Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to control the size-dependent band gap of coal-based graphene quantum dots, enabling specific semiconducting properties. The new process uses ultrafiltration or direct control of reaction temperature, producing smaller dots with different optical and electronic properties.
Developing countries like India, Egypt, and Ukraine are found near the border of a development trap due to institutional and value-based political traps. The researchers predict that investing in education can help these countries transition to higher democracy and socio-economic wellbeing.
An international team of astronomers has discovered a hot, dusty cloud of molecular gases in a dwarf galaxy near our own, where over 1 million young stars are forming. The star cluster is buried within a supernebula and contains massive 'O' stars that are a million times brighter than the sun.
A new study by CAMH reveals that people with severe schizophrenia have distinct differences in their brain networks compared to those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and healthy individuals. The research provides strong evidence that schizophrenia is not one but rather multiple brain disorders.
A study by UC Santa Barbara anthropologists found that Tsimane men's oxytocin levels increase when they come home to their families after a day of hunting, positively correlating with changes in testosterone. This hormonal response may serve as a balance between social bonding and competition.
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers found that Facebook conversations about surgery reveal a common pattern of call-and-response in asking for and offering prayers. Nearly four thousand people posted about surgery, with posts referencing family members triggering greater responses via comments.
Gold nanorods are being investigated for use in biomedical applications due to their surface plasmon resonance, allowing them to absorb and scatter light. The improved method enables large-scale production and controlled shell thicknesses, paving the way for stable gold nanorods with chemically functionalized surfaces.
Researchers from INSERM found that spironolactone, an antihypertensive drug, limits skin atrophy when used with corticosteroid-based creams. This study improves the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid-based dermatological treatments for inflammatory skin conditions.
Researchers develop spatial microsimulation model called Local Demographic Simulations (LDS) to forecast population distribution and slow urban sprawl. The study found that housing availability affects residential mobility and local population size.
Research suggests that too much artificial light in the evening can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm and lead to health problems such as breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, and depression. Experts recommend using devices with dimmer, longer wavelengths of light in the evening to minimize disruption.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has linked a protein called CLCA1 to the overproduction of mucus in diseases like asthma and COPD. Increased expression of CLCA1 increases the number of TMEM16A channels present in nearby cells, leading to more Ca2+ dependent chloride currents.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered novel nanoscale 'metamaterial' that could serve as future ultra-high-speed computing units. These nonlinear metamaterials can be used to develop active optical components essential to the manufacture of ultra-high-speed optics-based computer chips.
A new study finds that antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of death in dementia patients, particularly those taking higher doses. Researchers analyzed nearly 91,000 veterans and found a higher mortality risk among those taking these medications compared to those not taking them.
Researchers found that iron vaporization at high pressures can create an iron-rich rain that blankets the forming Earth, explaining the iron pockets in the mantle. This process challenges traditional core formation theories and changes our interpretation of geochemical data.
Researchers from the UPV/EHU have developed a novel speech-based system to detect early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The Automatic Spontaneous Speech Analysis (ASSA) technique measures various parameters, including pauses and speech patterns, to help diagnose the disease.
A phase 3 trial shows that brentuximab vedotin significantly increases progression-free survival in adults with hard-to-treat Hodgkin lymphoma. The drug was found to be well-tolerated, with side effects including peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that healthy middle-aged and older adults can reduce their risk of heart disease by adapting to current UK dietary guidelines. The trial revealed significant reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight.
Tropical Cyclone Nathan strengthened with powerful thunderstorms known as 'hot towers', indicating a significant increase in intensity. The cyclone made landfall north of Cairns on March 19, bringing heavy rainfall and storm surges to the Cape York Peninsula.
Researchers found that sea anemones use BMP signaling molecules to establish a second body axis, regulating mesenteries and Hox gene activation. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of animal body axes over hundreds of millions of years.
IU scientists have discovered a new way the parasite Toxoplasma gondii modifies brain cells, which may help explain changes in the behavior of mice and potentially influence human behavior. The findings suggest that Toxoplasma infection could alter human behavior, with some research suggesting an association with schizophrenia.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a way to reactivate cardiac muscle cell proliferation in adult hearts, leading to reduced scar formation and improved heart function after injury. The approach involves using synthetic microRNAs with short half-lives to induce cardiomyocyte growth.
