Scientists at Rice University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed new two-dimensional electrocatalysts that extract hydrogen from water with high efficiency and low cost. The catalysts were created by forming bubbles between layers, which breaks them apart and increases the number of active sites.
Researchers found that genes closely associated with autism in humans are regulated differently in unresponsive honey bees than their more responsive nest mates. The study reveals unique parallels between the behavior of these unresponsive bees and those with autism.
Adults with autism tend to overestimate environmental changeability, reducing prior expectations' influence on behavior. This may contribute to sensory overload and social difficulties.
The latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) brings together a diverse set of papers on various cardiovascular topics. The journal features original articles, reviews, commentaries, and case reports on topics such as telemedicine, heart failure, and cholesterol crystals.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that infants with positional plagiocephaly who receive helmet therapy at a younger age have higher treatment success rates. The study analyzed the effects of age and severity on the duration and effectiveness of helmet therapy.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have made breakthrough discovery on optimizing dew droplet size to improve efficiency of removing condensation. By fine-tuning surface nanoscopic topography, they found that droplets can be made small enough to jump off surfaces as early as 2 micrometers.
Researchers developed a smartphone-based biofeedback rehabilitation system to guide patients through balance exercises, showing noticeable improvements in postural stability and reducing the risk of falls. The custom wearable belt uses vibrating actuators to provide personalized guidance, mapped in real-time on a smartphone application.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation recognizes six young researchers for their outstanding work in brain and behavior research, including Jennifer Felger and Ilana Witten. The awards support innovative ideas in neurobiological and psychosocial research to unlock mysteries of mental illness.
A big data approach can predict the toxicity of chemicals without animal tests, saving time, money, and lives. PETA India will present this method at a national conference, suggesting its adoption by governments and regulatory agencies.
A new study found that Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' corresponded with a substantial increase in internet searches for suicide, including phrases like 'how to commit suicide' and 'suicide prevention'. The study suggests that the show may have inspired some viewers to act on their suicidal thoughts.
A new study suggests that assessing orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure, within one minute of standing is more predictive of future falls and adverse outcomes. The study found that this measurement time was associated with the highest rates of fractures, fainting, and death.
A study published in Psychological Science found that Supreme Court rulings can alter public perceptions of social norms around issues like gay marriage. Researchers observed a significant jump in participants' belief that Americans support same-sex marriage after the 2015 ruling, which persisted weeks later.
A study by LSUHealthNO found that 86% of high-risk heterosexuals in New Orleans would use a home-based test kit, leading to increased HIV testing and treatment rates. The study suggests that this self-administered alternative may reach individuals who are under-recognized as at risk, promoting timely treatment.
Researchers found that even a tiny dose of pesticide can impair leaf beetles' ability to reproduce, with females developing malformations and offspring laying fewer eggs. The study's results may also be transferred to other insects, highlighting the need for long-term consideration in herbicide authorization.
A new model developed by international scientists predicts multi-year US droughts and wildfire risks, enabling improved agricultural planning and water management. The model's success is attributed to the analysis of tropical climate variability, global climate change, and soil filtering effects.
Researchers at University of Bristol observed the formation of a crystal gel and discovered new mechanisms for creating sponge-like nanoporous crystals. The process resembles ice crystal growth in clouds and can lead to materials for catalytic, optical, sensing, and filtration applications.
Tropical Storm Irwin is moving north-northwestward in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with its structure remaining well-organized despite declining deep convection. The storm is expected to continue weakening and eventually degenerate into a remnant low, with forecasters predicting this will occur by Tuesday, August 1.
The Amazon rainforest emits at least three times more isoprene than previously thought, influencing ozone levels and greenhouse gas balance. Isoprene emissions vary with terrain elevation and increase at higher altitudes, sparking hypotheses for further research.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully turned wood into an electrical conductor by creating laser-induced graphene, a form of the atom-thin carbon material. The process involves heating a thin film pattern onto a block of pine using a standard industrial laser, producing high-quality graphene foam bound to the wood surface.
Researchers suggest revising Transparency and Openness (TOP) Guidelines to facilitate meta-research on peer review effectiveness. Journals can choose tier levels of transparency, with higher risk involved. This would legitimize and advertise relative quality of peer review processes, improving scientific literature.
