Researchers at Brookhaven Lab create method to track dynamic molecular features in soft materials, enabling control of vibrational waves and flow of energy. The technique has potential applications in thermal and acoustic insulators, waste heat conversion, and light-mechanical motion.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology have identified a neural circuit in the brain that controls wakefulness. The discovery could lead to new treatments for insomnia and other sleep disturbances. The study found that stimulating these neurons with light can help overcome tiredness, while silencing them can induce sleep.
Researchers developed a new method to predict human biological age using carotid artery data, with a mean absolute error of 6.9 and 5.9 years for healthy individuals. The study used a combination of carotid ultrasound and tonometry data, as well as machine learning algorithms.
Researchers at Georgia State University have discovered a link between male sexual behavior and elevated male sex hormone receptors in the muscles of sex-changing fish. The study found that males express more androgen receptors in the supracarinalis muscle, which is associated with increased rates of courtship and aggressive displays.
A new software tool called Mendel,MD can help doctors analyze patients' genetic data to diagnose diseases caused by mutations. Developed for easy use by physicians, the tool is freely available and has been validated using clinical cases and tests at multiple research centers.
Cyanobacteria's protein machines, called carboxysomes, were biochemically purified and visualized using advanced microscopes. They were found to be softer and structurally flexible than previously thought, with implications for designing new nanomaterials and nano-bioreactors.
A team of researchers from KIT and EPFL used optical silicon nitride micro-resonators to generate continuously circulating solitons, enabling massive parallel data transmission on 179 wavelength channels. The system achieved a record-breaking data rate of over 50 terabits per second.
Research reveals that nutritional factors significantly impact genetic variation and mutation patterns in bacteria, leading to distinct evolutionary paths. Environmental stresses like starvation for essential elements determine the availability of mutations, influencing the emergence of traits dependent on specific mutations.
A University of Oklahoma researcher has identified the possible compositions of seven planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system, finding six to be Earth-like. The exception, TRAPPIST-1f, has a high water content, suggesting TRAPPIST-1e as a potential candidate for habitability studies.
Researchers found that fetuses at 34 weeks gestation turn their heads to look at face-like images, indicating a possible instinctual preference for faces. This discovery suggests that babies' preference for faces begins in the womb and does not require learning or experience after birth.
Neuroscientists propose using nonlinear message-passing and probabilistic models to simulate real-world conditions in the brain. This approach aims to better understand the brain's ability to perform approximate probabilistic inference.
Scientists have developed a technique to capture and slow down light, allowing them to observe the quantum nature of electrons in graphene. This breakthrough could lead to new discoveries in superconductors and topological materials.
A father's education level and income affect their spending time with children in different ways. Fathers who believe in traditional gender norms participate in less caregiving activities. Researchers found that both structural circumstances and fathers' personal beliefs matter in determining their involvement with children.
Researchers analyzed how neurons in V2 respond to natural scenes, discovering three principles: combining edges, cross-orientation suppression, and repeating patterns. This work provides insight into the brain's ability to recognize faces, cars, and other objects.
A new study found that sanitation access is crucial for children's growth and health, with households having access to toilets or latrines seeing improved stunting, anemia, and diarrhea rates. Increasing community-level sanitation access can also have a significant impact on child health.
A team at Osaka University found that agitating amorphous materials at a certain frequency accelerates crystallization, indicating a new method for controlling the formation of crystalline materials. The study used colloidal systems to model atomic materials and identified a specific vibrational mode facilitating crystallization.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have successfully developed a method for the catalytic asymmetric borylation of ketones, a breakthrough expected to facilitate the development of new medicines and functional chemicals. The team has identified a suitable catalyst element called chiral NHC complex for efficient reaction with diboron.
Researchers discovered Rrm3 protein's role in repairing breaks during DNA replication, a process crucial for preventing genetic instability and cancer. This finding sheds light on the physiological mechanisms that prevent genetic instability.
Researchers are developing new approach to computer technology, using mechanical vibrations for computations in aerospace applications. This method makes the computers more robust to radiation exposure and has potential for future commercial impacts.
Researchers have developed a novel material that rapidly removes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water, achieving concentrations below 10 parts per trillion. The material, made from a networked polymer, has shown greater affinity for PFOA than activated carbon and can be regenerated multiple times.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that people eat more and rate food as tasting better when eating with a mirror, not just another person. The study suggests a possible approach to improving the appeal of food for older people who frequently eat alone.
