Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a new mechanism for directly synthesizing hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen gases using palladium cluster catalysts. This breakthrough provides insight into the formation of H2O2, which can be used as an environmentally benign alternative to chlorine.
A special metal oxide glass created by researchers in China can effectively protect living cells and organic dyes from UV radiation damage. The glass uses self-limited nanocrystallization to block damaging ultraviolet rays and has high optical transparency.
Researchers from Université Laval and Quebec's Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks have developed a new method using environmental DNA (eDNA) to effectively estimate fish populations in lakes. The approach shows strong correlation with traditional methods, providing a reliable and accurate indication of fish abundance at lower costs.
Researchers discovered that certain sea slugs selectively store the toxin Latrunculin A, which is more toxic to cancer cell lines than other compounds. Bright colours and chemical defences are used by these creatures to warn potential predators away.
A large-scale survey of U.S. adults found no association between depressive symptoms and seasonality, contradicting the notion of seasonal depression as a commonly occurring disorder. The study's findings cast doubt on major depression with seasonal variation as a legitimate psychiatric disorder.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to correct a rare bleeding disorder, factor VII deficiency, in dogs. The treatment showed long-term safety and efficacy, with treated dogs expressing therapeutic levels of clotting factor VII.
A new study by Gerrit Hansen and Dáithí Stone reveals that almost two-thirds of regional climate impacts can confidently be attributed to human-generated emissions. However, the link for trends in precipitation remains unclear due to insufficient observational data in some regions.
The project aims to shift social norms and increase quitting rates among Chinese smokers by targeting five major cities. China produces more tobacco and has more smokers than any country, making this effort crucial in curbing the tobacco epidemic.
A nanoparticle drug-delivery system that combines photodynamic therapy with a molecular therapy drug reduces tumor progression and metastasis in animal models. The treatment cuts off common treatment escape pathways, offering new possibilities for synchronized multidrug combination therapies.
A new TSRI study defines an unexpected mechanism at work in an anti-autoimmune drug candidate, ozanimod. The researchers found that S1PR1 agonists directly target immune cells to slow the overproduction of proteins known to cause autoimmune disease.
A randomized controlled trial evaluated consent for HIV testing, showing opt-out schemes can substantially increase patient acceptance compared to opt-in schemes. Active choice testing may be the most effective approach in reflecting patients' true preferences, researchers suggest.
Scientists at NREL found that certain defects can improve carrier collection and surface passivation of silicon solar cells. The study's results run counter to conventional wisdom and have implications for the development of more efficient solar cells.
Research at Georgia State University reveals that African Americans with serious mental illness are more likely to experience recurring victimization over time. The study, published in the Journal of Quantitative Criminology, found that racial disparities in mental health services access and social barriers contribute to these outcomes.
Researchers create glass nanoengraving mechanism using femtosecond laser and glass microspheres, achieving resolution below 100 nanometers. The method enables quick and cheap creation of sensors and microchips with complex patterns.
Two studies found that physicians receive less intense end-of-life treatments and are less likely to die in a hospital than the general population. Physicians were also more likely to prefer dying at home and had a different location of death compared to other healthcare professionals and the general population.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that NYC's 'water jet' machines, which provide chilled and oxygenated water, were associated with lower student weights and reduced half-pint milk purchases. The intervention increased access to drinking water in school cafeterias and was linked to a 0.025 reduction in standardized BMI.
A new Tel Aviv University study found that infants born past 42 weeks have twice the risk of contracting infections, experiencing respiratory difficulties, and being admitted to NICUs compared to those born at 39-40 weeks. This is the first time the isolated effect of post-term delivery on neonatal outcomes has been determined.
A new report by a Task Force of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research suggests that clinicians should reassess osteoporosis medication use after 5 years. Periodic evaluation and monitoring are key to weighing benefits and risks.
A $4 million NSF grant will fund research at MUSC and UAB to map changes in blood flow when specific neurons fire. This could lead to new treatments for neurological diseases by understanding the mechanisms of neurovascular communication.