Research from Association for Psychological Science reveals that women living in gender-equal societies outperform men on cognitive tests later in life. The study also found that changes in gender-role attitudes within a country over time are associated with improvements in women's cognitive performance.
A recent study by researchers at Ohio State University found that people often exceed recommended limits when pushing wheelchairs, which can lead to back injuries. The study also revealed that turning a wheelchair is harder on the back than pushing in a straight line.
A team of astronomers has discovered a superluminous supernova in a spiral galaxy, which is rich in elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. This discovery challenges current ideas about the origin of such powerful explosions.
A national study finds that state investments in high-tech industries pay off, even in places with less ideal prospects. Patience and modest expectations are key to success, according to University of Illinois professor Kevin Leicht.
Scientists have identified a molecular handle to purify cells destined to become insulin-producing cells, enabling a streamlined and cost-efficient process for generating glucose-responsive beta cells. The discovery aims to address safety and end product consistency challenges in cell therapy for type 1 diabetes.
Researchers found chronic cannabis users showed no difference in cortisol levels during stressful situations compared to non-users, hinting at potential therapeutic benefits but also raising concerns about resilience and health. The study provides an important first step in investigating the effects of long-term cannabis use.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new system that can remove both nitrate and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, potentially improving water quality. The system uses woodchip bioreactors and P-filters to trap pollutants, with one type of filter showing significantly higher effectiveness in removing phosphorus.
The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully completed its Ground Segment Test Number 1, confirming end-to-end communication between the telescope and its mission operations center. The test, which took place on June 20, tested all communications systems required for launch, commissioning, and normal operations.
Researchers have successfully developed a new method to analyze soil microbial communities and their role in the development of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) disease in soybean. By profiling microbes, scientists found significant differences between healthy and diseased areas, suggesting that biological factors play a key role in determi...
A substantial number of US adults reported misusing prescription opioids, with 11.5 million admitting to misuse and 1.9 million having a use disorder. The majority of these individuals had low income or behavioral health problems, while relief from physical pain was the most common motivation for misuse.
A survey found that public trust in science increased after the launch of the first human trial of a Zika vaccine, with people showing greater trust in science and paying more attention to news about the Zika virus. The study suggests that regularized communication about scientific advances could bolster confidence in science.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that shotgun sequencing, a favored method for measuring microbial biodiversity, is not as accurate as once thought. Amplicon sequencing, on the other hand, revealed more than twice the number of phyla and 27% more families in water samples from Brazil's major river floodplain systems.
A new study by Duke researchers found that teenagers who were exposed to violence consumed more unhealthy foods and beverages, including increased soda consumption, which is a strong predictor of weight gain. The study also revealed that adolescents took more steps on days they were exposed to violence, contrary to expectations.
A nationwide survey found high levels of antimicrobial-resistant genes in urban sewage across China, with over 381 distinct resistance genes detected. The study suggests municipal sewage as a major conduit for transferring antibiotic resistance into the environment.
A new study estimates that climate change will cause 60,000 premature deaths globally by 2030 and 260,000 by 2100 due to increased air pollution. The research uses global climate models to predict changes in air quality and health outcomes.
A new evolutionary theory of cancer suggests that cells with dangerous mutations exist all the time but are commonly outcompeted by healthy cells in healthy tissues. However, when the tissue microenvironment is damaged, these pre-cancer cells can thrive and establish themselves in the body.
Researchers have identified two new biological markers of cystic fibrosis, which could lead to improved prognosis and better therapies for patients. The biomarkers were discovered through a specialized technique developed at McMaster University, where scientists collected and analyzed sweat samples from infants in CF clinics.
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding a junior research group at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz to analyze jihadist images and videos. The project aims to understand how this material proliferates online and affects various audience groups.
Researchers examined spearfishing practices in the Caribbean, finding that compressor divers targeted higher-quality fish more efficiently than free divers. The study highlights the importance of understanding fishing methods to develop effective management strategies for coral reefs.
Tropical Storm Nesat made its second and final landfall on July 30 at Su'ao in northeastern Taiwan, causing evacuations. The storm then crossed the island nation and landed in southeastern China's Fujian Province, prompting over 3,100 evacuees.
