ICFO researchers achieve isolated attosecond pulses in the soft X-ray water window, covering multiple absorption edges simultaneously. This allows site-specific probing of electron correlation and many-body effects in organic solar cells and molecular electronics.
A recent study found that individuals with neurotic personalities thrive in urban environments, while those who are less neurotic benefit from natural settings. The research suggests a correlation between environment and self-control, which could have implications for health outcomes and consumer behavior.
A €3.5 million pan-European consortium is developing Blood Biomarker-based Diagnostic Tools for Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease (BBDiag) to improve diagnosis and clinical trial success rates. The project aims to train a new generation of researchers and develop disease-modifying treatments and prevention strategies.
Researchers used cloud-based electronic health records (EHRs) to track flu outbreaks in real time, outperforming Google Flu Trends. A machine-learning algorithm accurately predicted national and local influenza activity, enabling timely preparedness for public health officials.
Researchers found that high levels of folate and vitamin B12 after giving birth double and triple the risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder. The study analyzed data from 1,391 mother-child pairs and recommends optimal folate levels to ensure offspring's health.
A new study found that visiting consultant clinics (VCCs) with orthopaedic surgeons traveling to meet patients in rural areas significantly improved access to care. The average driving distance to the nearest orthopaedic surgeon was reduced by more than 50% for 450,000 to 670,000 Iowa residents.
Researchers developed tools that empower distributed groups of workers to perform complicated cognitive tasks with greater speed and accuracy. The Knowledge Accelerator and Alloy systems combine human intelligence and machine learning to synthesize online information, identifying patterns and themes among documents.
Scientists have developed a new imaging system that can produce three-dimensional images of the insides of arteries, revealing fatty arteries in all their detail. This breakthrough technology has the potential to help doctors diagnose plaque vulnerability in patients and better identify heart disease.
Recent studies from the University of Missouri found that Diverging Diamond Interchanges decrease overall crashes by more than 50 percent nationwide. Additionally, fatal and injury crashes decreased by over 70 percent, proving these innovative designs are efficient, effective, and life-saving.
The Italian Botanical Society has launched an online open-access journal called Italian Botanist, which covers both Italian and international research in botany and mycology. The new journal is part of Pensoft's portfolio and aims to boost scientific value and international visibility.
Researchers at the University of Leicester aim to develop a test using portable nanopore DNA sequencers to identify species at crime scenes in under an hour. This technology has the potential to combat wildlife trafficking by detecting traces of endangered species, such as elephant and rhino blood.
A study published in NeuroImage reveals that general anesthesia leads to a 'communication breakdown' in the cortex, where isolated cognitive islands process sensory information without communicating with other areas. The researchers used precise measurements to observe the interruption between brain regions.
Researchers create quasiparticles, directly observe collision events using laser pulses, and shed light on quasiparticles and many-body excitations in condensed matter systems. The findings demonstrate that basic collider concepts from particle physics can be transferred to solid-state research.
A new study links MS drug mitoxantrone to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, with patients treated with the medication being three times more likely to develop the disease. However, the overall rate of cancer was low enough that the researchers suggest continuing its use for severely affected patients.
A UK study published in Nature reveals neurotensin as a potential biological marker for the development of obesity. Neurotensin, produced mainly in the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, is released with fat ingestion and stimulates fatty acid absorption in the intestine.
The lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan assay (LF-LAM) shows an average sensitivity and specificity of 45% and 92% in HIV-positive people with TB symptoms. However, its sensitivity is higher in individuals with low CD4 cell counts, making it a potential tool for early diagnosis and treatment.
A new system devised by clinicians uses blockchain technology to prevent changes to clinical trial documents, reducing the risk of ineffective or unsafe medications being distributed. This approach has the potential to prevent issues such as outcome switching and selective publication in clinical trials.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a link between persistent childhood asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in early adulthood. Children with low lung function at a young age were more likely to develop COPD later in life, regardless of treatment or smoking exposure.
A study found that women with high levels of PFOA during pregnancy had a higher risk of ending breastfeeding early. The study analyzed data from 336 mothers and their children in Cincinnati, where PFOA levels were more than twice the national average.
