A new chess ranking system ranks players based on the quality of their moves, producing more accurate results than traditional ELO scores. The system uses probabilistic models to estimate win/loss/draw probabilities for any match between two players.
Researchers at Brown University have identified genes with epigenetic tags associated with shorter sleep in young adults. The study used a combination of human and worm experiments to discover the connection, finding that knocking out analogous genes in worms affected sleep patterns.
Researchers discovered rare genetic variants on chromosomes 4 and 7 linked to extended survival and lower risks of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. The study highlights the importance of studying rare cases to identify combinations of common and rare variants associated with extreme longevity.
Researchers have successfully triggered a chemical reaction in synthetic material that breaks down carbon dioxide into harmless organic materials, producing solar fuel. This process has great potential for reducing greenhouse gases linked to climate change.
Researchers found that genetics controlled which receptors were present in mice, but the environment also played a significant role in shaping the olfactory system. This combination of genetic and environmental factors gives each individual a unique sense of smell, even among genetically identical animals.
A team led by Dr. Bill Bottke from Southwest Research Institute discovered a 400-million-year lull in Mars' giant impact history, closely paralleling the bombardment histories of the Moon, asteroid belt, and Mercury. This finding supports the Late Heavy Bombardment theory and highlights an important period in Martian evolution.
Researchers are using gene-editing platform Crispr-Cas9 to investigate the poisoning power of ancient silver remedy. They aim to create effective antimicrobials and avoid antimicrobial resistance pitfalls.
Studies presented at AGS17 show promising results for deprescribing benzodiazepines using tools for healthcare providers and education for older adults. A Patient-Facing Advance Care Planning website increased ACP documentation and engagement among older primary care patients.
Scientists develop synthetic mucus to control pathogenic bacteria and maintain healthy microbial balance in the body. The study reveals mucins can help prevent diseases by reducing dominance of harmful species.
Researchers found that patients with increased PD-1+ CD8 T cells in their blood after starting treatment experienced better clinical outcomes. The study's results suggest that monitoring activated T cells may help oncologists and patients decide whether to continue or combine treatments.
Antiviral drug tenofovir significantly reduces hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission from mother to child when administered during pregnancy. Studies show a 77% reduction in transmission rates, from 90% to just 3%, saving countless lives and preventing liver disease.
Seeds from plants like Pelargonium self-burrow into soil using a helically coiled awn that responds to humidity. The team developed mathematical models to understand the mechanism, which has direct applications to current and next-generation robotics.
Research from Sandia National Laboratories shows that brain stimulation combined with working memory training improves cognitive performance. Volunteers who received non-invasive brain stimulation while training showed significant improvements in verbal and spatial tasks, as well as problem-solving ability.
Researchers developed a biopolymer delivery system combining CAR T cells and STING agonists to eliminate tumors more effectively than CAR T cell therapy alone. The method improved targeting of solid tumors, reducing metastasis, and providing promising support for combined immunotherapy approaches.
Research reveals that hearing loss is a highly prevalent and important factor in communication between healthcare professionals and older adults, but it's largely overlooked. Studies show that offering hearing assistance can improve patients' understanding.
A study by Maureen Storey, PhD, found that consumers of frozen fruits and vegetables have significantly higher intakes of key nutrients like potassium, fiber, and calcium. Additionally, adult consumers of frozen fruits and vegetables have lower BMI than non-consumers.
A rocky super-earth, LHS 1140b, has been discovered orbiting an M-type star in the habitable zone, making it a promising candidate for atmospheric study and search for life. The planet's size and mass indicate a rocky composition, and its distance from the star allows for relatively cool temperatures.
Scientists analyzed dozens of TGFs launched by tropical storms, confirming that storm intensity alone is not the key factor for producing these events. Most TGFs occurred as systems intensified, with stronger electric fields driving clouds higher into the atmosphere.
A new study reveals that 72% of Medicare beneficiaries report improved function after receiving rehabilitation services. This positive outcome is crucial as the older adult population doubles by 2050, emphasizing the need to plan sufficient resources for rehabilitation services.
Researchers identified two proteins regulating hair cell formation in plant roots, enabling plants to thrive under phosphorus starvation. GRP8 overexpression increased root-hair cells, leading to improved phosphate uptake and biomass production.
