Researchers found that whole-brain energy turnover directly predicted current level of awareness and likelihood of recovery within a year. Brain metabolic activity above 42% threshold was associated with signs of awareness or recovered responsiveness.
Research found increasing alcohol affordability in the 1990s contributed to rising mortality rates, while decreasing affordability led to declines. The study also identified a generation affected by economic change in the 1980s as being at high risk.
Researchers found that Kepler-62f could sustain life with an atmosphere 3-5 times thicker than Earth's composed entirely of carbon dioxide. The team also ran simulations on different orbital configurations, finding multiple scenarios that allow the planet to be habitable.
Scientists have successfully induced quantum coherence in a large number of photons, allowing for complex quantum states to be manipulated and applications for computation and communication to be explored. The findings represent a significant breakthrough in achieving quantum coherence at a macroscopic scale.
A commentary suggests that gene therapy treatments for rare diseases should be valued based on long-term cost savings. The authors propose tying costs to efficacy and creating a federal initiative to support new therapies.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a technique to simultaneously image with multiphoton fluorescence and second-harmonic generation, achieving nanoscale resolution. This breakthrough enables the observation of previously inaccessible structures in living tissue, opening up new avenues for biological research.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a giant planet, CI Tau b, orbiting a young star in the constellation Taurus. The planet, at least eight times larger than Jupiter, orbits its 2 million-year-old star every nine days and is thought to have formed rapidly, with surrounding gas and dust still present.
A new study estimates that the world's 60 million refugees need at least 2.78 million surgeries annually, with many types of care, including C-sections and burn care, being essential but often neglected in crisis situations. The researchers call for increased attention to surgical needs in refugee populations.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a graphene-nanodiamond lubricant that reduces friction to nearly zero, allowing for increased efficiency and reduced wear in industries such as wind turbines and computer hard disks. The technology has shown promise in reducing friction by six times and wear by ten thousand time...
A review by Queen Mary University of London suggests that malnutrition can cause immune system dysfunction, making children more susceptible to common infections. This altered immune system may be passed down through generations, contributing to a range of physiological problems.
The study found that artificially applying synchronous slow wave brain activity during non-REM sleep can enhance memory consolidation, allowing mice to retain memories for up to 4 days. This discovery suggests a potential route to therapy using transcortical magnetic or direct-current stimulation to reactivate sleep-deprived neurons.
Harvard researchers have identified a new mechanism for detecting odors in mammals, using 'necklace' neurons that express MS4A proteins to respond to specific smells like nuts and pheromones. This discovery revises the canonical view of how animals probe their chemical environment.
A team of Yale scientists has created a more exotic type of Schrödinger's cat-like state that can exist in two boxes simultaneously, leveraging entanglement to enable error correction and logical operations in quantum computing. This breakthrough builds upon decades of development in circuit quantum electrodynamics.
A dengue vaccine has the potential to substantially reduce disease burden if it induces long-lasting immunity. Researchers found that a durable vaccine, with booster doses, can reduce annual dengue incidence by up to 80% within five years.
Millions of Americans take long-term opioid medications to manage chronic pain, but transitioning away can be complex and anxiety-provoking. However, study participants reported improved quality of life after the transition, highlighting the importance of intensive support from family and healthcare providers.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how neurotransmitters are transported across nerve cell membranes, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind depression and addiction. The study reveals that certain drugs can hijack this process, leading to excessive neurotransmitter release.
A University of Utah study suggests that spring snowpack in higher elevations will be more dependent on precipitation than temperature in a warming climate. By the end of the century, the threshold elevation for temperature-controlled snowpack is expected to rise by around 800 feet, affecting ski resorts and water resources.
A new study at a UK hospital found that refusing access to the recovery room unless the full WHO Safe Surgery Checklist is complete improves its use. The checklist has been proven to improve safety standards and reduce surgical complications.
Researchers at University of East Anglia argue that subsidies should be used to encourage investment in energy storage systems as renewable power increases. The study found that energy storage technologies can provide vital revenue streams through arbitrage and market incentives.
Melbourne researchers have discovered a novel way of directly activating Bak, a protein central to apoptosis, to trigger cell death. This finding holds promise for developing drugs that promote cell death in cancer and autoimmune diseases.
