Scientists at NREL have discovered a way to increase the efficiency of perovskite solar cells by reducing energy lost to heat. By utilizing hot-carrier solar cells, the potential efficiency limit increases from 33% to 66%. Perovskites are a class of materials with various technological applications.
Researchers have identified Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola as the definitive cause of snake fungal disease (SFD) in eastern US snakes. The fungus causes skin lesions and can lead to mortality rates of up to 100% in some species, threatening extinction.
A University of Georgia researcher found that low levels of vitamin D can hinder the effectiveness of HIV treatment in adults. Participants with sufficient vitamin D levels recovered more of their immune function, on average 65 CD4+T cells more, compared to those with deficiency.
Researchers at IUPUI developed a nanotech-based sensor to detect microRNAs in blood, enabling early cancer diagnosis and potentially improving treatment outcomes. The sensor's ultrasensitivity allows for the detection of minute changes in microRNA concentrations.
Researchers found that African Americans with depressive symptoms have twice the increased risk of stroke compared to those without depressive symptoms. The study also discovered a significant association between depression and coronary heart disease in this population.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that high parental aspirations for children's academic achievement can lead to decreased performance when those expectations are unrealistic. The research highlights the importance of giving parents realistic expectations to improve their children's educational success.
Researchers tested 20 pneumococcal serotyping methods, finding that a microarray analysis with culture amplification is top-performing but a cheaper method offers an affordable alternative. The study's findings aim to improve vaccine development and evaluation in low-income countries.
Researchers at the University of York have developed a new approach to make medicinally important molecules with large rings, called macrocycles. This method allows for their 'growth' from existing rings using ring enlargement reactions, paving the way for the development of new classes of life-saving medicines.
The Jonas Center will remain a national organization with partnerships at nursing schools nationwide, deploying philanthropy to prepare the next generation of nurses. The center aims to address the dire shortage of nursing faculty by preparing nurses with doctoral degrees.
A new U of T study argues that stakeholders should be rewarded for their valuable input in climate change research. The researchers categorized 27 climate change research networks and listed the roles of stakeholders in producing knowledge on local communities.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have identified four prototype antibodies targeting a weak spot on HIV, which could lead to an effective vaccine. Two of these antibodies use their basic germline structure to bind with the virus, potentially allowing patients with HIV to kick-start a useful immune response.
Researchers have discovered a new virus, Parramatta River virus, carried by saltmarsh Aedes vigilax mosquitoes, which do not pose direct health risks to humans. The discovery may lead to stopping outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases by preventing the spread of 'bad' viruses.
Penn State researchers develop a new symmetry operation that can reduce the number of measurements needed to find new materials. This technique uses distortion symmetry groups to analyze physical systems under stress or forces, enabling faster discovery of advanced materials with unique properties.
Researchers are developing an electrochemical separation process to remove challenging elements like cesium and strontium from used nuclear fuel. This approach aims to create less waste, separate out nuclear waste for better management, and extend the life of electrolyte solutions.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of drug resistance in metastatic prostate cancer cells, which can be predicted using protein levels. The study found that high levels of 4EBP1 protein lead to decreased protein synthesis and resistance to PI3K pathway inhibitors.
PSA testing has declined dramatically in middle-aged men after a 2012 recommendation against routine screening, according to a new study. The biggest declines were seen in men ages 50-54 and 60-64 years old.
A recent report highlights the health risks associated with Taser use, particularly against mentally ill patients. The device has been linked to eye injuries, seizures, and even death, prompting a review of police use of force.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discovered that patients given opioid pain medication on discharge had a 25% higher risk of becoming chronic users. The study found that medical patients were more likely to progress to chronic use compared to surgical patients.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified 16 metabolite compounds that provide high accuracy in distinguishing early-stage ovarian cancer from healthy women. The study uses advanced liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques coupled with machine learning algorithms.
A University of Illinois study found that crop prices can increase corn yields by up to one-third due to better management practices and two-thirds due to additional planted acreage. Climate change is expected to reduce corn yields, but farmers' responsiveness to price changes can mitigate this impact.
