A new NASA mission concept aims to study why planets lose their atmospheres. The proposed Mechanisms of Energetic Mass Ejection-Explorer (MEME-X) mission will use Earth as a laboratory, focusing on the loss of mass in the upper atmospheric layers and its interaction with solar wind.
Researchers at IST Austria have developed micrometer-scale, nonmagnetic devices that route microwave photons and shield qubits from harmful noise. The compact devices are a significant improvement over traditional predecessors and could revolutionize the development of quantum computers.
A new study finds that non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of death in India, surpassing infectious diseases. The study reveals significant state-level variations in health outcomes, with some states experiencing much higher rates of deaths and illnesses due to conditions like diabetes and ischemic heart disease.
Spanish researchers have confirmed how hot water freezes faster than cold water in granular fluids, a phenomenon known as the Mpemba effect. They also found that the opposite effect can occur: coldest liquids can heat up faster.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have made a breakthrough in treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae. They discovered that the body's natural defences, specifically interferons, can fight back against the infection, offering new avenues for therapy.
A new study found that pesticides significantly reduce bumblebees' ability to collect pollen and perform complex behaviors like buzz pollination. Chronic pesticide exposure interferes with bees' vibrations, leading to reduced pollen collection over time.
Researchers found that exposure to traumatic calls and lack of control over workload contribute to the psychological distress of emergency call handlers. High stress levels can lead to burnout, sickness, and increased time away from work.
Researchers have tested a potential new drug, NitroSynapsin, in a mouse model of an autism disorder and found it largely corrected electrical, behavioral and brain abnormalities. The candidate drug is intended to restore the signaling imbalance found in virtually all forms of autism spectrum disorder.
A new study indicates that the common eastern froglet can carry infections without experiencing mortality, which hinders efforts to reintroduce threatened species. The frog's wide distribution and high densities suggest it plays a key role in maintaining disease levels within ecosystems.
A study published in The BMJ found that weight-reducing diets, mostly low in fat, may decrease all-cause early death in adults with obesity. This supports the implementation of public health measures to prevent weight gain and promote weight loss. However, the evidence for reducing heart disease and cancer deaths is limited.
Researchers discovered a synthetic double-stranded RNA that boosts anti-tumor innate immune functions, potentially preventing liver cancer. The study found that administering the RNA at different stages suppressed tumor formation in mouse models.
Researchers at RUDN University have developed a way to produce benzofurans, a key component in various pharmaceutical substances, from cheap agricultural and woody waste. The new approach uses salicyl alcohols derived from low-cost chemicals, enabling the creation of new benzofuran-based drug substances.
Research finds e-cigarettes are used by 2.6% of NHANES participants, with higher exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and drinking alcohol among users. Former smokers are 23 times more likely to use e-cigarettes after quitting cigarettes.
A study has found a connection between genetic mutations in lysosomal storage disorders and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Researchers analyzed the largest available Parkinson's disease genetic dataset, discovering that nearly half of those with the disease carried damaging mutations in these genes.
Scientists have observed a contracting white dwarf for the first time, providing insights into young stars' evolution. The discovery suggests that young white dwarfs contract as they age, challenging current understanding of their behavior.
A study of 1,000 patients with chest pain found that adding noninvasive cardiac testing did not improve clinical outcomes, but rather prolonged hospital stays and increased costs. The test also resulted in more radiation exposure and repeated emergency department visits without a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events.
Scientists from CNRS and ENS de Lyon discover the world's longest sauropod dinosaur trackway, spanning over 155 meters, in the French village of Plagne. The trackway is estimated to be 150 million years old and belonged to a dinosaur at least 35m long and weighing 35t.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that isolated stem cells have a different gene-expression profile than their counterparts in the body. The study suggests that conclusions about stem cell function may need to be reconsidered due to changes in cell biology during isolation.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that most women do not require opioids to manage pain after hospital discharge. Researchers observed a significant reduction in opioid use for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries, with most pain resolving within 14 days.
Researchers from Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute conducted two clinical trials using human embryonic stem cells to treat dry macular degeneration, a leading cause of new blindness. The studies showed that stem cell injection into the eye replaced damaged cells and improved vision in some patients.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine found that mammalian brains can distinguish between one odor and another in under 100 milliseconds, using fewer nerve signals than previously believed. This groundbreaking study has implications for our understanding of human olfaction and the potential for new treatments for smell disorders.
