Scientists at Lehigh University have developed a biological method to produce quantum dots using a single enzyme, reducing production time, environmental burden, and cost. This breakthrough could lead to widespread use of QDs in various applications, including sustainable fuel production and water purification.
A biofeedback system has been developed to control photosynthetic lighting in controlled environment agriculture, allowing for efficient use of light by plants. The system successfully adjusted light levels based on the physiological performance of plants, achieving a wide range of energy conversion rates and reducing energy costs.
Research at ACM CHI 2016 introduces PowerShake for wireless power transfer on mobile devices and Investigating text legibility on non-rectangular displays. The findings also highlight the potential of EMPress hand gesture classification, GauntLev wearable object manipulation and sustainable interaction design principles.
A recent study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that smoking during pregnancy and being overweight before pregnancy are key factors contributing to the social divide in childhood obesity rates. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 children born in the UK between 2000-2002 and found a significant association be...
A new study reveals that leftover warm water from a stalled El Niño event in 2014 contributed to the formation of a monster El Niño in 2015. The researchers found that easterly winds prevented the warm water from being transported poleward, allowing it to act as a reservoir of heat for the following year.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a link between videogame addiction and health issues such as sleep deprivation, obesity and elevated blood pressure in children and teens. The research suggests that excessive gaming can lead to negative impacts on physical and mental health.
A meta-analysis of four studies found an association between swaddling for sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), particularly among infants placed on their sides or fronts. As babies get older, they may be more likely to move into unsafe positions while swaddled during sleep.
A new study found that cancer increases the risk for certain health issues beyond normal aging, including declines in activities of daily living and physical function. However, having a cancer diagnosis did not increase the likelihood of developing arthritis or vision/hearing problems, and did not exacerbate existing conditions.
New research from Colorado State University finds that agricultural ammonia emissions now surpass fossil fuel combustion emissions as the dominant source of nitrogen cycle disturbance. Excess nitrogen in the atmosphere causes environmental impacts such as soil acidification and decreased biodiversity.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute designed a drug candidate that targets cancer-causing RNA, eliminating side effects and reducing tumor growth. The study demonstrates a clear breakthrough in precision medicine, using computational approaches to develop designer compounds.
Researchers found that six genes, including four from a peroxiredoxin family, were affected by titanium dioxide nanoparticles in human HeLa cells and monkey kidney cells. The effect was seen after 24-hour exposure, with changes of about 50% in enzyme expression.
A targeted antibiotic, Debio 1452, was found to minimize disruptions to the gut microbiome in mice compared to broad-spectrum antibiotics. The study suggests that pathogen-selective approaches to antibiotic development can help preserve beneficial bacteria and prevent secondary infections.
A new antibiotic, Debio 1452, shows promise in selectively targeting Staphilococcal pathogens while sparing the gut microbiome. Conventional broad spectrum antibiotics cause significant damage to the gut microbiome.
Researchers have identified a long non-coding RNA in the placenta that plays a crucial role in protecting the unborn baby from invading pathogens. The lncRNA, called lncRHOXF1, regulates the immune response and appears to be sensing and modulating its expression based on the presence of viruses.
The carrot genome study sheds light on its domestication history and reveals new insights into the accumulation of carotenoids. Researchers found a new gene responsible for this process, which was likely inadvertently selected for by early growers.
The new apricot variety 'Goshen Gold' has been introduced as a suitable alternative to the popular 'Patterson' cultivar. It features a semispreading habit, vigorous growth, and improved fruit characteristics such as increased sugars and better color stability.
A new study reveals that shellfish response to ocean acidification depends on food availability and other stressors. The study found that juvenile mussels grew fastest in locations with frequent low pH conditions and abundant food supply, while those with inconsistent food and high body temperatures were more vulnerable to predators.
A survey of 2,501 Britons found that just 1 in 5 people know about ocean acidification, a critical environmental issue. The study highlights the need to raise public awareness and understanding of this topic, which is often overlooked despite its importance for marine ecosystems.
Ferromagnetic semiconductors have overcome a longstanding physical constraint by growing iron-doped semiconductors at room temperature. This breakthrough enables new opportunities for utilizing spin degrees of freedom in semiconductor devices, such as spin transistors.
The study reveals that the calcium pump uses energy from ATP to transport calcium ions into the cell, a process crucial for muscle function and heart health. This insight could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme to alleviate ionic imbalances associated with disease.