Scientists have developed a method to tune the optical and electrical properties of synthetic polymer analogs similar to melanin, a natural pigment affecting skin color. The study reveals that adjusting peptide sequences can produce noticeably different colors, ranging from beige to brown-black.
The art market price index, compiled by Prof. Roman Kräussl, shows a significant decline in post-war and contemporary art prices, with a 21% drop in 2016. This confirms a burst of the market bubble, which had been growing since 2009.
Scientists used computational models to investigate heterostructured nanoparticles and found that atomistic defects can jeopardize solar cell performance. They predicted a new material with improved optical properties, opening doors for more efficient energy conversion.
A new study found that behavioral 'nudges' are highly cost-effective in boosting retirement savings, college enrollment and vaccination rates, often yielding more returns than traditional interventions. Nudges encourage certain behaviors without restricting options or exacting financial penalties.
A research team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has confirmed magnetic signatures related to Majorana fermions in alpha-ruthenium trichloride, a material that could enable quantum computations. The study uses neutron scattering to reveal the material's unique magnetic behavior.
A study by Stroebe et al. found that fear of crime alone doesn't explain the need for personal protection; a general sense of threat about the world's danger also plays a role. Conservative political beliefs are stronger predictors than past experience with crime victimization.
Researchers have designed a safer antiplatelet drug based on a snake venom protein that interacts with platelets to form blood clots. The new study found that the molecule prevented platelet clotting and slowed down blood clot formation in mice, without increasing bleeding risk.
Paleontologists have found a lost ecosystem of scallops and brachiopods off southern California's coast that thrived for at least 4,000 years before dying off due to siltation from unmanaged land use. The researchers used molecular dating and geologic methods to analyze dead shells and conclude that the collapse of the brachiopod-scall...
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences' Hope for Reefs initiative recently returned from the Philippines, where they discovered several new species of fish, nudibranchs, and sand dollars. The team also documented evidence of human impacts on deep-sea reefs, highlighting the need for stronger protections.
Chandelier cells, a type of inhibitory interneuron, develop their connections differently than other neurons. Researchers found that only synapses on axon initial segments contain molecules, while the rest appear empty throughout development.
Researchers detect methyl isocyanate in solar-type protostar, a precursor to complex compounds like peptides and amino acids. The finding suggests that planets could begin with the chemical ingredients needed for life, supporting the theory of prebiotic chemistry in space.
Researchers found that irradiation of breast fat triggers an inflammatory response, protecting remaining cancer cells and allowing tumors to grow. Agents that block inflammation could improve radiotherapy effectiveness, potentially revolutionizing breast cancer treatment.
Dementia with Lewy bodies affects 1.4 million Americans, often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. The new guidelines provide detailed guidance for diagnosing and treating the condition, which includes symptoms like visual hallucinations and sleep difficulties.
Researchers discovered the P700 oxidation system in plants to suppress reactive oxygen species production, allowing safe photosynthesis. The system starts functioning when excess light energy is present, serving as a warning marker for oxidative stress.
A new technique developed by James Cook University scientists helps oil palm growers predict crop yield, nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen leaching. The research provides valuable information for on-farm decision making, enabling growers to make decisions that balance productivity and environmental sustainability.
A recent Danish study found that maternal daily consumption of artificially-sweetened beverages during pregnancy was associated with a higher body mass index score and increased risk of overweight/obesity at 7 years. This study suggests that substituting SSBs with artifically sweetened beverages may increase offspring obesity risk.
Researchers discover bitter taste receptors in the uterus can relax contracted muscle tissue, potentially stopping premature contractions. The findings provide hope for developing new therapeutics to prevent preterm labor.
A new paper examines the diverging trajectories of cannabis and tobacco policies in the US, highlighting the differences in regulatory approaches. The study suggests that both communities could benefit from learning from each other's strategies.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have identified how NS5A inhibitors block Hepatitis C virus replication, revealing a difference in the speed of decline depending on the strain of HCV. This understanding may lead to more effective therapies against a broader range of viruses.
Researchers at Australian National University have developed a new treatment for acute myeloid leukemia that reduces cancer cells and cancer stem cells. This innovative approach uses a compound called CX-5461 to target protein-making processes within cancer cells, leading to promising preclinical results.
A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that despite initial reductions, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) levels in Canadian cigarettes increased after 2007. The increases raise concerns about the failure to sustain harm reduction efforts.