Researchers found that individuals with A, B, and AB blood types have an elevated risk of heart attacks during times of significant air pollution compared to those with O blood type. The study links increased risk of heart attack associated with small particulate pollution to increased risk for people with coronary artery disease.
Researchers developed activatable theranostic nanoplatforms that can highlight tumor cells during surgery using near-infrared fluorescence. These nanoparticles also demonstrated effective phototherapy to eliminate hard-to-remove tumors without harming healthy tissue.
A new study concludes that extended-release naltrexone and buprenorphine-naloxone are equally safe and effective in curtailing opioid use, relapse, treatment drop-out, and overdose. Researchers found similar 24-week relapse rates for both medications, with craving for opioids lower in the naltrexone group.
Researchers have designed second-generation vaginal films that can provide extended release and improve mucoadhesiveness for up to seven days, addressing issues with current HIV prevention methods. These films use a combination of modified natural polymer and functional biopolymer to deliver antiretroviral drugs.
Researchers found that young, managed forests cause higher stress levels and lower survival rates in willow tits due to reduced food availability and increased predation risks. About 92% of the birds sheltering in older trees survived the winter, compared to nearly 73% in younger plantations.
Researchers developed compact deep-learning AI software that can run on mobile computer chips, allowing devices to operate independently of the internet. This technology has enormous potential for various fields, including industrial robots, drones, and manufacturing plants.
Johns Hopkins researchers identified a cellular pathway responsible for rapid heart failure in Marfan syndrome and reversed the disease in mouse models by increasing stress on the animals' hearts. The findings provide a potential model for treating this aggressive form of the disorder.
Soft magnetic materials are crucial for designing efficient electric machines, but current characterization methods are inadequate for applications like traction drives. Researchers offer improvements to guide the selection of the most suitable material.
A study by McMaster University neuroscientists found that even mild trauma from contact sports can disrupt the production of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region critical to memory. Temporary memory losses were observed in concussed athletes, while scores improved after a reprieve from their sport.
Researchers at the University of York found that sleep helps us use our memory in a flexible and adaptable manner by strengthening both old and new versions of an experience. This process allows for the adaptive updating of memories, but can also lead to distortions if incorrect information is incorporated.
Scientists from HKU created a novel liquid-repellent surface inspired by springtail cuticles, offering enhanced mechanical stability and low production costs. The breakthrough technology can be applied to various fields, including energy, buildings, and water vehicles.
Research from Binghamton University suggests that text message punctuation, such as periods and emoticons, plays a crucial role in conveying meaning and intent. By analyzing the impact of punctuation on reader understanding, the study reveals that these 'textisms' can change the meaning of texts.
Research by Kieron Barclay and Mikko Myrskylä found that birth order differences in university subject choice explain half of the gap in siblings' long-term earnings. Later-borns tend to pursue less prestigious subjects like arts, journalism, and teaching.
Researchers have created an artificial protein that inhibits G protein activators, leading to the potential blockage of malignant properties in cancer cells and correction of birth defects. The findings may pave the way for identifying new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
The Aspidistra elatior flower attracts insects by pretending to be a mushroom, with fungus gnats being the primary pollinators in its native habitat. This discovery clarifies that like most plants, A. elatior is mainly pollinated by flying insects.
Severe asthma defined as asthma requiring high-dose long-acting B2-agonists and/or additional controller medication or frequent oral corticosteroid use, emphasizing patient adherence verification before diagnosis.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have successfully transferred the nanostructures from the wings of black butterflies, which can absorb light over a wide spectrum and improve thin-film solar cell efficiency. The optimized nanostructures enhance light absorption by up to 200 percent.
A study suggests that expanding geographic sharing of donor kidneys could add 58 to 174 additional kidney transplants per year, helping more patients get off dialysis treatments. Organ quality varies from donor to donor and is concentrated in less populous regions, where patients are more willing to accept lower-quality organs.
A preclinical study demonstrates the effectiveness of PRO 140, a humanized anti-CCR5 monoclonal antibody, in preventing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in bone marrow stem cell transplantation. The study shows that PRO 140 successfully blocked GvHD development without affecting hematopoietic cell engraftment.
