New research at Brown University finds that a non-equilibrium phenomenon relies on entropy to emerge, surprising scientists who thought disorder would decrease as systems move away from equilibrium. The study's results have implications for our understanding of entropy and may lead to new practical applications.
The United Nations seeks a new international policy for managing seabed resources in ABNJ areas, where laws are poorly specified. A new policy could address concerns by integrating inputs from research institutions, industries, and NGOs.
Research found that exposure to natural light for as little as a weekend camping trip can shift the circadian rhythm and potentially deliver health benefits, including improved sleep and reduced seasonal depression. The study suggests that architectural design can incorporate tunable lighting to enhance performance and well-being.
Pandor has been recognized for her efforts to integrate science into policymaking, promote young scientists, and foster international cooperation. She has also expanded research chairs and initiated the Science Forum South Africa.
A new Zika vaccine candidate has shown promising results in preclinical tests, protecting mice and monkeys with a single dose of mRNA-based vaccine. The innovative approach induces strong immune responses without adverse events, offering a potential solution to the global fight against Zika virus.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a technique to measure the electric field within a working semiconductor device, enabling studies of next-generation electronics. The approach exploits single electron spins and nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, promising spatial resolution of 10 nm for complex devices.
Scientists have experimentally realized a stable exotic quantum state that resists mixing due to disorder, defying predictions of conventional quantum mechanics. The discovery could have implications for the development of robust quantum computers.
Researchers at TSRI unveil a new technique for constructing chiral drug molecules using an α-chiral center, enabling the synthesis of valuable products. The method requires only inexpensive and widely available starting chemicals, mimicking enzymes in cells to create asymmetry.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that patients with autoimmune diseases taking azathioprine had a higher risk of developing therapy-related myeloid neoplasms. Researchers also identified other medications used by these patients, but only azathioprine showed a statistically significant association.
Researchers found that a slight increase in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) protects retinal blood vessels from damage in early diabetic eye disease. The study suggests that inhibiting TGF-β may accelerate the disease, while increasing its signaling could prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy.
A recent study published in Science found that sleep deprivation impairs the brain's ability to consolidate new memories in mice. The researchers discovered that homeostatic scaling down, a process that weakens synapses, occurs during sleep and is essential for learning and memory formation.
A team of researchers developed a new strategy using computational modeling to simulate how liver cells respond to different doses of 15 drugs. The approach integrated experimental observations with knowledge of drug distribution and metabolism, revealing similar responses across different drugs.
Researchers followed adults in five countries and found no association between physical activity and weight gain. However, weight at the initial visit, age, and gender were significantly associated with weight change. The study provides new evidence that exercise is not a reliable method for controlling weight.
Stanford researchers helped China identify and protect areas of high ecological value, including the Yangtze River and Min-Zhe-Gan mountains. The move marks a historic shift in China's environmental approach, valuing nature for human well-being and societal security.
A NASA scientist has initiated a study to determine whether severe solar storms can confuse animals' internal compasses, causing them to lose their way. The researcher hopes to find a statistical correlation between solar storms and cetacean mass strandings using massive data-mining efforts.
Lyme disease affects approximately 329,000 people annually in the US, with a focus on understanding how Borrelia burgdorferi adapts to survive in tick vectors and mammalian hosts. Dr. Seshu's research seeks to find better solutions to prevent the spread of Lyme disease.
A study finds substantial segregation in NYC's hospital system, with Blacks making up only 18% of AMC patients. In contrast, Boston's hospitals show less racial segregation. The findings highlight the unequal distribution of care and resources among different patient groups.
Scientists have developed mini-brains that can grow blood vessels, enabling the study of neurological diseases such as stroke and concussion. The presence of vasculature makes these mini-brains more realistic models of natural brains, allowing researchers to investigate the interaction between the brain and its circulatory system.
Astrocytes have long been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, but their roles were unknown. New research reveals that injured or diseased astrocytes can be toxic to neurons, causing cell death. However, they also play a crucial role in regeneration and connection formation.
A study found that online ratings and comments significantly increase doctor job stress, with 78% of physicians feeling the impact. Patients also use online reviews to make informed choices, but may be hesitant to share their own experiences due to concerns about bias.
