5 billion years. The team found similar characteristics to nearby 'starbursting' galaxies in terms of UV radiation, suggesting a unique star formation process.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a peptide in semen that enhances HIV infection by up to 10,000 times. The findings suggest that healthy epithelial cells are resistant to the toxicity of these protein enhancers.
A study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology identifies new genetic neighborhoods active in diseased cells, highlighting 33 genes that could be targeted with drug treatments. The research uses a novel approach to find specific genes associated with asthma, which may lead to more effective treatments.
The study found that low concentrations of lithium carbonate had a protective effect on SH-SY5Y cells, with reduced expression levels of pyruvate kinase 2 and calmodulin 3. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed increased expression of stress proteins GRP94 and HSP27.
Analyzing six use cases for big data in healthcare, researchers found strong opportunities for cost savings in high-cost patients, readmissions, and treatment optimization. However, bed shortages were associated with higher mortality rates, highlighting the need for a public health approach to address this issue.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that premature newborns are 32% less likely to die if admitted to high volume neonatal units compared to low volume units. High volume units provide more experience and resources for clinicians, leading to better clinical outcomes for vulnerable infants.
A recent study found that adults with extreme obesity are at a higher risk of dying from cancer and other causes, including heart disease and diabetes. The analysis of pooled data from 20 large studies revealed that people with class III obesity had a significant reduction in life expectancy compared to those with normal weight.
Men are more likely to slow their pace in the marathon, with a 15.6% average slowing in the second half compared to 11.7% for women, according to a Grand Valley State University study. Physiological factors, such as men's use of less fat and more carbohydrate during endurance exercise, may contribute to this sex difference.
A new study reveals that users tend to be swayed by recent activity of their friends on Facebook, rather than relying on best-seller lists. The researchers developed a mathematical model to capture the dynamics at play, finding that the 'copycat' tendency plays a strong role in online behavior.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine will analyze genomic data from 11,000 individuals to identify rare genetic variants that may protect against or contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk. The study aims to uncover the biological pathways underlying the disease and potentially lead to novel therapeutic targets.
The NIH awards grants for analyzing genome sequence data to identify rare genetic variants that protect against or contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The projects will also explore differences in data from different racial/ethnic groups and examine the association between brain images and genome sequences.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will analyze genetic data from 11,000 individuals to identify rare variants that may protect or contribute to Alzheimer's risk. The goal is to illuminate the genetic architecture of Alzheimer's and discover therapeutic targets.
Academics from the University of Sheffield have solved a long-standing mystery surrounding galaxy evolution by discovering that supermassive black holes accelerate molecular gas outflows at incredible speeds. This finding deepens our understanding of the future of the Milky Way and its impending collision with Andromeda.
A NYU research team created a social/behavioral intervention that increased the number of African American and Latino individuals living with HIV/AIDS who enrolled in studies. The ACT2 program found nine out of ten eligible participants joined, compared to none in a control group.
A new study found that 1 in 5 young women and 1 in 8 young men reported being victims or aggressors in violent dating situations, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to screen both genders. The study also suggests that those with depression or substance abuse issues are more likely to engage in violent behavior.
The fossilized remains of Pelagornis sandersi, an extinct giant bird, have been identified as having the largest wingspan of any bird to have lived. The species is estimated to have traveled long distances across ocean waters in search of prey.
A joint project between NC State University and the University of Florida is using cookies, citizen science, and robust research methods to collect data on ant species diversity. The School of Ants project has already yielded surprising findings, including the spread of invasive species across the US.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis due to its high rate of false positives. A systematic review found no evidence that screening improves outcomes, but also identified a small risk of harms such as stroke and mortality.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory problems, orientation issues, and behavioral changes. A simplified diagnosis using specific biomarkers improves the accuracy of early-stage diagnoses.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine will analyze whole exome and genome sequence data from 6,000 volunteers with Alzheimer's disease to identify rare genetic variants. The goal is to find new therapeutic targets that can reduce the economic and human burden caused by this devastating disease.