New evidence suggests that even with a healthy diet, defects in immune system function from birth can contribute to malnourished states throughout life. Researchers propose targeting immune pathways as a potential approach to reducing poor health and mortality caused by under- and overnutrition.
Scientists from Insilico Medicine used deep neural networks to predict therapeutic use of large numbers of drugs from gene expression data, achieving 54.6% accuracy in class prediction. The study also found that many misclassified drugs had dual use, suggesting potential for drug repurposing.
A free colonoscopy program for uninsured patients has been shown to detect cancer at an earlier stage and appears to be cost-neutral. The program, which was expanded to all hospitals in Louisville, is being hailed as a model for statewide implementation in Kentucky.
A transferrable gene for colistin resistance has been discovered in the United States, raising concerns about the emergence of truly pan-drug resistant bacteria. The finding is a significant public health concern, as it may render colistin, the last agent used to combat resistant bacteria, ineffective.
A study by Aarhus University researchers found that people across countries share a common intuition that ill individuals are unlucky and deserving of help. This psychological tendency makes it challenging to change attitudes towards healthcare costs, despite growing concerns about lifestyle diseases.
Using radar data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, a team of researchers found evidence of an accelerated accumulation rate of ice in the Martian polar cap. The volume and thickness of ice match model predictions, providing insights into Mars' climate change history.
Researchers at MIT have designed a new bioinspired framework to improve concrete's strength and durability. By studying natural materials such as bones and shells, they have developed guidelines for engineers to design cement with precise control over its internal structure and properties.
Engineers have found a way to control light waves using a non-periodic material structure. This breakthrough opens up opportunities for faster-switching transistors and white light lasers, enabling devices to selectively block or allow specific wavelengths of light
A recent study found that underwater grass beds at Susquehanna Flats can protect and maintain their own health despite harsh conditions. The beds exhibit a natural ability to reduce damage from extreme events through biophysical feedback processes.
Johns Hopkins researchers have engineered human muscle cells bearing genetic mutations from people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), enabling the study of genetic variations among patients. The cells can also be used to test new therapies and may hold potential for genetic correction and transplantation.
Scientists at TSRI have discovered a mechanism that turns mutant cells into aggressive cancers. The research identifies the role of POT1 mutations and their impact on the cell's ability to repair DNA damage.
Researchers discovered that endocannabinoids reduce activity in the OFC, promoting habit formation. This study suggests that targeting the brain's endocannabinoid system may alleviate suffering in disorders involving habitual control.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discover a novel logic for mammalian olfaction that defies the traditional one-to-one correspondence between odors and receptors. The 'olfactory necklace' system uses a different class of chemoreceptors to detect carbon dioxide and other molecules, triggering innate behaviors such as avoidance.
A team of researchers has discovered a new class of galaxies where supermassive black holes trigger powerful winds that prevent future star formation. These 'red geysers' lack young stars despite having abundant gas, and their outflowing winds heat surrounding gas through shocks, ultimately suppressing stellar birth.
Research at Georgia State University found that increasing difficulty in making decisions based on sensory evidence boosts activity in the insular cortex. The study sheds light on how this brain area processes sensory information and drives behaviors.
New imaging methods, including computer-assisted analysis of X-ray images and ultrasound imaging, show promise in detecting early stages of arthrosis. The methods could lead to targeted treatment and improved prediction of disease progression.
NASA's GPM satellite has detected a developing low-pressure system in the Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Bahamas, which could potentially become a tropical or subtropical cyclone. Increasing shower activity near the center of the system suggests it may be on track to develop into a storm.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology identified risk factors for ophthalmoscopic findings in infants born with microcephaly and presumed Zika virus infection. Infants with smaller head diameters at birth and those whose mothers reported symptoms during the first trimester were more likely to have ocular involvement.
Researchers found that stimulation from outside world guides neurons' early development, leading to two different types of inhibitory neurons. This adds complexity and regulation to brain circuitry, with implications for treating neurological disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and depression.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that maize is more vulnerable to drought than previously thought, with a 39.3% yield reduction at 40% water reduction compared to wheat's 20.6%. Maize sensitivity varies by region and soil texture, but overall findings can inform model interactions, productivity gains, and irrigation scheduling.