A 30-year study reveals the Amazon's capacity to absorb carbon from the atmosphere is declining due to increased tree mortality rates. The forest, once a vast 'carbon sink', is now being overtaken by fossil fuel emissions, exacerbating climate change.
Recent studies show that breast milk contains beneficial bacteria to protect infants from diseases, while probiotics may restore balance in the gut and improve psychiatric symptoms in autism. Research also highlights the connection between gut microbiota and cancer prevention and treatment, as well as diet and intestinal health.
New research reveals that bats can gather information from their environment and process it extremely fast to determine how to attack or call off the hunt. The study shows that bats can adjust their attack until approximately 100 milliseconds away from their prey.
The study uses mutant stem cells to screen for genes involved in rabies infection and identifies 63 host target genes that can be targeted for treatment. The technique has potential applications in discovering gene function and assessing human host response to various infections and toxins.
A study by Lund University researchers found that people's moral responses can be influenced by what they're looking at when making a decision. The findings suggest that the thought process needed to reach a moral position is interlinked with the process of viewing the world.
A multicenter clinical trial found that clindamycin and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) are similarly effective in treating uncomplicated skin infections, with cure rates of 80.3% and 77.7%, respectively. The study was conducted on 524 adults and children with cellulitis or abscesses.
Researchers successfully used green tea compounds to enhance imaging of cancer tumors in mice via MRIs. The novel agents showed a strong contrast between tumor and non-tumor cells, suggesting promising candidates for future use.
Brown planthoppers develop short wings for breeding and long wings for travel due to insulin receptor silencing, a major factor in their pest status. Researchers found that two insulin receptors determine alternative wing morphs in planthoppers.
A new field-based study from the University of Maryland reveals that realistic levels of imidacloprid exposure do not significantly harm honey bee colonies. However, higher doses and synergistic combinations with other stressors, such as climate change and malnutrition, can cause more severe consequences.
A new study reveals that extinct South American ungulates are closely related to groups that also gave rise to horses and rhinos. The research uses fossil protein sequences to show that these animals are part of the Laurasiatheria group, which includes perissodactyls.
The study found a significant decline in early recall rates from 20% to 3-4% in subsequent rounds, while lung cancer detection rates decreased by 50%. A well-organized screening program with access to previous images and results is crucial to manage false positives.
Researchers have identified a promising new target for treating pulmonary fibrosis, a severe and chronic lung disease. By inhibiting the enzyme prolyl 4-hydroxylase, which promotes collagen production, researchers aim to reduce excessive fibrous tissue growth.
Insects' wings may provide a gyroscopic function, helping them perform aerial acrobatics and maintain stability. Researchers developed a computational model of a flapping wing and discovered that the wing's twisting motion could stimulate sensors, similar to those in halteres.
Researchers found that infants' bodies play a role in connecting object names to objects, with consistent posture critical for successful mapping. The study's findings have implications for understanding cognition and memory in young children.
A recent spill of 3 million gallons of fracking wastewater in North Dakota has raised concerns about the potential harm it could cause to human health and the environment. Scientists are using advanced analytical techniques to study the composition of fracking fluids and wastewater, which may break down differently in the environment.
Researchers have linked antibiotic resistance with poor governance and corruption around the world, citing alarming rates of 23,000 deaths annually in the US due to antibiotic-resistant infections. The study suggests that addressing corruption and control of antibiotics could help lower resistance levels and save lives.
Researchers discovered a new bodily process that explains low blood oxygen in cystic fibrosis patients with infected lungs, highlighting the importance of CFTR protein function in directing blood flow. The study suggests strategies aimed at restoring or activating the CFTR protein may improve blood oxygen levels and circulation.
The number of adults living with cystic fibrosis is expected to increase dramatically by 2025 due to improvements in treatments and care. This surge in demand highlights the need for healthcare systems to adapt and develop adult services to provide optimal care.
Researchers have discovered that the three-dimensional structures of mRNAs determine their stability and efficiency inside cells. This knowledge could help explain minor mutations causing neurodegenerative diseases.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that drug companies have extended patents on insulin for over 90 years, preventing generic versions from entering the market. This has led to costly treatment options, with prices ranging from $120 to $400 per month, and hospitalizations due to uncontrolled diabetes.