Elevated serum phosphorus levels in African Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with faster progression to kidney failure, known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The study found that African Americans are more than 3 times as likely to progress to kidney failure as Caucasians.
Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University developed a novel approach to study electron transport chain in living mitochondria using SERS. They successfully observed changes in cytochrome c structure during ATP synthesis and were able to initiate and stop electron transport. This method provides new insights into mitochondrial fu...
Researchers develop a new technique to prevent dangerous biofilms on catheters by coating them with an activator that hinders Staphylococcus aureus from forming biofilms. This approach could lead to a major reduction in hospital-acquired disease and death, saving thousands of lives annually.
Researchers have successfully integrated flexoelectric materials into silicon technology, paving the way for more energy-efficient and sustainable electronics. The development could provide an alternative to traditional piezoelectric materials, which pose toxicity concerns.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that younger mothers are less likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms. Daughters of women who give birth at 30 or older are more likely to report higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety as young adults.
Researchers discovered that coral species storing more fat reserves can survive annual bleaching events and recover fully within a year. The study sheds light on which coral species are most resilient to heat stress, offering crucial information for predicting the persistence of coral reefs.
Achieving a healthy weight before becoming pregnant significantly reduces the risk of infant death in the first year of life. Gaining an appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy also plays a crucial role in infant mortality.
A recent study found that midwife-led maternity care is as safe as consultant-led care and results in less intervention, with women expressing higher satisfaction rates. The average cost of caring for a woman in midwife-led units was €182 less than in consultant-led units.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine calls for greater public awareness and education on drowsy driving. Drowsiness compromises driving ability, leading to serious accidents and fatalities, and can be a symptom of chronic sleep diseases.
Researchers have successfully mapped the 3D structure of cubosomes, a biological 'capsule' that delivers molecules with high efficiency. The breakthrough can help promote the use of cubosomes in medicine and food science.
A consensus statement by 22 experts rejects the use of genetic testing to spot sporting talent or boost performance in children and young athletes. The limited scientific data on genetics of sports performance is insufficient to support these commercial tests.
Researchers have developed a new technique to trap light at the surface of graphene using laser pulses, enabling the steered light to be directed across the material's surface. This breakthrough has significant implications for advances in electronic products, such as sensors and miniaturized integrated circuits.
Researchers analyzed 20 years of data on S\¼P 1,500 firms and found that a firm's efforts to promote gender diversity in management may need to redouble once initial progress is made. This could result in women remaining an isolated minority in top management.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that moderate coffee consumption is associated with reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological diseases. Drinkers of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee saw benefits, including a lower risk of suicide.
Researchers at the University of Kansas sequenced the genomes of microscopic parasites known as myxozoans, revealing they are highly reduced cnidarians. The findings challenge traditional definitions of an animal and could have commercial implications for aquaculture.
A recent study published in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that fitness level is the strongest correlate of physical activity among Norwegian older adults. Higher education was associated with increased physical activity for males but not females. The study, which analyzed data from 850 participants aged 70-77, also disco...
The American Academy of Ophthalmology's IRIS Registry has revealed new information on rare complications following common eye procedures. Analysis shows no significant difference in endophthalmitis rates among three anti-VEGF treatments, but slightly higher rates in eyes with combined cataract surgery and anterior vitrectomy.
Scientists from Université de Genève found that depleting the gut microbiota triggers a metabolic mechanism that transforms white fat cells into beige fat, reducing obesity and insulin resistance. This discovery could lead to new anti-obesity treatments.
Adults with short stature receive fewer lung transplants, have higher death and respiratory failure rates while waiting, report says. Researchers call for height to be taken into account when allocating donor organs to address disparity.
Cyber-physical systems, such as automobiles and medical devices, can fail due to unforeseen requirements made between software and physical components. Dr. Taylor T. Johnson's research aims to automate the identification of these mismatches using formal methods, enabling safe upgrades with limited financial or safety concerns.
Researchers have discovered thousands of stellar pulses in the galaxy Messier 87 (M87), providing a new method for calculating a galaxy's age. The pulsations are caused by bright, pulsating stars that were previously unknown to affect distant galaxies' light.