Scientists analyze sedimentary archives in Alberta Foreland Basin, revealing cyclic changes in sediment source areas consistent with magmatic flare-ups. In another study, researchers uncover pre-Cenozoic geologic history of the central and northern Tibetan Plateau, tying Wilson cycles to constructing the Tethyan orogenic system.
The Open Science Prize has announced six team finalists to develop prototypes addressing big data access and usage challenges. The teams will receive $80,000 each and compete for the grand prize of $230,000.
A silicone-based polymer coating has been developed to mimic the mechanical and elastic properties of healthy skin. The material can temporarily tighten skin, reduce water loss from dry skin and provide long-lasting UV protection.
Behavioral economists develop theoretical model explaining humans' drive to make sense of lives and worlds, influencing curiosity, boredom, confirmation bias, and decision-making. The model also sheds light on phenomena like political polarization and emotionally charged beliefs.
Researchers from 39 institutions worldwide analyzed 91 samples of adrenocortical carcinoma, uncovering double the number of genetic drivers known to fuel adrenal cancer. The study also identified three distinct subtypes of adrenal cancer linked to different outcomes, suggesting a way to use molecular biomarkers for targeted therapy.
A recent study by University of Florida researchers found that athletes who delayed reporting a concussion experienced longer recovery times. The study analyzed data from the University of Florida Concussion Databank and discovered that these athletes missed an average of five more days to receive medical clearance to return to play.
Experts emphasize the importance of social sciences in developing effective energy and climate change policies, citing a need for policies that account for real people and organizations. The research highlights the potential of simple actions by households to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in ACM CHI '16 found that processing information on digital versus non-digital platforms affects construal levels, with digital platforms leading to more concrete thinking. Participants scored higher on concrete questions and lower on abstract questions when reading on digital platforms.
A large-scale study of Super Storm Sandy's utility damage found that 'small' failures accounted for more than half the outage impact, defeating traditional repair strategies. The research suggests that prioritizing repairs to substations and other major facilities is not effective in restoring service quickly.
Researchers have discovered a remarkable new species of marine reptile that lived during the Triassic Period. Atopodentatus unicus was an herbivore with a hammerhead-shaped jaw apparatus and used its teeth to filter-feed on plants from the ocean floor.
A large analysis of medical records in Sweden found that men taking testosterone therapy for over a year had no increased risk of prostate cancer and, in fact, had their risk reduced by 50 percent. The study's findings suggest that balancing testosterone levels within a normal range may be key to protecting against aggressive disease.
A Massachusetts General Hospital team has developed a compact system that rapidly diagnoses bacterial infections in under two hours, bringing testing to the point of care. The PAD system uses genetic testing and optical components to identify key pathogens, offering improved diagnosis and treatment options.
Researchers have developed a technology allowing them to visualize single molecules of messenger RNA as they are translated into proteins in living mammalian cells. Initial findings suggest that this may shed light on neurological diseases such as Fragile X Syndrome and Alzheimer's, as well as cancer.
A retrospective study found that young women undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndrome experience higher rates of adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding risks compared to men. The study highlights the importance of objectively assessing all risk factors when prescribing antiplatelet therapy.
The article reviews national and international guidelines for folic acid supplementation, analyzing its potential risks and benefits on maternal and fetal outcomes. Folic acid is known to prevent neural tube defects, but its effects on other pregnancy outcomes are controversial.
The algorithms enable a computer to act like a human when encountering an unknown word, looking up words in a dictionary and associating them with context. This development paves the way for computers to perform tasks such as translating texts, summarizing articles, and finding similar documents
A new simulator is being developed to help individuals and families select the most suitable health insurance plans based on realistic cost estimates and potential healthcare outcomes. The simulator combines buyer-specific information with bespoke databases, producing transparent output that enables informed decision-making.
Research team led by Loïc Pellissier showed that continental plate movement drove the evolution of new species in coral reefs. The study used computer models and combined different simulations to demonstrate how shallow and warm waters were located throughout Earth history, giving corals a habitat.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 24,000 mothers and their children found that excess pregnancy weight gain and elevated blood sugar increase the risk of childhood obesity, even in normal-weight babies. Children whose mothers had gestational diabetes were at highest risk, with a 30% increased likelihood of being overweight or obese.
Researchers found that patients treated with as-needed blood thinners and regular pulse monitoring had lower stroke risk compared to those taking long-term anticoagulation medications. The study showed minimal bleeding incidents and no strokes or transient ischemic attacks among participants.