An interdisciplinary team is creating a living pathway from the robot's touch sensation to the user's brain to help amputees control the robotic hand. The researchers aim to regenerate the sensation of touch in an artificial limb using living residual neural pathways.
Chronic preconception exposure to genistein affected pregnancy rates in mice, resulting in prolonged labor, smaller litters, and higher pup mortality. The study found that high doses of genistein may boost fertility rates but also have adverse effects on reproductive outcomes.
A study by Penn State researchers found that EMTALA violations are often caused by confusion about the law and conflicting priorities between healthcare professionals. Hospitals may not report suspected violations due to financial pressure, referral burdens, or reluctance to maintain good relationships with other hospitals.
Scientists found that magnetic field strength increases linearly with distance from the specimen, making the double H-coil method more accurate for certain applications. The study suggests using the double H-coil method when data requires higher accuracy.
A University of Kansas study found that genetic differences between populations of Malaysian torrent frogs were misinterpreted using common methods, leading to the overestimation of new species. The researchers suggest a more cautious approach to species identification, accounting for gene flow among populations.
Artificially cooling the planet through geoengineering could have devastating effects on regions prone to storms or droughts, a new study shows. The researchers warn that targeting one hemisphere for geoengineering could lead to increased likelihood of natural disasters in other parts of the world.
A Canadian-led study found that perioperative aspirin can prevent heart-related complications after major noncardiac surgery in patients with previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). For every 1,000 patients with PCI, giving them aspirin at the time of noncardiac surgery would prevent 59 heart attacks and cause eight major bl...
Researchers found that long-term yerba mate supplementation reduced body weight and improved blood lipid levels, as well as insulin resistance in obese mice. The study suggests that yerba mate may be a safe and effective way to manage weight and related metabolic disorders.
A review and meta-analysis found a strong link between low vitamin D concentrations and lower live birth rates after assisted reproduction treatment. Women with sufficient vitamin D had a 34% higher chance of having a positive pregnancy test and a 46% higher chance of achieving clinical pregnancy.
A new study examines the mental health status of caregivers and its impact on child food security and perceptions of the child's health. Caregiver depression is associated with child food insecurity and lower levels of child health in urban areas.
A new analysis of 10.5 million patients found that mothers' exposure to sunlight, air pollution, and carbon monoxide during pregnancy may increase their child's lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, depression, and anxiety. The study also found that relative age at school enrollment is a stronger predictor of ADHD.
Researchers at Tufts University will develop devices to improve the collection, storage and transport of blood samples in field settings, enhancing sample reliability for disease surveillance and diagnostics.
A new study reveals that female mongooses evict rivals to reduce reproductive competition and increase pup survival rates. This behavior also leads to the creation of new social groups and reduced chances of successful breeding for evicted females.
A new US study examines how social identity threat affects religion and finds that highly religious individuals, particularly Christians, feel targeted and experience prejudice. The study reveals that religious minorities like Jews and Muslims also face heightened threat, likely due to prejudice and discrimination.
A new study finds that HPV testing is more sensitive than the Pap test for detecting precancerous cells. Cotesting, which combines both methods, identified more cases of treatable cancer but only affected a small number of women.
Researchers have developed a molecular sensor that can detect and eliminate cells with mutated TP53 genes, which are responsible for 50% of all human tumors. The sensor initiates cell death if the gene is non-functional, preventing tumor formation at an early stage.
Researchers found that CT scans and cardiac stress tests provide no information to determine whether a patient is having a heart attack, leading to unnecessary costs and extended hospital stays. The study suggests over-testing and over-treating patients with chest pain in the ER.
A longitudinal study found that French adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds experience varying levels of pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. Boys in North African French groups reported increasing felt pressure, while girls in both groups showed declining pressure over four years.
A Berkeley Lab-led study discovers new types of cellulases from a microbiome, which can break down plant biomass into glucose at high temperatures. The enzymes were cultivated from a cluster of uncultivated bacteria in municipal compost, offering a scalable source for biofuel production.
New techniques harness neural circuitry to control prosthetic limbs and eyes, restoring function and improving motor skills. Brain-machine interfaces enable individuals to adapt and learn from technical challenges.