Junior Professor Denis Scholz will continue speleothem research, extending it to longer-term objectives. Speleothems are suitable archives of past climate variability due to their global distribution and precise dating capabilities.
New research using computer modeling shows that memory of one individual can indirectly influence another via shared social connections. Collaborative inhibition occurs when groups converge on similar information, limiting overall learning.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discovered that a high-fat diet causes dysfunction in red blood cells, which can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. The study found that red blood cells play a key role in fueling adipose tissue inflammation and promoting atherosclerosis.
A study at MD Anderson Cancer Center reveals that increased methylation of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) leads to resistance to cetuximab antibody therapy, resulting in poorer clinical outcomes and higher recurrence rates. The study also found that expression of methylation-defective EGFR reduces tumor growth in mice.
Recent genome engineering and gene editing breakthroughs will significantly impact biological system engineering, enabling more efficient production of drugs and other important products. Dr. Ryan Gill discusses the future directions and funding needs in the field.
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created an electrically-controllable valley current device that may pave the way to ultra-low-power computing devices. The device uses pure valley current, which is non-dissipative and does not produce heat, making it a promising alternative to traditional electronics.
Researchers at UCLA have found a new way to reduce painful ascites, a common condition in ovarian cancer patients. The experimental drug inhibits macrophages, immune cells that help cancer spread, making the abdominal cavity less conducive to tumor growth.
Researchers have designed a tunable filter that can be integrated onto a photonic chip, enabling flexible optical networks. The device has a record-breaking tuning span of 670 GHz, making it suitable for handling large data volumes and adapting to dynamic changes.
A team from ASU and UNC aims to resolve uncertainties in the nuclear fusion process that creates elements forged by stars. They will investigate the range of elements produced by a star, including calcium and carbon, to determine their variation in output.
Researchers developed software to detect cyber threats in near-real-time, increasing security capabilities. A new mass spectrometry technology collected more ions, enhancing accuracy in chemical analysis.
A University of Alberta study found that homeless people who felt disrespected during police interactions retained negative attitudes towards police for at least two years. The study suggests teaching empathic listening and communication skills to police can improve interactions with the homeless population.
A UK study found that each additional 10,000 people reassessed using the Work Capability Assessment was associated with an increase in suicides, self-reported mental health problems, and antidepressant prescribing rates. The most deprived areas experienced the greatest increases in these adverse outcomes, widening health inequalities.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a device that monitors a guide dog's breathing and heart rate, sharing the information with its handler to detect stress or anxiety. The technology aims to prevent early retirement of guide dogs by providing real-time health insights.
Researchers at UTA are exploring polyculture planting, which uses timesharing strategies to allow multiple species to coexist and grow together. This approach provides benefits such as increased oxygen production and diversity of insect species, leading to a more sustainable ecological environment.
Researchers discovered human brains exhibit greater plasticity and adaptability than chimpanzee brains. Human brain organization is less influenced by genetics compared to chimpanzees, suggesting a strong role for environmental factors in shaping the human cerebral structure.
Researchers identified a genetic variant in the endocannabinoid system that may protect individuals from marijuana dependence after experiencing childhood sexual abuse. The study found that a specific allele of the monoacylglycerol lipase gene, known as rs604300, was associated with an increased risk of cannabis dependence symptoms.
A new study found significant positive associations between breakfast consumption and educational attainment. Children who ate a better quality breakfast achieved higher academic outcomes, with the odds of achieving an above average performance up to twice as high for those who ate breakfast compared to those who did not.
The researchers built single-molecule submersibles powered by ultraviolet light, achieving speeds of less than 1 inch per second but exceeding expectations for molecular motion. The study shows an enhancement in diffusion of 26 percent, outperforming Brownian motion.
A systematic evidence review and meta-analysis found that peripheral thermometers have poor clinical accuracy and sensitivity compared to central thermometers. Central thermometers, such as rectal or bladder thermometers, are considered the gold standard for accurate temperature measurement.