Engineers at MIT have developed a model that predicts the force needed for robotic grippers to adjust their grasp on an object by interacting with the environment. This approach, called extrinsic dexterity, enables robots to perform more complex maneuvers without needing expensive and complex hand designs.
Astronomers using the Subaru Telescope's Hyper Suprime-Cam camera observed deep, super-wide-field images of the galaxies and their populations of young stars. The team discovered that the spatial distribution of young stars around these galaxies follows closely that of their distribution of neutral hydrogen.
A new Medicaid health care program in Texas has improved care for disabled adults with chronic conditions like heart attacks and COPD. The program's managed care component led to better adherence to recommended standards of care during acute events, such as heart attacks and worsening of COPD.
The UT Arlington Research Institute and Skyven Technologies have received a $25,000 grant to build and test a novel optics system that can concentrate sunlight over 1,000 times. The system aims to create cost-effective energy for the commercial market, reducing reliance on foreign oil and stress on the electrical grid.
Researchers discovered that a small population of neurons in the brain's reward centre can respond with both yes and no, regulating reward behaviour. Shutting down one language increases mice's predilection for cocaine, while humans with mutation of a key gene are 10 times more vulnerable to severe addiction
Scientists have developed a robotic 'whisker' tactile sensor array that mimics animal navigation in dark environments. The array produces tomographic images by measuring fluid flow and has potential applications in navigation, tracking, and detection.
Researchers at University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute discovered that prions build up in Peyer's patches before spreading to the brain. This finding could enable earlier detection and treatment of prion diseases, including variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully packaged a widely used cancer drug into nanoparticles, more than doubling its effectiveness in mice. The new approach delivers the drug directly to tumors while reducing side effects and improving targeting, showing transformative results for patients.
Researchers have developed a new model of survival that can predict the potential harm caused by thousands of chemicals used daily. By considering death as a continuum between random events and individual tolerance, scientists can analyze every chemical using high-throughput screening, paving the way for further testing.
The study provides a high-resolution readout of the energy levels for cations from their vibrational ground state to excited states, furthering our understanding of the coupled vibrations in the Renner-Teller effect. The results also shed light on the electronic structure of organic molecules.
CU-Boulder researchers have developed a novel wastewater treatment process called Microbial Electrolytic Carbon Capture (MECC) that captures greenhouse gases and produces renewable energy. The process uses electrochemical reactions to absorb CO2 from wastewater, producing stable mineral carbonates and bicarbonates.
The DPR Korea has launched a national agroforestry strategy and action plan to restore degraded landscapes, enhance soil quality, and increase crop yields. The initiative aims to alleviate food insecurity and reduce the frequency of natural disasters, with a focus on empowering local villagers through legal and institutional frameworks.
African-American participants showed a significant decline in dementia incidence rates from 1992 to 2011 compared to a stable rate among Yoruba individuals in Nigeria. The study suggests that medication for cardiovascular conditions may contribute to the decline.
The International Journal of Surgery Open is a new peer-reviewed, online-only journal covering all areas of surgery. It will provide an outlet for high-quality original research on topics across the surgical spectrum, with rapid review, article-based publication, and permanent access.
Researchers at UC Berkeley cooled a gas to record-low entropy and temperature, allowing them to model high-temperature superconductors. This achievement could lead to the discovery of new materials with superconducting properties without requiring cooling.
A NYU study found that young adult opioid users in NYC are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual violence while under the influence. Participants reported being forced into sex without consent and having quid pro quo expectations surrounding drug use, with service providers and educators urged to address and challenge these issues.
A new feed supplement has been shown to reduce dairy cow methane emissions by 30% without affecting feed intake, fiber digestibility, or milk production. This could have significant implications for global climate change, as animal agriculture is a major source of methane emissions.
Researchers developed a model to project number of CRE infections when hospitals work together to enhance infection controls, showing a 74% reduction compared to independent approach. The model highlights the importance of coordination and communication among facilities in preventing antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers discovered that plants use biological mechanisms to transport volatile compounds to the atmosphere, contradicting the long-held theory of diffusion. This finding could revolutionize our understanding of plant biology and potentially lead to breakthroughs in plant health, defense, and pest management.
Researchers discovered neutron stars can accelerate material to nearly light speed, rivaling black holes. This finding contradicts previous theories about neutron star behavior.