A study found that chicken coops and sewage treatment plants are hotspots of antibiotic resistance, with bacteria sharing resistance genes through DNA exchange. This poses a risk to the food system and public health, particularly in developing countries where antibiotic use is high.
A study of 68 teen internet users found that many were able to resolve risky situations on their own. The researchers argue that focusing on positive interactions with online risk can help teach teens how to stay safe, rather than avoiding exposure altogether.
Researchers found that respecting patient preferences for physician gender and clothing preferences can increase comfort during full-body skin cancer checks. These simple steps may lead to higher rates of skin cancer detection, ultimately saving lives.
The Brazilian Zika virus strain causes significant damage to mouse fetuses, leading to cell death and impaired growth. In vitro experiments confirm the virus's lethal effects on human nervous system cells, mirroring the development of congenital malformations like microcephaly.
A new study published in Nature found that Earth's ancient upper atmosphere contained about the same amount of oxygen as today, with a methane haze layer separating the oxygen-rich upper layer from the lower, oxygen-starved atmosphere. This challenges the accepted view that Earth's ancient atmosphere was oxygen-poor.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers in the brain that could help scientists develop effective treatments for single-sided deafness. The study used multi-modal imaging techniques to analyze changes in brain structure and function in response to the condition.
Researchers found that mice with lower adiponectin levels cannot overcome fear after a scary stimulus. Increasing adiponectin levels or activating its receptors might facilitate extinction-based exposure treatments for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
A new study has identified four symptoms that predict septic arthritis in children with swollen, painful knees. The study found that patients with these characteristics were more likely to have septic arthritis than Lyme disease.
A study by Penn State researchers reveals that social media users act autonomously on some privacy issues but become interdependent when information is co-owned by multiple users. Participants relied on strategies like group discussions and private groups to manage privacy rights for group content.
A 44-year-old man with confirmed Zika virus infection exhibited a diffuse papular rash, petechiae on the palate, and hyperemic sclerae. Early recognition of these mucocutaneous findings is crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate Zika from other erythematous skin eruptions.
Researchers discovered that surales, large mounds in tropical wetlands, are largely composed of earthworm casts. These mounds vary in size and form due to the repeated actions of individual earthworms, which deposit casts that eventually become mounds.
A large-scale genetic study identified 74 variants linked to educational attainment, which also influence cognitive function and personality traits. The findings suggest that genetic factors account for a small fraction of individual differences in education, with many genes playing a role in brain development.
Researchers used LEGO bricks to investigate symbolic object engagement, finding brain areas associated with social cognition and language activation when attending to model meaning. Special activation patterns were observed for models built with own group members versus others
New study reveals an Ice Age refugium in Arabia, potentially on the Red Sea plains, and suggests modern humans inhabited the region for up to 10,000 years. The findings challenge previous theories that humans did not settle in large numbers until agriculture developed around 10-11,000 years ago.
A study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that birds can differentiate between whole and broken songs using spatial and intensity cues. The research used zebra finches and budgerigars, demonstrating that stream segregation is not a uniquely human ability
Researchers have established mouse models of Zika virus transmission from a pregnant mouse to her fetus, demonstrating viral invasion and damage to the placenta. The studies reveal that Zika virus can cause congenital problems, including fetal death, by breaching the placental barrier.
The Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain's 60° bend is linked to motion near the Earth's core, according to a University of Sydney-Caltech collaboration. Rapid, coherent flow in the deep mantle causes changes in pile shapes, resolving a major enigma in volcanic seamount chains.
A new UBC-developed method isolates cancer cells that have escaped from a tumour, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment. The device captures cells based on their internal structure, producing fewer false positives compared to conventional methods.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham successfully trained breast cancer patients to achieve single prolonged breath holds of over five minutes, enabling targeted radiotherapy to be administered in just one dose. This breakthrough could improve long-term survival and quality of life for breast cancer patients.
Scientists created a way to make tissues and organs clearer by linking molecules together, leaving lipids that cause opacity intact. This breakthrough allows tracking of nanoparticles at depths of over 1 millimeter, enabling better understanding of interactions with tumors and organs.
A flexible exosuit developed by Harvard University researchers reduces the metabolic cost of loaded walking by 7.3% on average, allowing wearers to return to a natural walking profile. The device is composed of textiles and assists the hip and ankle joints, reducing work done without impacting movement freedom.