A recent Italian study confirmed that the Mediterranean diet reduces cardiovascular risk, but only in those with higher educational levels and/or greater household income. The study found no benefits for less advantaged groups, highlighting socioeconomic disparities in health.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new drug that demonstrates superior anti-parkinsonian efficacy over current medications. The compound, D-512, provides longer symptom relief and prolongs the time window in which benefits are shown.
Researchers found a 1% increase in undocumented immigration is associated with 22 fewer drug arrests and 42 fewer drunken driving arrests. The frequency of drunken driving fatalities was unaffected by unauthorized immigration rates.
A team at TUM found that the number and type of cells produced from a single naive T cell vary widely, contradicting the prevailing hypothesis. Mathematical models may help improve vaccination strategies by understanding the probabilities involved in T cell development.
Scientists describe a new subspecies of yellow sea snake with an unusual ambush posture that feeds on small fish at night. The species has a restricted geographic range due to its adapted habitat, making it susceptible to extinction.
In a new study published in Scientific Reports, researchers at Brown University found that guppy moms in low-predation areas (LP) produce larger offspring with more mature internal anatomy, including wider mouth joints and harder heads. This adaptation enables LP guppies to better compete for food and survive in their environment.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute used carrion flies to survey tropical forest mammals, detecting 20 species that were not found by traditional methods. The method was more effective than camera traps and transect counts, but had limitations, such as failing to detect certain species that produce small droppings.
A team of scientists flew a high-altitude research aircraft to altitudes up to 20 km above the Asian Monsoon, collecting data on air composition and its impact on global climate. The mission aims to better understand how the monsoon system responds to human emissions of pollutants and climate change.
A new Canadian study suggests switching to a targeted strategy focusing on high-risk healthcare workers only. The annual screening protocol should be changed to reflect the epidemiology of TB in North America, with resources redirected to increase access to prevention and treatment infrastructure.
The Precision Medicine Initiative raises concerns about protecting participant data and balancing health needs across sociocultural groups. Research on life extension also sparks debates over its necessity and potential economic and social impacts.
Researchers developed a novel framework using 3D MRI to characterize the shape, volume, morphometry, and texture of placentas during pregnancy. The framework accurately predicted pregnancies complicated by FGR with 86% accuracy, and estimated birth weight reasonably well.
Teriparatide therapy increases osteoblast activity and lifespan, but stopping treatment leads to increased fat cell formation in mice. This suggests therapies targeting parathyroid hormone receptors may prioritize osteoblast development over other cell fates.
The program will train staff at 20 health centers to offer group visits for diabetes patients, partnering with Care Message to implement a text messaging system. The goal is to consolidate services into one visit, provide education, and social support to help patients manage their blood sugar levels.
The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is launching efforts to train ecologists in effective public engagement. The annual meeting will feature workshops, sessions, and a social event to promote knowledge sharing and networking among scientists who prioritize public engagement.
Astronomers at the University of Iowa suggest quasars could be responsible for the extinction of dusty starburst galaxies. The study found four galaxies with visible quasars, which could indicate that every dusty starburst galaxy hosts a quasar.
Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have modeled the impact of El Niño on rainfall in the Red Sea region. The study found that El Niño strengthens the Red Sea Convergence Zone (RSCZ), leading to increased rainfall and storms along the coast.
Researchers propose new methods for addressing the reproducibility crisis in scientific research, emphasizing the need for greater understanding of data analysis as a human behavior. Experts argue that current p-value approaches may be flawed and advocate for Bayesian inference as a solution.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a method to create omniphobic surfaces, repelling liquids, using doubly reentrant microcavities. This technique has the potential to reduce hydrodynamic drag and antifouling in industries such as oil-water separation and membrane distillation.
A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that offering HIV testing at health checks in high-prevalence areas is cost-effective. The researchers estimate that the annual cost of rolling out screening programs to all high-HIV prevalence local authorities in England would be approximately £600,000.
A survey of UK male participants found that blackmail and threats were the most frequent strategies used by women forcing men to engage in non-consensual sex. The study also highlights the need for greater awareness and support for male victims of sexual violence, who often feel ashamed or isolated.