Scientists project higher fire risk in eastern Amazon due to warmer Pacific sea surface temperatures, while western Amazon experiences average or below-average risk. The fire season's severity is driven by the El Niño phenomenon and its impact on rainfall patterns.
Scientists have created a new suite of biosensors that enable two-way communication between humans and cells, allowing them to control and optimize the production of valuable chemicals. The biosensors can detect which microbial 'workers' are producing the most efficient amounts of desired chemicals.
A new study by Joslin researchers reveals that alterations in the DNA damage checkpoint pathway machinery and higher levels of miR200 are associated with severe complications in type 1 diabetes. This finding holds promise for early detection and treatment of complications through therapeutic interventions targeting miR200.
A brief motivational intervention at an emergency department did not improve outcomes for women involved in abusive relationships and heavy drinking. The study found no significant differences between the intervention group and the control group on weekly assessments for experiencing IPV or heavy drinking.
A recent study found that HIV virus can persist and continue to grow in patients receiving uninterrupted treatment for up to 14 years. This persistence occurs due to the virus's ability to hide inside blood cells responsible for immune response, copy itself, and automatically incorporate its genetic information into DNA.
Recent research identified optimal locations for targeted observations to improve forecast skill for ENSO, IOD, TCs, and KLM. The CNOP approach is superior for identifying optimal locations for TCs, while an ensemble approach revealed optimal initial errors for IOD events.
Researchers visualize the atomic view of microtubules, revealing the crucial role of end-binding proteins in regulating their dynamic instability. This understanding could lead to improved potency and selectivity of anticancer drugs targeting microtubule dynamics.
The partnership combines UTA's emphasis on health with the FabLab's emerging technologies to create interactive learning experiences for children and families. Pediatric patients will use 3-D printers, scanners, and microelectronics to monitor their heart rate, translate brain signals, and print models of organs.
Research by University of Oxford scientists found that trauma can change the brain even in those without PTSD, with potential implications for early diagnosis and treatment. The study identified specific brain network imbalances and suggests a spectrum of traumatic effect on the brain.
Researchers from Spain and Portugal used photonic crystal optical fibers to develop innovative sensors capable of withstanding high temperatures. The system successfully measured toxic gas levels and temperature variations in coal waste piles, allowing for early detection of potential fires.
A new study projects that Manhattan's climate will resemble Oklahoma City's by the end of this century due to climate change. The study found that heating and cooling usage will decrease in Northern states and increase in Southern states as temperatures warm up.
Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute have developed a new therapy that selectively erases drug-associated memories, preventing relapse in animal models of methamphetamine addiction. The treatment, which involves a single injection of blebbistatin, successfully disrupted long-term storage of drug-related memories and blocked r...
A new stellar model developed by researchers at SISSA reveals that cosmological 'lost' lithium in metal-poor stars was not destroyed, but rather accreted from the surrounding environment. The model, which agrees with observations, provides a plausible explanation for the low abundance of lithium-7 in ancient stars.
Researchers found that interaction between the San Jacinto and San Andreas faults weakened earthquake ground shaking near them, preserving precariously balanced boulders. This discovery has practical implications for earthquake planning scenarios in the region.
Tropical Storm Guillermo is creeping closer to the Hawaiian Islands, prompting a tropical storm watch for counties including Maui and Hawaii. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph, with expected slow and steady weakening.
A Johns Hopkins researcher reveals that raising awareness of gender disparities can boost the number of female speakers at scientific meetings. By involving women in conference planning, he reports a significant increase in female representation from 27% to nearly 50%. This approach has been successfully implemented at the American Soc...
Researchers found that the number of head impacts increased with activity intensity, with games having the most impacts. However, average impact severity was similar across practices, with helmet-only practices showing lower severity. Greater regulation of football practices is suggested to reduce the burden of head impact.
A study published in European Journal of Neuroscience found that the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens work together to make decisions about time and reward. Effective 'disconnection' of these structures can lead to impulsive behavior, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders.
A new narrative review published in JAMA found that current psychotherapy treatments are less than optimal for PTSD, with non-medical approaches effective but not universally effective. The study suggests a need for broader and more personalized approaches to care.
A recent study found that older adults who followed the MIND diet more rigorously showed equivalent cognitive abilities to those 7.5 years younger, suggesting a potential delay of dementia's onset. The MIND diet emphasizes brain-healthy food groups and limits unhealthy foods, with berries being a key component.