A University of Texas at Arlington assistant professor will study the vertical movements that formed the Rockies' present topography and the influence of topography on climate. A geo-camp for local high school students traditionally underrepresented in science will also be conducted to fuel student interest in geosciences.
Standardized packaging in Australia has been associated with increased thinking about quitting and quit attempts, as well as a decrease in appeal among school children. In contrast, retail prices for cigarettes have increased across the board, despite no evidence of an increase in illicit cigarette consumption.
Tropical Cyclone Bavi weakened to a depression, with NASA's RapidScat instrument measuring its waning surface winds. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 28.7 mph/46.3 kph on March 18.
A new scoring system helps determine which elderly people are at higher risk of developing memory and thinking problems that can lead to dementia. Factors such as years of education, history of stroke or diabetes, and smoking contribute to the risk score.
A study of 503 Mexican-Americans found that nearly 78% were metabolically unhealthy, with a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. The research suggests that metabolic risk has a greater effect on developing atherosclerosis, regardless of obesity status.
A new study calculates the magnitude of submarine groundwater discharge into the Mediterranean Sea, revealing it can add as much nutrients as rivers. The annual volume of SGD ranges from 30 to 500 billion cubic meters, with a median nutrient flux comparable to atmospheric deposition and riverine runoff.
A study of police officer killings found that most perpetrators were males using firearms, and only a minority likely suffered from mental illness at the time. The researchers examined factors leading up to and contributing to these murders, providing insights into societal influences on policing.
A UCLA study identifies four key problem areas for Latinos under the Affordable Care Act: uninsurance of undocumented residents, growing Latino population in non-expansion states, increased demand on health systems, and language barriers. Insuring undocumented residents could improve access to care and reduce costs.
A new study by University of Chicago Booth School of Business researchers found that redesigning bike networks can increase ridership by up to 29.4% and reduce the distance commuters need to walk to reach stations. By taking commuter preferences into account, cities can optimize their bike-share systems to attract more users.
Standardized packaging with large graphic health warnings was associated with increased thoughts of quitting and quit attempts among adult smokers. The study found that smokers were more likely to report intentions to try to quit, conceal their packs from view, and stub out cigarettes prematurely during the introduction period.
Researchers at SDSC and UCSD have described the molecular mechanism of cancer development caused by well-known EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer. Computer modeling elucidated their molecular mechanism of action, suggesting that antibodies targeting dimerization would be effective treatments.
Michigan State University is developing a carbon cycling program, called Carbon TIME, to teach middle- and high-school students about climate change. The program aims to help teachers gain buy-in from local school administrators and provide extensive professional support to significantly improve teaching strategies.
Researchers aim to improve stability of transplanted regulatory T cells using computational modeling and analysis. The goal is to develop new treatment options for diseases characterized by excessive inflammation.
A new microarray-based tool called VaginArray has been developed to rapidly diagnose vaginal infections and assess vaginal microbiome health. The tool uses 17 probe sets specific for representative bacterial species, including those associated with healthy and unhealthy conditions.
A new OSU study found that young women with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to experience clinically significant depressive symptoms over a five-week period. The results suggest a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and depression, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels for overall health.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to produce high-mobility graphene in a single step at lower temperatures, resulting in fewer defects and improved electrical properties. The new technique has the potential to pave the way for commercially feasible graphene-based solar cells and electronics.
Los Alamos scientists have developed a new tool for analyzing microbial communities, GOTTCHA, which can identify co-infections in medical samples. The tool uses a database of reference genomes to classify individual metagenome sequences and provide relative abundance profiles of organisms found within a sample.
The Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology has developed the world's first continuous purification method for recombinant antibodies from clarified CHO cultures. This breakthrough technology is expected to significantly reduce production costs for highly valued drugs, such as cancer treatments and autoimmune disease therapies. The...
New research reveals that cichlid fish courtship rituals evolve rapidly in response to feeding depth. Castle-building males live at shallower depths, while pit-digging males thrive at greater depths, driven by differences in eye structure and display behavior.
A large multicenter study validates MeMed's ImmunoXpert test, which accurately characterizes the cause of acute infections by decoding the body's immune response. The test outperforms routine biomarker and laboratory tests, enabling physicians to make better informed treatment decisions.
