Researchers at the University of Huddersfield are working on a £6.5 million project to develop new switch designs that can withstand heavy loads and reduce wear and tear. The goal is to make drastic reductions in track maintenance costs and improve the overall efficiency of rail networks.
A new study published in the journal Addiction reveals that almost 5% of the world's adult population has an alcohol use disorder and more than 20% smoke tobacco. The report highlights regional differences in addictive behaviors, with Eastern Europe having the highest rates of smoking and heavy drinking.
Researchers discovered that many fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds can naturally produce gadusol, a compound providing protection from ultraviolet sunlight. This ability may have been obtained through prehistoric genetic engineering, with the gene found in algae transferring it to vertebrate animals.
Researchers successfully reversioned a bird's skull features to mimic small dinosaurs like Velociraptor and Archaeopteryx. This breakthrough sheds light on the molecular underpinnings of an important evolutionary transition, revealing a single genetic mechanism responsible for transforming beak structure.
A new model systematically evaluates malaria treatment programs in multiple countries, finding no country shows reductions in malaria treatment associated with testing as hypothesized. Contextual factors such as access to care and stockouts largely explain the variation in program experiences.
Dopamine-producing neurons play a crucial role in signal transmission, influencing motor control, reward behaviour, motivation, and impulse control. The discovery reveals that glutamate facilitates rapid signal transmission, enabling the brain to respond quickly to stimuli.
The Larsen C Ice Shelf is losing an average of 4 metres of ice and lowering by one metre at the surface due to air loss from the top layer and warmer ocean currents. A collapse could occur within a century, contributing significantly to sea-level rise.
Ex-Super Typhoon Noul brought strong winds and heavy rain to the Philippines, causing damage despite reduced strength. The storm is now expected to affect Japan with strong winds and rain, prompting warnings from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
A study by Durham University found that men wearing red are perceived as more aggressive and dominant than those in blue or grey. The results suggest that the colour red is a warning signal in nature and may influence social perceptions of dominance and aggression.
A study published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment found that Catatonia is a treatable cause of regression in individuals with Down syndrome. Patients treated for Catatonia showed improvement, regaining baseline functioning.
A recent study found that hydraulic fracturing emits pollutants like PAHs, linked to cancer and respiratory ailments, at higher levels than safe for lifetime exposure. The risk is highest near wells, but decreases with distance.
A new study from City University London, Carnegie Mellon University, and Bocconi University found that self-promotion or humblebragging often elicits a negative response. Self-pro promoters tend to overestimate others' positivity and underestimate their negativity, leading to excessive bragging with the opposite effect.
A study found that repetitive head injuries can lead to the build-up of beta-amyloid in the brain, increasing the risk of dementia. Boxers were most affected, with four times more likelihood of developing beta-amyloid deposits and worse disease outcomes.
New research shows that chacma baboons associate with others of similar age, dominance rank, and even personality type. This homophily may limit the dissemination of new knowledge to the wider troop. The study tracked two baboon troops over several months and found bolder animals tend to spend more time with like-minded individuals.
The NetSage service will help network engineers understand current traffic patterns, identify loss of data and congestion issues. By analyzing large-scale data flows, researchers can optimize performance and improve the overall efficiency of international networks.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that over two-thirds of anti-depressant/benzodiazepine FDC sales and more than a quarter of NSAID FDC sales were from unapproved formulations. The researchers urge the Indian government to overhaul its drug regulatory system to prioritize patient safety.
Researchers have designed and tested a magnetic shield that provides more than 10 times better shielding than previous state-of-the-art shields. The device enables high precision measurements of fundamental particles, potentially revealing previously hidden physics.
Researchers found that rats learn to help a distressed cagemate gain access to safety in exchange for rewards, indicating empathy-like feelings. Those with previous water experiences were quicker to learn this skill.
UTSA College of Sciences faculty members Stephen Ackley and Blake Weissling will embark on a 42-day trip to the Arctic Ocean to study the diminishing ice cover. They will join a team of scientists from around the world, including UTSA students who have conducted ice research in the region before.
A study examines the effects of arranged marriages on genetic diversity, finding that Rindi people's relaxed compliance with their marriage rules produces a genetic diversity similar to random mating. The researchers developed an open-source tool called SMARTPOP to analyze other marriage rules worldwide.