A new study published in Nature Genetics has identified 389 genetic signals linked to the timing of puberty, including associations with an increased risk of breast, ovary, and endometrial cancers in women, and prostate cancer in men. The research also suggests that earlier puberty timing may have negative effects on later health.
Researchers propose a new model for the initial India-Eurasia continental collision, which led to the formation of the Tibetan Plateau. The model suggests an earlier collision timing between 65 Ma and 63 Ma, resulting in large-scale continental subduction and deformation across central Asia.
A global understanding of breast cancer dissemination is crucial to improve treatment, and this study reveals that most metastases originate from a single precursor. Analyzing the genomic profile of metastases can help make therapeutic decisions, particularly for targeted treatments.
Using HEART score to risk stratify patients with chest pain is safe and effective. However, its underutilization in emergency department (ED) settings may contribute to its limited impact on healthcare costs, which could be improved by reducing unnecessary admissions and testing.
Scientists create programmable nanostructures using pH-sensitive DNA locks to control the optical properties of plasmonic metamolecules. This technology has potential applications in sensors, optical switches, and phase shifters with tailored functionalities.
The team created a nanocatalyst that can perform four separate chemical reactions in one container to produce compounds useful in making a wide range of pharmaceutical products. The new catalyst reduces waste and uses more environmentally friendly solvents.
Researchers used stem cells from patients with Angelman syndrome to identify the underlying cellular defects that cause the disorder. They found that brain cells fail to mature, disrupting synaptic connections critical for learning and cognitive development.
A recent study by Waseda University researchers found that the glaucophyte Cyanophora paradoxa has metabolic interactions with respiration similar to those in cyanobacteria. This suggests that cyanelles retain many characteristics of their ancestral cyanobacteria, challenging current understanding of algae evolution.
Scientists discover three new species of fungus-farming ants, including Sericomyrmex radioheadi, which grows a unique crystal-like layer on its body. This layer may play a role in protecting the ant's fungus garden from parasites.
A study by Houston Methodist researchers found that the surface protein OX40, which helps keep T-cells alive, can trigger the death of liver immune cells. This leads to a chain reaction causing liver inflammation and disease. The research suggests a potential new avenue for intervention, such as OX40 inhibitors or blockers.
The probability of children attaining a higher income than their parents has dropped dramatically since 1940, from over 90% to 50%. Restoring economic mobility would require greater economic redistribution. Policies such as fostering productivity growth and increasing the minimum wage can help achieve this goal.
A new AI-based image detection method has shown promise in screening for cervical cancer, detecting abnormalities with higher sensitivity and specificity than traditional methods. The technique, developed by Lehigh University researchers, could be used to improve early detection and treatment of the disease in resource-poor regions.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in self-charging battery technology, enabling devices to harness and store energy using light. The technology has the potential to power portable devices such as phones indefinitely, eliminating the need for frequent recharging.
Research found a skewed ratio of male to female babies born to Indian-born women, particularly among Punjabi-speaking mothers. The study suggests that the practice of sex selection through abortion may be driving this imbalance and that it will not correct itself without interventions.
Mutations in progranulin protein result in obsessive-like behaviors and immune system alterations, implicating TNF as a potential therapeutic target for FTD. Targeting NF-B activity in microglia may also prevent excessive grooming and improve social behavior.
The study found significant variability in AED registration and maintenance, leading to unknown true risk for failure. Regions with high registration rates had significantly more operational AEDs.
Researchers at Penn State have received a $9 million NIH grant to investigate malaria transmission in Southeast Asia and work toward the disease's elimination. They will examine how environmental changes affect disease transmission, genetic resistance to insecticides, and counterfeit drugs.
Researchers found that walking significantly increases blood flow to the brain, comparable to running, but less dramatic than cycling. The study uses non-invasive ultrasound to measure internal carotid artery blood velocity waves and arterial diameters.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that 95% of newly enrolled Medicaid beneficiaries in Ohio would be left without a viable insurance option if the Affordable Care Act is repealed. The expansion primarily affects older, low-income whites with less education, who rely on Medicaid for healthcare and basic needs.
Using microfluidics, researchers can stretch and shear polymers at will, allowing them to study behavior at the microscopic scale. This enables the creation of a catalogue of diverse polymeric fluids with known relaxation times, facilitating the alignment and separation of molecules in biological fluids.