Researchers developed new plasma models applicable to medicine using data on oxygen ion transport and interaction with water molecules. These models account for how discharges are created in water vapour, enabling the development of novel therapeutic treatments for wound healing and dermatology.
Unaweep Canyon, the only canyon with two mouths, formed in multiple stages ~300 million years ago. The inner gorge was incised by the Gunnison River as part of the incision of the Colorado Plateau, linking events on the northern and southern Plates. This study highlights the preservation of ancient landscapes from Earth's deep-time past.
The EU's new Common Fisheries Policy aims to reduce waste and improve fish stocks, but a University of Strathclyde study suggests it may be difficult for the industry to comply. The study found that while overall catches have decreased, the proportion of catch discarded has increased due to an increase in small fish being caught.
Researchers at Goethe University have successfully synthesised a silicon dodecahedron, a structurally similar compound to C60. The molecule features an Si20 Platonic solid and opens up new possibilities for the semiconductor industry.
At popular spring break hotspots, traffic fatalities are significantly higher during the spring break weeks compared to other times of the year. The study found a 9.1% increase in weekly death tolls from car crashes and 16 more traffic deaths per year.
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery may experience excessive bloodletting due to frequent lab tests, increasing the risk of hospital-acquired anemia. Reducing preoperative bloodletting is crucial to minimize complications during surgery.
A study published in Scientific Reports identified a rural community in Brazil that still adheres to traditional sleep patterns, unlike many urban areas where artificial lighting has disrupted the natural day-night cycle. The researchers found that town residents and those living in the countryside have different preferred wake-up and ...
Researchers used data from NASA's Lunar Prospector spacecraft to map the radioactive element thorium from an unnamed volcano in the Compton-Belkovich Volcanic Complex. The study found debris from the eruption spread over a vast area, comparable to Scotland's size.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a new scoring system to identify individuals at high risk of developing dementia. The study found that variables such as age, diabetes, heart health risk factors, slow gate, depression, and anxiety disorders are key contributors to the risk score.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed a system to recover hydrogen from waste plastics in electronic boards. The technology has been patented and shows promise as a clean energy source.
Researchers have identified over 300 proteins in the uterus that can increase IVF success rates. By boosting or reducing these protein levels, embryos may implant more successfully. The study provides new insights into fertility treatments and could lead to improved IVF outcomes.
Researchers found that melatonin significantly improved sleep quality, reduced awakenings, and increased REM sleep compared to using earplugs and eye masks. Melatonin's effectiveness was attributed to its ability to boost brain activity, reduce anxiety, and promote cognitive restoration.
Researchers found that Ras activity determines circadian clock phase and induces phase-shifts in response to light. Artificially increased Ras activity alters the circadian rhythm.
Researchers found that beetles have among the lowest family-level extinction rates due to their ability to adapt to changing environments. The study suggests that beetle diversity may be due to an historically low extinction rate rather than a high rate of new species emerging.
Scientists have created buckybombs, nanoscale explosives that could target and eliminate cancer cells at the cellular level without affecting surrounding tissue. The new explosives were built by attaching nitrous oxide molecules to a Bucky-Ball and then heating it, triggering a controlled explosion.
Researchers identified three genes that improve production by about 15 bushels per acre under both irrigated and dryland conditions. The study's results are promising, with potential benefits for Texas farmers who have struggled with low yields in recent years.
A protein called MG53 is necessary for the repair of injured kidney cells, according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine. The discovery could lead to new preventive or therapeutic treatments for acute kidney failure, which affects over 30 million Americans.
A groundbreaking study by MSU doctors discovered that brain swelling is the cause of death in children with cerebral malaria. This breakthrough knowledge will help develop new treatments targeting the swelling, which may save lives by using ventilators to keep children breathing until the swelling subsides.
Researchers found that visual cues associated with overweight people influence one's sense of smell, and participants with higher BMI tend to be more critical of heavier individuals. This study suggests that weight stigma may be more pervasive than previously thought, affecting everyday life in various ways.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered a new cause of temporal lobe epilepsy: astrocyte uncoupling. This leads to hyperexcitability of neurons and epileptic seizures. The study suggests that inflammation plays a role in uncoupling astrocytes, which can be reversed at an early stage.