A large observational study found that regular consumption of spicy foods is associated with a lower risk of death, particularly from cancer and heart disease. Participants who ate spicy foods almost every day had a 14% lower risk of death compared to those who consumed them less than once a week.
Scientists have discovered how earthworms digest plant material despite toxic chemicals produced by plants. The discovery highlights the importance of drilodefensins, molecules in the earthworm gut that counteract plant defenses.
A randomized clinical trial found that screening women for partner violence and providing a resource list did not reduce hospitalizations or emergency department visits. The study also did not find improvements in quality of life or the recurrence of partner violence after one year.
A study describes general structure of scavenger communities worldwide, revealing that birds dominate consumption with 65.8% frequency, while mammals and large predators also play key roles in structuring these communities. The findings highlight the global impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, psychological stress and malnutrition may alter gene expression and lead to increased risk of cognitive disorders, obesity and metabolic diseases. The preconception period is a sensitive developmental window, emphasizing the need for universal healthy starts for children.
Researchers discovered KLF4's pivotal role in controlling mitochondrial biology, which produces energy for cells. The study found that a lack of KLF4 leads to reduced energy production, particularly problematic in the heart, leading to heart failure and death.
A new strain of yeast has been discovered that can effectively remove toxic substances from wastewater. Yarrowia lipolytica Y-3492 was found to be highly active against nitro compounds, including those used in explosives and certain medications.
Researchers at Rutgers University have recreated a classic tomato variety thought to be lost to history, combining nostalgic flavor with modern durability. The new Rutgers tomato boasts improved flavor, earlier ripening, higher yield, and resistance to cracking, making it perfect for home gardeners and farmers alike.
Researchers discovered that Listeria monocytogenes can grow on refrigerated smoked salmon by utilizing different metabolic pathways than those used in laboratory media. This finding could lead to the development of inhibitors to control pathogen growth on foods and improve risk assessments.
Patients on triple therapy had the same rates of adverse cardiac events as dual therapy but experienced more complications and bleeding; researchers recommend reevaluating treatment regimens for this population.
The Galápagos penguin population has doubled over the past 30 years due to changes in wind currents and ocean temperatures. This expansion of the cold pool, where sea surface temperatures are below 22 degrees Celsius, has bolstered algae and fish numbers, supporting the penguin population.
Soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan returned home with a higher risk of skin cancer, largely due to inadequate sun protection and lengthy daily sunlight exposure. The study found that only 13% of veterans routinely used sunscreen and 63% experienced at least one sunburn during deployment.
Researchers at McGill University discovered that a small cluster of brain cells in the cerebellum engage in elegant computations to quickly compare expected and actual sensory feedback. This allows neurons to rapidly readjust and form new patterns in the brain to accomplish tasks.
A model investigates optimal vaccination strategies to minimize cholera-related mortality and costs, considering seasonality in pathogen transmission. The study finds that effective vaccination can significantly reduce disease spread and associated expenses.
A Kansas State University study uses aggregated data to estimate detailed cattle movement and predict disease risk in the US. The research reveals a significant risk of disease infiltration, highlighting the need for more accurate epidemic models and animal movement parameters.
Researchers at Barts Cancer Institute have identified a three-protein 'signature' in urine that can accurately detect early-stage pancreatic cancer with over 90% accuracy. This discovery could lead to a simple and inexpensive test for high-risk individuals, improving survival rates.
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, women and black patients who experience a heart attack lose significantly more years of their expected life compared to white men. The researchers found that these disparities are not due to differences in comorbidities or treatment utilization.
A recent study found that dementia patients and caregivers prefer increased funding for caregiving support and resources over research for an Alzheimer's cure. The majority of respondents ranked financial resources for respite care, long-term care support, and advocacy as top priorities.
Astronauts' nutritional needs are crucial for long-duration space missions, as microgravity and radiation exposure impact health. NASA's Biochemical Profile project aims to understand the effects of spaceflight on nutrition and develop strategies to mitigate negative effects.
A 13-year study found that bushmeat sales rose steadily with economic growth, while unenforced environmental conservation laws led to increased hunting. The research highlights the need for strong governance and enforcement of wildlife protection laws to mitigate the impact of commercial hunting on threatened species.