Scientists at MIT and HHMI use a new imaging technique to observe short-lived enzyme clusters that play a central role in triggering mRNA production and controlling gene transcription. These clusters, which remain stable for up to 24 seconds, can significantly impact gene expression.
Biologists have uncovered a key protein in the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum that enables it to home in on bacteria, similar to human white blood cells. This discovery provides new insights into immune cell directionality and may lead to effective treatments for cancer and other diseases.
Researchers are exploring whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can provide relief for patients with bipolar disorder who do not respond to medications. The study aims to identify structural targets in the brain that may be involved in the disorder and potentially treat it through DBS.
A study of over 6,000 Antarctic marine fossils reveals a dramatic 65-70% reduction in species 66 million years ago, coinciding with the end of the Cretaceous Period and the extinction of dinosaurs. The research suggests that the mass extinction event was just as rapid and severe in polar regions as elsewhere on Earth.
Optical atomic clocks have shown improved accuracy and stability compared to traditional microwave clocks, making them suitable for global timekeeping. By combining optical clocks with masers, researchers achieved a time error of less than 0.20 nanoseconds over 25 days.
Researchers developed an algorithm using submarine and guided missile technology to measure intensity of effort in cricketers. The 'torpedo technology' wearables provide a stable measure of bowling load across repeated spells, helping coaches identify fatigue and optimize preparation.
In a study published in Nature, researchers found that subordinate female meerkats track the growth of potential competitors and adjust their own weight gain to stay ahead. The results suggest that competitive growth is a key strategy for social mammals to maintain dominance.
Severe air quality issues persist in Fort McMurray due to ongoing wildfires, with a Health Quality Index of 10+ reported in the region. The fire, covering over 522,892 hectares, remains out of control, prompting evacuation orders for multiple communities.
A new study found that each additional residential move is associated with a decline in reading and math scores, as well as less positive social skills and higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems. Moving during early childhood had the most detrimental effects on children's cognitive skills.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology are developing a self-driving truck that uses animal-inspired behavior to improve safety and adaptability. The truck's software, OpenDLV, is designed to react to unexpected situations by mimicking the way animals respond to their environment.
The study, published in the American Society of Neuroradiology's annual meeting, found that younger patients, African-Americans, and those seen by a stroke team received more advanced imaging, including MRI and MR angiogram. The findings highlight disparities in neuroimaging use for different patient groups.
A Norwegian study found workaholics scored higher on psychiatric symptoms than non-workaholics, with 32.7% meeting ADHD criteria and 25.6% having OCD. The research highlights the need for further investigation into neurobiological deviations related to workaholic behavior.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University discovered how E. coli bacteria disassemble their protein complex after cell division, finding a controlled order similar to assembly, and identifying an inner and outer ring of proteins with unique interactions.
Researchers found that celecoxib, a widely prescribed pain and anti-inflammatory drug, slows the growth rate of neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) tumors in animal models. The study suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may have an impact on tumor formation and inflammatory responses.
Researchers developed a portable, disposable sunburn sensor made from safe and benign materials that can be easily calibrated for different skin tones and sunscreen levels.
Researchers create Quantitative Input Influence (QII) measures to provide insights into AI decision-making processes. The approach accounts for correlated inputs and quantifies the joint influence of multiple factors on outcomes.
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that economic crises are associated with increased mortality from treatable cancers, especially in countries without universal healthcare coverage. In contrast, countries with UHC and increased public health spending on care had lower excess cancer deaths.
A multi-institutional team has completed the first large-scale proteogenomic study of breast cancer, linking DNA mutations to protein signaling and identifying genes that drive cancer. The study highlights the power of integrating genomic and proteomic data to yield a more complete picture of cancer biology.
Current simulation models consistently underestimate black carbon aerosols in Arctic air, but fine-grained simulations using powerful supercomputers can mitigate this underestimation. The research found that more realistic modeling of weather and climate patterns is possible with finer grids and larger computational power.
Researchers discovered a connection between pulmonary function and vocal fatigue complaints among female teachers, highlighting the importance of respiratory health for voice health. The study used spirometry measures to assess lung function and found that reduced pulmonary function was associated with increased vocal fatigue symptoms.