A potential treatment for myotonic muscular dystrophy has been identified, using an experimental drug that improves muscle function and reduces symptoms in mice. The therapy targets excessive activity of a cellular protein called TWEAK and its receptor Fn14, which correlates with disease severity.
A study of 215 clinicians found that implicit race and social class biases were present in most respondents, but these biases were not associated with clinical decisions. However, the study suggests that existing biases may still influence the quality of care received by minority patients and those of lower socioeconomic status.
A study by NCCS reveals a new attenuated-dose regimen of sunitinib improves patient quality of life and reduces treatment costs for Asian patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The median overall survival rate increased to 27.4 months, reducing toxicities by 30% compared to the conventional dosing.
A new study mapping the genetic makeup of the British Isles reveals distinct groups clustered by geography, contradicting traditional Celtic identity. The research found separate genetic groups in Cornwall and Devon, as well as a single homogeneous group in eastern, central, and southern England.
Historians re-examined the concept of ecological succession and found that forensic examiners recognized its predictability in carrion-arthropod succession by the late 1800s. This discovery predates plant ecology's widely cited examples from the early 1900s, highlighting multiple independent discovery.
A new model by Washington State University researchers suggests that consumers derive greater happiness from reading negative news than positive news. This tendency creates a societal preference for negative news stories, with news outlets responding by reporting more bad news to attract readers.
A study by Population Council reveals that consensual unions are becoming a common family arrangement for bearing children among educated women in Latin America. The trend is seen as a shift from limited economic and social opportunities, with educated women now entering these unions to have children.
Washington State University researchers have discovered a mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. The findings suggest that a potential new anti-cancer drug could be developed to target this process.
A Dartmouth investigator found an mHealth app acceptable to diverse and low-income women for breast health risk assessment. The study showed that 11 of the 15 participants preferred using the mobile health device over a paper tool.
A study examining the use of Actual Reality in traumatic brain injury (TBI) found that individuals with TBI had difficulty performing internet-based tasks. The results suggest that Actual Reality is a potential tool for capturing the status of everyday functional activity in this population, supporting its use in clinical assessments.
A study published in JAMA found significant discrepancies in diagnoses of atypia and DCIS, highlighting the need for women to seek second opinions. The study involved 115 pathologists and 6,900 breast biopsy interpretations, revealing a concordance rate of 75.3% for invasive carcinoma but only 48% for atypia.
Researchers used the Titius-Bode law to calculate planetary positions and found billions of stars with 1-3 planets in their habitable zone. This suggests that a significant number of these planets could have liquid water and support life.
Researchers investigated MDMA's behavior under extreme pressure, finding no change in polymorph despite elevated pressures. The study suggests that non-hydrostatic conditions may lead to a polymorphic change.
A new study found that obese women who develop gestational diabetes are 43 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they gain 5 kg or more after pregnancy. The research emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight before and after pregnancy to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Scientists at OIST successfully demonstrated a more robust method for controlling single, micron-sized particles with light using higher order modes. The technique allows particles to move up to eight times faster along a microfiber, with applications in physics, biology, and quantum research.
Researchers discovered that brain swelling is the cause of death in children with cerebral malaria, which may lead to new treatments targeting the swelling. The study's findings could help reduce mortality rates from malaria in Africa, where the disease still claims thousands of lives each year.
Physicists harness superradiant state to study dynamic phase transitions, mirroring water cycle and Higgs field condensation. The experiment introduces a controlled coupling to the environment, expanding scope for understanding imperfect crystallization and defects.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology identified a leaf odor, beta-cyclocitral, that specifically attracts Drosophila suzukii, a devastating fruit crop pest. This specialization allows the fly to pinpoint ripe fruits by tracking the distinct leaf odor.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite provided data on rain rates throughout Cyclone Pam, revealing a well-defined inner eyewall with intense precipitation features. The cyclone's maximum sustained winds were estimated at 135 knots (~155 mph), indicating a near category 4 storm.
New computer simulations suggest that thawing permafrost will release more carbon into the atmosphere than plants can absorb, leading to potential acceleration of climate change. The models also indicate a large range of uncertainty in the outcomes, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study found that a parasite significantly increases cannibalism among freshwater shrimp in Northern Ireland. Infected shrimp become voracious and consume their victims twice as much as uninfected animals. The research suggests that the parasite may be weakening the shrimp's resistance to invasive species.