Research from the University of Southampton reveals that male HIV patients in rural South Africa reach low immunity levels required for antiretroviral treatment in less than a year, while women take up to three years. The study suggests that nutritional status and use of supplements may contribute to faster disease progression.
Researchers analyzed 2,765 adults who underwent angioplasty and found that quitting smoking significantly improved quality of life and reduced chest pain. Smoking cessation was associated with a lower risk of chest pain at one year after the procedure.
A new study from Lund University reveals that car travel is six times more expensive than cycling. The study found that cars have a greater negative impact on the economy than bicycles, with costs ranging from EUR 0.15 per kilometre for driving versus EUR 0.08 per kilometre for cycling.
A new study from NIMBioS suggests that considering a species' selfing rate, seed dispersal distances, and reproductive type can improve seed collection effectiveness. This approach can help conserve genetic diversity and rare species, such as the Trillium tennesseense.
A molecular switch controlling heart cell maturation has been discovered, enabling the creation of adult-like heart cells in a laboratory setting. The discovery may lead to new methods for treating heart disease using stem cells.
Researchers have developed a new assay that simplifies gene sequencing analysis, making it easier and less expensive. This tool can help identify relevant genetic variants associated with FDA-approved drugs or investigational therapies, potentially leading to personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers found that bacterial community structure can accurately predict the presence of contaminants such as uranium and oil. The approach uses DNA sequencing to monitor bacterial communities in environmental sites, providing a potential tool for detecting damage caused by human activity.
Researchers from Oregon State University found zebrafish produce a chemical called gadusol to protect against UV radiation. Gadusol's successful production in yeast opens the door to large-scale commercialization.
A recent study found that women in states without Medicaid expansion are less likely to receive breast and cervical cancer screenings compared to those in expanding states. The disparity is significant, with uninsured women facing a 7.9% lower rate of mammograms and a 4.9% lower rate of Pap tests.
A new database of coastal flooding in the UK has been launched, providing crucial information to prevent future flooding events. The 'SurgeWatch' database contains data on 96 large storms and their impact on UK coastlines.
Researchers found that only 34% of fixed-dose drug combinations (FDCs) in India received central regulatory approval. FDCs containing anti-depressant/benzodiazepine drugs were sold without CDSCO approval in over two-thirds of cases, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and monitoring.
Researchers have identified a mechanism allowing E. coli to thrive in inflammatory bowel disease patients by inhibiting myeloperoxidase and regulating iron levels. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting enterobactin-based drugs or alleviating inflammatory pathways.
Researchers have developed a strategy for creating customized cancer vaccines based on the unique genetic blueprint of each tumor. By identifying relevant mutations and using synthetic RNA vaccines, they have shown promising results in animal models, paving the way for targeted treatment of various types of cancer.
The system allows people to control the direction of a red beam of light on a floor, causing the swarm robots to move towards it. The robots divide themselves into teams based on the location of the light and adapt their movements accordingly.
A multi-institutional team has discovered that statistical analysis of DNA from natural microbial communities can accurately identify environmental contaminants. The study, sponsored by the US Department of Energy, found that changes in microbial community structure persist long after contaminants are undetectable.
A new transgenic nonhuman primate model of Huntington's disease has been developed, showing similarity to humans in progressive neurodegeneration and motor control decline. The study reveals cognitive and motor impairments emerging at 16 months of age, and dystonia and signs of neurodegeneration on brain imaging at 24 months.
Peter Lodahl, professor at the University of Copenhagen, has received a 18.6 million kroner grant from the European Research Council to develop technology for quantum communication based on photonics. The project aims to create scalable quantum photonic networks.
A study led by Plymouth University shows that offenders enrolled in alcohol treatment programmes are significantly less likely to be charged or reconvicted. The programmes reduced reoffending rates by 50%, with cognitive behavioural therapy proving most effective.
A team of researchers has discovered a hidden companion to Delta Cephei, a key variable star used for measuring cosmic distances. The companion, with a mass around 10 times lower than Delta Cephei's, was detected using high-precision Doppler spectroscopy and is likely to impact the accuracy of distance measurements.