A recent study published in Marketing Science found that online display ads can increase both online and offline retail sales, with 84% of the sales increase coming from offline channels. The study used a large-scale field experiment involving over 3 million users to evaluate the effects of branded apparel ads on sales.
A novel mRNA vaccine has shown promise in protecting mice and monkeys against Zika virus infection. The vaccine, which uses messenger RNA to produce Zika virus proteins, was found to be highly effective in preventing the virus in both animal models.
A new study by Northeastern University found that national election polls remain a strong indicator of election outcomes globally. The researchers' statistical models correctly predicted up to 90% of direct executive elections across the world.
A Pew Research Center survey found that 88% of Americans believe the benefits of the MMR vaccine outweigh its risks. However, parents of young children are more likely to see a higher risk and lower benefits from the vaccine. Those with high science knowledge and higher incomes tend to support school-based MMR vaccine requirements.
A study led by Harvard Medical School investigators found that a brain-based immune protein called inflammasome NLRP3 plays a crucial role in regulating sleep. The researchers discovered that the inflammasome recruits a sleep-inducing molecule to trigger somnolence following sleep deprivation and exposure to bacterial toxins.
This special issue of Science explores advances in forecasting policy, political violence, human behavior, and election predictions. Researchers unveil a modeling technique that can predict election outcomes with high accuracy, finding strong correlations between polling data and presidential election results.
Dr. Stanley T. Crooke presents a detailed look at the mechanisms underlying antisense drug activity, including prehybridization, hybridization, and post-hybridization phases. He highlights his group's contributions to characterizing ASO therapeutics' design, targeting, and mechanism of action.
A new study from North Carolina State University highlights how people who have lost weight face 'lean stigma' and sabotage attempts from friends and family. Participants used communication strategies such as saving face and damage control to maintain their weight loss and relationships.
Researchers found that cancer survivors value telehealth for its flexibility, convenience, and anonymity, allowing them to manage their care remotely. However, some prefer traditional methods of care, highlighting the need for personalized approaches.
A mathematical model of bovine tuberculosis transmission from cattle to cattle and cattle to humans was used to analyze the cost and effectiveness of interventions in Morocco. The results showed that using a more conservative cutoff for a positive skin test could lead to cheaper and quicker elimination of the disease.
Adult-born neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus can form connections with cortical neurons through a competitive process, promoting network plasticity. This redistribution of synapses between old and new neurons may disrupt existing memories and contribute to improved information acquisition.
Researchers discovered a toxin from S. epidermidis that contributes to blood infections and worsens septic infection in mouse models. Clinical studies are needed to assess its impact on human sepsis.
A new research review suggests that the UK's nuclear safety benchmark undervalues human life, with a current figure of £1.83 million per prevented fatality potentially too low. A revised estimate, considering a more robust methodology, places the value at between £16 million and £22 million per life saved.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a nano-LED that is 1000 times more efficient than predecessors, enabling gigabits per second data speeds. The new light source has the potential to take the brake off data traffic growth on chips.
A recent study published in Science found that polling data is a reliable predictor of election outcomes around the world. The research used global polling data to predict up to 90% of election outcomes, including 10 out of 11 elections in Latin America.
Researchers have developed a method to inhibit hazardous seawater fouling using cerium dioxide nanoparticles, mimicking the natural defense mechanism of algae. The particles block bacterial communication and prevent biofilm formation, making them an eco-friendly alternative to copper-based biocides.
Researchers found that low atmospheric oxygen levels from the Middle Ages lasted for 2 billion years, hindering complex life forms' emergence. The Great Oxidation Event introduced modern oxygen levels, and land plants played a crucial role in this change.
The USDA-NIFA has awarded $3 million in grants for plant and animal phenomics research. The projects focus on developing high-throughput technologies to analyze microbiomes and their interactions with plants and animals, with potential applications in improving human health and food production.
A weekend camping trip can reset people's internal clocks rapidly, regardless of season, by increasing daytime exposure to sunlight and reducing nighttime electrical lighting. This helps to shift melatonin levels and improves sleeping patterns.