A Duke-led research team developed an investigational vaccine that added three more targets to the original RV144 human vaccine candidate. The resulting pentavalent vaccine protected over half of the vaccinated animals from simian-human immunodeficiency virus infection, demonstrating improved protection compared to the original regimen.
Researchers developed a calculator estimating graft survival after kidney transplant from living donors, accounting for mismatches in age, sex, HLA, and body size. The tool is particularly useful for kidney paired donation, allowing candidates to compare estimated graft survival with different potential donors.
Researchers have developed a method for autonomous learning in self-taught systems, allowing them to evolve and adapt over time. This approach, which incorporates delayed dynamics and feedback loops, has been successfully applied to neural networks and phase oscillators, yielding robust performance with minimal external control.
A team of international physicists, including UC Santa Barbara postdoctoral scholar Manuel Franco Sevilla, reviewed results from three experiments that suggest lepton universality may need to be revised. The findings, published in Nature, indicate a higher-than-expected tau decay rate in all three experiments.
Researchers found weakened cytokine interactions in blood samples of people who developed glioma, a type of brain cancer. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.
A new study estimates that heroin users have a significant impact on society due to premature death, lost productivity, and chronic infectious diseases. Heroin use was estimated to cost US society over $51 billion in 2015, with the cost per user exceeding $50,799 per year.
A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that people's names are associated with specific face shapes, influencing voting decisions. Candidates with congruent names received an average of 10 more percentage points in their elections than those with incongruent names.
The Waters Corporation and Andrew Alliance have signed a co-marketing agreement to promote their collaboration on protein therapeutics glycosylation profiling. The partnership enables laboratories to automate large numbers of routine, high-quality released N-glycan analyses with improved accuracy and precision.
A study by Osaka University reveals that a single heterodimer of two T1r members can detect a wide range of sweet and savory flavors in humans. The researchers found that the structure of the heterodimer is similar regardless of the amino acid bound, but with varying affinity for each ligand.
A new study suggests that comets may have delivered up to 22% of the element xenon found in Earth's atmosphere. The finding is based on analysis of spectrometry data from the Rosetta spacecraft, which detected isotopic signatures of cometary xenon that closely match those on Earth.
Adolescents' responses to verbal racism in school were influenced by age, ethnicity, and cross-group friendships. Younger and majority-ethnic adolescents showed more prosocial bystander responses, while older and minority-ethnic adolescents indicated aggressive or passive responses.
A study found that obese patients undergoing shoulder joint replacement surgery are at increased risk of complications, including the need for revision surgery and postoperative infections. The risk of revision surgery increases steadily with increasing body mass index (BMI) in obese patients.
Researchers conducted a study assessing stem cell transplantation for patients with a rare 'gain of function' STAT1 gene mutation. The treatment showed encouraging results, with five patients being completely cured and disease-free, but the overall success rate was disappointing at 40%. Experts propose adjusting treatment parameters, s...
A new study reveals that the 60-degree bend in the Hawaiian-Emperor chain is primarily caused by a directional change in the Pacific plate motion. The research also suggests that some southward plume motion is required, but this cannot be explained by current mantle convection models.
Scientists develop new fluorescent imaging agents to detect enzyme activity in healthy and diseased tissues, enabling early disease identification and direct measurement of drug treatment effectiveness.
A new study found that chemotherapy can significantly impair walking gait and balance in breast cancer patients, leading to a higher risk of falls. Researchers advocate for integrating objective measures of physical function into oncology follow-up care to reduce fall risk and improve treatment compliance.
USC researchers found that smiling during victory can hurt future cooperation chances, but smiling during a loss can increase success odds. The study used emotion-tracking software to analyze participants' facial reactions during the Golden Balls game show.
Complement component C3 is produced by microglia in the brain within days of viral infection, suggesting a localized immune response. This finding adds to understanding of how increased expression of immunologic factors contributes to neuroinflammation and seizures following viral infection.
A synthetic sensor array, resembling an artificial tongue, can detect closely related whisky samples as distinct. The device identifies key qualities such as malt status, age, and country of origin, making it a valuable tool for spotting counterfeits.
A new study confirms that wolves and dogs refuse to cooperate when they don't receive a reward, showing an innate sensitivity to inequity. The behavior is similar in both species, indicating it's not solely due to domestication.
A University of Waterloo study found that firms move income from profitable high-tax subsidiaries to unprofitable ones to save on taxes. This tax planning strategy is not currently targeted by governments, which focus on preventing companies from moving money offshore.