Researchers have identified the Clec16a gene as a regulator of T cell education, which is central to the development of autoimmunity. The study shows that turning off the gene protects mice from developing diabetes, suggesting its role in preventing autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at SISSA propose a new family of materials whose topological state can be directly observed, simplifying the development of spintronics and quantum computing. The discovery uses mathematical models and simulations to identify materials with 'spectacular' features that are easily detected.
Research published in Molecular Autism found that male toddlers with autism have distinct brain structure changes compared to females, suggesting separate evaluation and early developmental markers. Additionally, studies suggest a 'female protective effect' through sex differences in genes and prenatal hormones.
The presence of conservation research projects limits chimpanzee and gorilla poaching, while community involvement boosts the value of apes and forests to local people. This study highlights the effectiveness of small-scale conservation efforts in protecting wildlife.
A researcher at the University of Waterloo has theoretically demonstrated detecting a single nuclear spin at room temperature, enabling enhanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging of biological materials. A tiny ferromagnetic particle acts as an amplifier to detect a single spin at a distance of 30 nanometres.
A new device has been developed that can detect the presence of chikungunya virus in mosquitoes within an hour, revolutionizing the field of public health. This fast and easy-to-use test has the potential to save lives by enabling swift detection and control of disease outbreaks.
The COSMOS trial enrolls 18,000 participants to examine the long-term cardiovascular health benefits of cocoa flavanols. The study also explores potential benefits on brain health and metabolic health.
Researchers found that female lemurs have higher testosterone levels in some species, leading to dominant behavior and challenging traditional gender roles. This discovery suggests that hormones play a role in female dominance in these animals.
A new study found that rejection by an attractive man led women to derogate and reject unattractive men, highlighting the importance of assurance in social connections. The researchers replicated the effect, suggesting that immediate acceptance may not be the primary goal after rejection.
Researchers found macrophages accumulate in different parts of the brain during HIV infection, leading to neurological damage. The study provides new insights into the timing and dynamics of white blood cell traffic in the central nervous system.
A Dartmouth team developed a novel approach for near infrared optical measurements of resected breast tissue using molecular dyes used for surgical specimen margin orientation. This method allows for intraoperative assessment during breast conserving surgery and avoids follow-up resections.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified crucial molecules that allow regulatory T cells to function and cure active inflammation. This discovery could lead to improved therapies for autoimmune diseases such as type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found that small non-coding RNAs in maternal food can transfer to the fetus and regulate its gene expression. This discovery has important implications for understanding the function of the placenta and the potential impact of maternal diet on fetal development.
Researchers have developed a novel photoelectrode that solves the problems of inefficient hydrogen generation in acidic electrolytes. The new composite presents high photovoltage and photocurrent densities, as well as chemical protection against corrosion.
Researchers have developed a method using bacteria to test for pollutants in water and soil, detecting uranium and nitrate pollution. The test can be done overnight for up to 100 samples and is showing promise in predicting oil spills.
Researchers have developed wearable E-skin and paper diagnostic machines that provide real-time health data, empowering patients to take control of their health. The low-cost devices can detect vital signs, track disease progression, and even diagnose infections.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich develop record-breaking magnetic shielding to dampen low frequency magnetic fields, creating the weakest magnetic field in the solar system. This breakthrough enables high-precision experiments, such as measuring the electric dipole moment of neutrons.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a new method to separate rare earth metals europium and yttrium using UV light. This process recovers over 95% of the europium from a liquid mixture, making it an efficient alternative to traditional methods.
A Baylor University study found that marketing and PR teams often compete for limited C-suite spots due to perceived similarities in their roles. The research highlights distinct contributions of corporate communications and marketing, suggesting both groups need to build internal relationships to educate colleagues on their value.
A survey of over 1,000 U.S. adults found that miscarriages are common, affecting one in four pregnancies, yet many believe them to be rare. Participants also incorrectly perceived causes of miscarriage, including genetics, stress, and lifestyle choices, highlighting the need for better education about this topic.
Researchers developed a new method to detect isatin, a potential stress biomarker, in blood samples using enzymatic reaction and phase extraction. Isatin levels are elevated in patients with stress, Parkinson's disease, and pregnancy.