A study published in CMAJ found that team-based primary care practices in Quebec had lower rates of emergency department visits and death among older or chronically ill patients after hospital discharge. The researchers attributed this to better coordination of care, which reduces hospital readmission and death.
Caltech researchers discovered that the amygdala has distinct neurons that judge the intensity and ambiguity of facial expressions, providing insights into autism and anxiety. The study found two groups of neurons: one for detecting emotion intensity and another for coding emotional ambiguity.
Scientists at Diamond Light Source developed a new Pan-DDAA method to extract clear detail from X-ray diffraction data. The approach identifies noise sources and removes them, exploiting the ability of Diamond's beamline to repeat measurements quickly.
Researchers discovered graphene can withstand extreme pressures, potentially increasing desalination efficiency. Graphene-based filtration membranes may enable more productive desalination processes.
A new analysis suggests that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendation against the inhaled flu vaccine may not be detrimental if it becomes effective. The study found that close surveillance will be needed to ensure the vaccine continues to do more good than harm.
The Estée Lauder Companies Research & Development presents new findings in anti-aging skin and hair research, including the effects of pollen exposure and photo-aging. The studies aim to understand environmental and biological processes driving skin and hair aging.
A new study outlines a four-step framework for testing whether global warming contributed to record-setting weather events. The research found that human-caused climate change increased the odds of hottest events across over 80% of the globe, while also posing risks for vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
The University of California, Irvine will establish a rocketry program thanks to a $1 million gift from Base 11. Students will design, build and test rocket prototypes between 15-50 feet long, with the goal of launching a liquid-fuel rocket into space.
Researchers found that orange essential oil reduced fear responses and diminished immune system markers of stress in mice, suggesting a potential nonpharmaceutical option for PTSD. The study's findings hint at a possible mechanism for the effects of essential oils on brain gene expression.
A study of 1350 cirrhotic patients found that statin use reduced the risk of liver decompensation in a dose-dependent manner. Statins may provide benefits to patients with HBV- or HCV-related cirrhosis, improving survival rates.
Researchers from Georgia State University are investigating the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in developing diabetic cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of heart failure and death in diabetic patients. They aim to understand how increased FUNDC1 expression impairs mitochondrial function, leading to cardiac damage and dysfunction.
Scientists have identified a group of seven genes that show distinct patterns of expression in patients with malaria, distinguishing it from other infectious diseases. This discovery could lead to the development of a fast and accurate blood test for malaria.
High testosterone levels are associated with competitive, status-seeking social behaviors, while low testosterone is linked to cooperative behaviors. Researchers found that mixed populations with a balance of high and low-testosterone individuals are more likely to form effective social hierarchies.
Researchers at RMIT University have successfully completed phase one human trials of ingestible capsules that measure gas levels in the gastrointestinal tract. The technology has demonstrated thousands of times more sensitivity to gut gases than alternative methods, offering a reliable diagnostic tool for colon cancer.
Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism by which E. coli bacteria regulate lipid storage in C. elegans, leading to increased fat accumulation and mitochondrial fragmentation. This discovery reveals unsuspected connections between bacteria and mitochondria, suggesting a new language for communication between the two.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed a synthetic scaffold loaded with cancer-fighting T cells that shrank tumors more effectively than traditional injection methods. The scaffold created a homey environment for the T cells to survive and proliferate, outwitting self-defense chemicals released by tumors.
Researchers found that dominant banded mongooses target close female relatives for eviction due to their ability to resist, reducing competition for offspring. This behaviour is in contrast to expected social norms and highlights the importance of latent threats on social behavior.
A new nanoparticle vaccine has been developed to target several different cancer types by delivering tumor antigens to immune cells. The nanovaccine showed anti-tumor efficacy in multiple tumor types in mice, slowing tumor growth and extending animal lives.
A study by researchers at Aalto University found that having women in scientific committees can make it harder for female candidates to get a nomination for professor. Despite this, quotas may not be an effective solution, as they could negatively impact senior female researchers and junior candidates.
Researchers at MIT discovered a brain circuit that governs how we respond to conflicting environmental cues, shedding light on the neural mechanisms behind rapid decision-making. The study suggests that information flow between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex is critical for coordinating behavior in the face of competing signals.