Researchers found that the horizontal canals of the vestibular system play a key role in sensing direction, with impaired brain activity affecting navigation. The study sheds light on brain cell responses to location and directional heading, with implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
A study of end-of-life care practices in seven developed countries reveals that the US performs poorly in terms of high-tech interventions and hospital utilization. The US has the lowest proportion of deaths in the hospital, but still admits over 40% of cancer patients to the ICU in their last 6 months of life.
Research at the University of Kent reveals a clear link between anxiety and activation in the right side of the brain, causing individuals to walk in a leftward trajectory. This finding has implications for the treatment of unilateral neglect, suggesting that reducing anxiety may benefit individuals suffering from right-sided neglect.
A team of ICFO researchers has developed a novel hybrid system that combines graphene nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) with nitrogen-vacancy centers, enabling precise control over light emission. This breakthrough holds promise for various applications in nanophotonics and quantum optomechanics.
A team of researchers discovered a protein called Pur-alpha that can protect against toxic degeneration in cells, which may lead to a treatment for ALS. The study suggests that Pur-alpha could serve as a novel therapeutic target for developing a treatment for ALS patients.
Women veterans reported lower self-perceived health, life satisfaction, and quality of life compared to non-veterans. They experienced higher hip-fracture rates, lung cancer risk, and all-cause mortality, particularly among those serving before the Vietnam era.
Enrollees in high-deductible health plans show no difference in considering alternative care or comparing costs with those in traditional plans. Despite perceptions of price differences and quality disparities, HDHP enrollees don't shop around for better deals.
A new study by the University of Maryland found that warmer ocean temperatures could result in storms up to 160% more destructive than Hurricane Sandy. The simulations showed that a warmer pool of warm water in the tropical Atlantic gave hurricanes more time to grow before encountering colder water or land.
Researchers developed a tensile tester using LEGO blocks, showcasing their potential for prototyping stretchable and flexible electronics. The innovative approach combines cost-effective machinery design with easy handling, comparable to commercial testing devices.
Research found that prairie voles living in close quarters were less stressed out and had lower levels of the stress hormone corticosterone. This is surprising as most studies link increased crowding with higher stress.
Tropical Cyclone Victor's eye was almost due east of the Cook Islands on Jan. 18, and by Jan. 19, it had moved southeast, appearing more open with a wider diameter
A new study by the University of East Anglia found that high levels of tax evasion are linked to higher interest rates and can be a predictor of a country's credit risk. The study analyzed 64 countries and found significant adverse effects on country credit ratings and lending costs.
Rice researchers found that graphene oxide layers change their mechanical properties depending on the strain rate, making it brittle when pulled fast but more pliable under slow stress. This discovery can help build three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional materials for various applications.
A cohort study found a bidirectional association between intimate partner violence and depression among pregnant women and new mothers in South Africa. The study suggests that combination interventions addressing both violence and mental health may be effective in interrupting the cycle.
Colorado State University's new mass-spectral imaging system allows for unprecedented detail in cellular analysis, mapping surface composition in three dimensions. Researchers can now examine how cells respond to new medications and investigate antibiotic resistance, with potential applications in combating tuberculosis and bioterrorism.
A team of researchers from McGill University failed to detect active microbial life in permafrost soil from the University Valley in Antarctica, a location thought to be similar to Martian permafrost. The study's findings suggest that even in the coldest and driest conditions on Earth, it may be difficult to find signs of life.
New research on American Idol auditions finds that rejected contestants believe in their talent despite slim chances of success. The study suggests that perseverance is a reasonable mindset for creative individuals striving to achieve their goals.
Researchers studied three buildings near the sea, analyzing their materials and chemical reactions, to understand deterioration processes. The study developed a new analytical methodology using spectroscopic techniques, providing detailed information about material composition and pathologies.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham conducted a trial finding that physiotherapy and occupational therapy do not improve 'activities of daily living' in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that resources should be reallocated towards more effective treatments.
Researchers from MIPT have found a solution to efficiently cool optoelectronic chips using industry-standard heatsinks, enabling the development of high-performance microprocessors. By compensating for heat loss with additional energy pumping, scientists can create optical gain and overcome temperature-related issues.
The University of Exeter Medical School has received a £1 million donation from the Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation to expand its research on genetic disorders. The gift will support new staff and fund innovative diagnostic testing, improving patient care in the NHS.