Climate scientists warn that Africa's vulnerability to climate change could lead to longer, hotter heat waves affecting life expectancy and crop production. The study found that unusual heat waves could occur four times per year towards the end of the century.
A study found that frequent social media use is associated with a greater risk of developing eating and body image concerns in young adults. Participants who spent more time on social media had a higher risk of reporting these issues. The research suggests that preventative messages should target a broad population.
A recent study highlights the persistence of syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa, where rates have remained higher than in other regions. The research suggests that common risk factors, such as HIV prevalence and connected sexual networks, may be underlying causes of the spread of syphilis in these populations.
The report, based on over 3,000 patient surveys, sheds light on the physical, emotional, financial, practical, and informational needs of cancer patients during and after treatment. It aims to inform program development and address patient needs throughout their continuum of care.
A Florida State University researcher is studying the regulation of calcium in heart cells to correct a calcium imbalance and develop new treatment strategies for cardiomyopathies. The goal is to identify components involved in disease development and open the door for more effective treatments inside the cell.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that abortion rates have declined significantly in developed countries, but remained unchanged in developing countries. The findings highlight the urgent need for better access to modern contraceptive methods to reduce unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
Researchers developed a high-throughput screening strategy that identified multiple compounds with potent antimicrobial activity against an antibiotic-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study also showed the potential of these compounds as adjunctive treatments to restore the effectiveness of antibiotics.
A study by Temple University researchers discovered that people who waited longer or traveled farther before writing a review gave more favorable evaluations. This suggests that businesses can improve online ratings by asking out-of-town customers to review, and companies may want to reconsider their immediate feedback strategies.
A computerized decision support tool helps physicians and patients make informed decisions about blood thinning treatment to prevent strokes in individuals with atrial fibrillation. The tool, which takes into account patient characteristics and medical therapies, resulted in a significant reduction in deviations from recommended treatm...
The discovery of Protovis himalayensis sheds light on the origin of Ice Age mountain sheep, suggesting that the Tibetan Plateau was their ancestral home range. The fossil finds indicate a C3 diet and adaptation to high-elevation cold environments during the Pliocene.
A CDC study analyzed infant feeding practices with a 6-year follow-up to determine the risk of obesity in children. The results found that the timing of introducing solid foods had no effect on child obesity by 6 years of age, contrary to previous conflicting research.
A study on mountain gorillas reveals that their dietary habits contribute to dental wear, which adapts to the available food in their habitat. The analysis of tooth morphology provides valuable information for identifying and age-estimating gorillas, highlighting the importance of conserving their habitat.
Researchers create natural polymer-based scaffolds to grow spongiosa tissue, mimicking the middle layer of heart valve leaflets. The study finds that these scaffolds can be tuned to match the stiffness of natural tissue and may offer a promising alternative to existing mesh-based polymers.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that neighborhoods saturated with fast food outlets exacerbate social inequalities in diet and obesity. Individuals with lower education levels consumed more unhealthy takeaway food and were more likely to be obese in areas with higher takeaway outlet densities.
A study of 90,000 nurses found that high fruit consumption during adolescence was associated with a 25% lower risk of breast cancer diagnosed in middle age. Increasing alcohol intake in later life was linked to a higher risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
Researchers found that skis with wide grooves and narrow plateaus perform faster on warm snow, while narrower grooves and wider plateaus excel on cold snow. The study could lead to improvements in ski surface preparation.
A new doctoral training program at the University of Missouri aims to create a unique type of data scientist by combining expertise from life sciences, medicine, and computing. The six-student program will focus on massive and complex data analytics for one health, using Big Data practices to improve medical discoveries.
Researchers at UTA examine global warming events during the Early Paleogene period, which occurred 66-45 million years ago. They aim to understand the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on life on Earth and provide analogs for current climate change.
A study of 150 U2 fan-made videos uncovered various visual and musical methods used to convey emotions, creating a sense of community among fans. The research may inform commercial music service providers on how to include emotional factors in recommendations and playlists.
A team of European researchers led by Aleksandra Trifunovic will explore the molecular mechanisms regulating mitochondrial gene expression in a four-year project. The goal is to elucidate the complex processes governing these genes and their association with aging diseases.