Researchers found synthetic marijuana compounds are chemically distinct from marijuana, activate different receptors, and pose health risks. Studies reported acute and long-term adverse effects, including seizures, psychosis, dependence, and death.
Researchers developed a new scale to predict patient outcomes, finding that malaria co-infection, age extremes, and delayed healthcare seeking behavior are key predictors of mortality. The scoring system achieved high accuracy rates of 91% at triage and 97% after triage.
Researchers discovered two distinct neural networks controlling the balance between speed and accuracy when making decisions. The subthalamic nucleus region plays a key role in this process, with one network requiring more information for accurate decisions and another lowering the threshold for quick choices.
A new study has found that skin sodium content is strongly correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with chronic kidney disease. Reducing skin sodium through dietary restriction or medications may help protect the heart in these patients.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study characterizes the uptick of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in human cancer patients' spleens, revealing their immunosuppressive function. Higher splenocyte counts were associated with increased risk of death and decreased overall survival.
Professor Panozzo will work on developing algorithms that combine 3D scanning and digital fabrication technologies, enabling new applications in life sciences and medicine. The $554,000 grant aims to enhance the design of customized medical devices and improve cell tracking techniques.
In vivo reprogramming induces signs of telomere rejuvenation, reversing aging's hallmark: short telomeres. The process involves telomerase activation and elongation, similar to early stages of tumor development.
A growing global concern, nonmedical use of prescription drugs among young people is linked to increased deaths from opioids and stimulants. The misuse of these medications can cause serious health problems and even lead to overdose.
Saint Louis University research suggests that formal volunteering in civic service programs can improve the health, mental health, and social life of US veterans. After participating in a six-month volunteer program, more than half of the participants reported better health and emotional well-being.
Two studies reveal that synapses shrink after mice sleep, only to grow again upon waking, suggesting a balance mechanism between activity and rest. A gene called Homerla plays a role in synaptic weakening during sleep by remodeling a molecular signaling complex.
Researchers suggest that universal screening at 18 months and 24 months can help diagnose ASD earlier, reducing disparities among disadvantaged communities. The new policies aim to improve outcomes for relationships and careers.
Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacts have been studied in two parts, with research on marsh erosion, stability, microbes, and vegetation presented first. The study found that specific ecological communities and animals have responded differently to the spill, affecting food web studies and coastal ecosystem management.
A genetic analysis reveals a gene region that enables mosquitoes to break down commonly used pyrethroid insecticides, leading to almost universal resistance. The study warns of the risk that current interventions may be compromised if resistance continues unabated.
A Griffith University study found that increased CO2 emissions will cause algae to outcompete and poison coral in the Great Barrier Reef. If left unchecked, this could lead to significant reef degradation and death by 2100.
A study published in The BMJ found that internationally trained medical graduates care for patients with higher rates of chronic conditions yet have lower mortality rates than their US counterparts. International graduates also tend to be more expensive but save lives on average.
A four-year research project published in Science offers a direct visual proof of the synaptic homeostasis hypothesis, which suggests that sleep is essential for brain plasticity and learning. The study found that synapses in mice brains shrink by nearly 20% during sleep, creating room for growth and learning the next day.
Researchers at Caltech have discovered the molecular basis for protection of a ribosomal protein from cellular degradation, using X-ray crystallography to solve the structure of the bound pair. This finding has potential applications in developing new cancer drugs by preventing tumor growth.
A nationwide registry of over 1 million patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer reveals that 1 in 6 women missed post-surgical adjuvant endocrine therapy, which can lower cancer recurrence risk by 29%. Despite improvements, 18% of eligible women remained untreated between 2004 and 2013
A recent study has identified 83 DNA variants that modulate human height, with some affecting it by more than 2 cm. The discovery is significant for understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases such as diabetes and schizophrenia, and may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
A new study suggests that widely used pain relievers may increase the risk of a heart attack when used during a cold or flu-like illness. Researchers found a stronger association with a heart attack when both an acute respiratory infection and NSAID use were present, with a 3.4-fold increased risk for a heart attack.
A new treatment approach uses a single dose of chemotherapy to select patients for chemo-radiation or surgery, resulting in near-80% survival rates. This method tailors treatments to individual tumor biology and patient characteristics, improving quality of life and reducing complications.