A new UCLA study found that hospitals with shorter lengths of stay and higher readmission rates tend to use more post-acute care services. This can lead to patients being discharged prematurely, resulting in higher readmission rates.
A University of Oxford study published in Royal Society Open Science found that online social media groups are constrained to around 150-200 people, similar to offline networks. Regular Facebook users averaged 155 and 183 friends, respectively, with women having more connections than men.
A study of 6,733 participants found that a slow heart rate was not associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the researchers noted that bradycardia may be problematic in people taking medications that also slow their heart rate.
A new study published in Reviews of Geophysics strongly suggests that early agriculture helped slow a natural cooling process, leading to the warmer climate we experience today. The research, led by William Ruddiman, analyzed ice-core data and ancient pollen samples to find evidence of human impact on the climate.
China is now the second-largest performer of research and development, accounting for 20 percent of global R&D. The US leads in S&E but faces challenges from Southeast and South Asia, with China playing a key role.
Ongoing aerobic exercise has been shown to enhance factors that potentially have a protective effect on the brain, counteracting brain shrinkage and improving connections in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Aerobic exercise can also help manage symptoms such as rigid muscles, slowed movement, and impaired posture and balance.
A team of scientists has identified a unique immune mechanism, microptosis, that targets and kills intracellular parasites. This process involves the release of three proteins: perforin, granulysin, and granzymes, which work together to induce programmed cell death in both the parasite and infected host cells.
An irregular heartbeat is a stronger risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and death in women than in men. The cause is unclear, but the results support more aggressive treatment of risk factors in women.
A study found that emergency department visits for young adults decreased by 0.5 percent following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, while visits for mental illnesses increased significantly. However, there was a notable decrease in ER visits for complications of pregnancy among this age group.
Researchers analyzed rice, soil, mushroom, and soybean samples from 100-250 km from the plant to identify original sources of radioactive contamination. Their results suggest that radiocesium southwest comes from reactor cores 1, 2, and 3.
Researchers found that airlines focus on near misses linked to past accidents, but overlook those that haven't yet caused an incident. Airlines can improve by expanding data collection and vigilance towards deviations from normal procedures.
A new review suggests that stopping driving in older adults can contribute to various health problems, including depression. The decision to stop driving is often accompanied by declining cognitive and physical functions, highlighting the need for personalized plans to maintain mobility and social functions.
A UCSF-led study found a significant increase in CT scans for non-serious injuries from 2005 to 2013, with more than 8 million adult patient visits tracked. The rise is attributed to defensive medicine practices, diagnostic accuracy, convenience, and demand for expedited discharge.
Researchers at University of Vienna develop nanomechanical device that converts quantum vibrations to light, paving the way for a future quantum Internet. The device allows for connection between different quantum systems, enabling global exchange of quantum information.
Patients undergoing urologic surgery who are frail have a 1.7-times higher risk of complications. Frailty is an independent predictor of postoperative complications across most procedures.
A study has identified a gene, RANBP1, that appears to play a significant role in raising the risk of severe subtypes of autism and other genetic diseases. The findings suggest that disruptions in brain signaling networks may be good targets for future research and potentially lead to new treatment opportunities.
A Swedish study of 1.5 million military conscripts found that high body mass index (BMI) and low aerobic capacity in late adolescence were associated with an increased risk of hypertension in adulthood. The combination of high BMI and low aerobic capacity was linked to a higher risk of hypertension, even among those with normal BMI.
A comprehensive USGS study finds that human-related mortality in bats is on the rise globally, with wind turbine collisions and white-nose syndrome being primary causes. This trend may not be sustainable and highlights the need for policy and conservation actions to reduce human impact on bat populations.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to freeze cancer-causing Epstein-Barr virus in its tracks. By triggering senescence, a suspended state of the cell, the virus's advance can be halted, providing new hope for controlling the disease.
A recent study from the University of Helsinki reveals that dogs systematically view facial expressions like humans, prioritizing eyes and altering their behavior in threatening situations. This research supports Darwin's theory on shared evolutionary roots for animal emotions.