A newly discovered enantiornithine bird from the Early Cretaceous period in China provides the oldest unambiguous record of an avian gastric pellet. The fossilized remains include a fish-rich pellet, suggesting that some Early Cretaceous birds had evolved modern avian digestive features.
Researchers have developed minihepcidins, synthetic peptides that regulate iron absorption, to treat two genetic blood diseases. The compound normalizes red blood cell levels and reduces spleen enlargement in animal models of thalassemia and polycythemia vera.
A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that 86.7% of children aged 6-8 opted for fries over apples when the apples were the default option. The researchers suggest offering smaller portions of fries with apples as a more realistic solution to encourage healthier eating habits.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering have developed a novel, inexpensive method for detecting the Zika virus that could help slow its spread. The system uses a simple modular workflow comprising three steps: amplification, detection, and strain identification.
New research from the University of Oxford used bacteria to show that acquiring duplicate copies of genes can provide a template for developing new traits. Gene duplication has been proposed as playing a key role in innovation since the 1970s, but these findings add important empirical evidence to support this theory.
The Fort McMurray wildfire in Alberta, Canada, is still burning intensely, with smoke and heat detectable by satellite. Suomi NPP's VIIRS instrument captured daytime images on May 5, showing hotspots indicating the location of fires, while nighttime images on May 6 revealed the fire at night, with smoke appearing light gray.
Researchers at TGen and ASU have discovered three microRNAs associated with the regeneration of tails in green anole lizards. These tiny RNA switches may play a role in regenerating muscles, cartilage, and spinal columns, potentially leading to new therapies for humans.
A large observational study demonstrated that moderate sedation use is linked to better patient outcomes for TAVR patients. Moderate sedation was found to reduce 30-day mortality rates by 23% and shorten hospital stays by approximately 1 day compared to general anesthesia.
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found a clear link between higher sea surface salinity levels and increased rainfall on land in the African Sahel. By analyzing global salinity and rainfall data, they discovered that high springtime salinity levels correlate significantly with increased monsoon-season rainfall in the ...
Vaping has become the new drug of choice among teens who are unaware of its dangers and risks, according to UB addictions expert Nancy Campbell-Heider. Screening early can stage interventions before vaping leads to other tobacco products.
Scientists reveal new insights into a crocodile-sized sea-dwelling reptile that lived 242 million years ago in southern China. The 'hammerhead' creature, Atopodentatus unicus, used its unique jaw to scrape and filter-feed on plants from the ocean floor.
A recent study found that testosterone therapy improved erectile function and intercourse satisfaction in men with severe hypogonadism, a condition often associated with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that trials of testosterone therapy should last at least 6 months for optimal results.
Researchers found that PAD patients taking high-dose statins had a 33% lower risk of amputation and 29% lower risk of death compared to those taking no statins. Low-to-moderate dose statin users also showed significant reductions in these risks, with benefits evident across different statin doses.
Tufts researchers have discovered that applying an ultra-thin silk coating can extend the shelf life of delicate fruits like strawberries and bananas. The biocompatible coating slows down fruit respiration, extends firmness, and prevents decay.
Researchers discuss zebrafish as a model system for studying normal hematopoiesis and blood disorders. The review highlights the knowledge gained from studies of zebrafish, including large-scale forward genetic screens and modeling of human genes to create transgenic zebrafish.
A new study suggests that a sonic net around airfields can prevent collisions between birds and aircraft, reducing the number of birds in the area by 80%. The noise levels emitted are equivalent to those of a conversation in a busy restaurant, deterring bird species at high risk of strike such as starlings.
MSU scientists identified disrupted neuromuscular synaptic function as the underlying cause of motor dysfunction in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). This discovery offers new avenues for gene therapy targeting muscle tissue.
New research identifies C-reactive protein as a potential biomarker for post-operative delirium, enabling preventive measures to safeguard patient health. Increased CRP levels before and after surgery are linked to higher risk of developing delirium.
Researchers found that hot dust in the distant universe is often caused by three or four galaxies instead of a single one. This study applied statistical methods to data from the Herschel Space Observatory and dropped the number of stars these galaxies have to be producing by a third.
Researchers studied 5812 children from five continents to determine if lunar phases affect sleep duration, with a significant 1% decrease in full moon nights. The study found no substantial impact on behavior, contrary to folklore and myths.