Researchers identified multiple genes that enable somatic cells to switch to germline fate in plants. The discovery provides molecular evidence for the evolution of reproductive systems in ancient plants, showing how plants limit switching to create a single germ cell.
Drexel University researchers uncover a crucial role of the Rad52 protein in RNA-dependent DNA repair. The study reveals an unexpected function of Rad52, promoting 'inverse strand exchange' between double-stranded DNA and RNA molecules. This mechanism may help identify new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Researchers at Swansea University have created a new class of nanomaterials with tunable wettability, which can be used for antifouling and water-proofing surfaces. The materials are inexpensive, non-toxic, and can be applied via spray or spin-coating to various surfaces.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that young women have poorer transplant outcomes compared to young men, while women over 45 have similar or better outcomes. The research suggests personalized immunosuppression strategies based on age and sex could improve graft success.
Researchers discovered 'event cells' in the hippocampus that represent sequences of events, facilitating episodic memory. The study found that the brain's theta cycle phase precession plays a crucial role in organizing these event sequences.
A new study in The Lancet uses WhatsApp to collect robust data on attacks against health care workers and facilities in Syria, identifying 402 incidents between November 2015 and December 2016. Nearly half of hospitals were attacked, and services were hit more than once.
Researchers linked lower levels of WNT10A protein to male pattern baldness and found a treatment mechanism involving beta-catenin signaling. Small molecule drugs targeting this pathway may treat hair thinning and palm skin defects in WNT10A patients.
The University of Texas at San Antonio is developing an artificial neural network called NFrame to monitor and detect 'bad behavior' in computer systems. The system will learn normal behaviors and flag anomalies, allowing it to predict potential issues and prevent security breaches.
A new tool called Wide-Open identifies overdue scientific datasets and encourages their public release. The system uses text mining to detect dataset references in published articles and enforces open data policies.
A new study reveals that humans can entrain to the temporal structure of sign language, regardless of whether they are fluent or non-fluent signers. The researchers developed a novel metric to measure visual rhythms in sign language and found that brain waves locked into specific frequencies of sign language.
Astronomers using ALMA have found the complex organic molecule methyl isocyanate in the disk of a young Sun-like star, providing new insights into the formation of life. The discovery suggests that these protostars are well-suited for Earth-sized planets to form and may hold clues to understanding how life emerged on our planet.
A new study by McMaster University has found that delaying the introduction of potentially allergenic foods until after a baby's first year may increase the likelihood of a food allergy later on. Infants who avoided cow's milk products, egg, and peanut during their first year were more likely to be sensitized to these foods at age one.
Astronomers used Hubble Space Telescope to repeat a century-old test of general relativity by measuring the deflection of light from a background star. The result provides a solid estimate of the white dwarf's mass and yields insights into theories of its structure and composition.
Dog ownership has been found to encourage older adults to be more physically active, with an average of 22 minutes spent walking per day compared to non-owners. The study, published in BMC Public Health, also showed that dog owners had fewer sedentary events than non-dog owners.
A new study by University of Utah researchers suggests a causal relationship between a father's behavior and his daughter's experiences, leading to changes in social environments that impact their sexual behavior. The quality of fathering has implications for parental monitoring and peer affiliation.
Researchers at CUNY's ASRC developed a new approach to produce materials that mimic melanin's properties, providing unprecedented control over expressing specific properties of the biopolymer. This discovery could enable the development of innovative cosmetic and biomedical products.
Rice University scientists have discovered a way to selectively open gaps in blood vessel barriers, allowing large molecule drugs to reach targeted tissues. The technique uses magnets to manipulate nanoparticles and alter the endothelial cell's structure, creating temporary 'leakiness' that can be controlled.
A new clinical study found that genetic defects in mismatch repair (MMR) pathway tumors can indicate successful response to PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. The trial showed pembrolizumab controlled disease in 66 patients and caused complete tumor disappearance in 18, with no recurrence for an average of 8.3 months.
A pilot study found that patients following cesarean delivery often receive double the number of pain pills they need, leading to unused medication. Using a shared decision-making tool reduced opioid prescriptions by 50%.
Bee health expert Lynn Adler is studying the impact of sunflower pollen on honeybees and bumblebees. Her research aims to explore whether sunflower pollen can help bees fight off a common pathogen, potentially leading to new commercial products to support bee health.
A team of researchers has developed improved tin electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction, which can increase the energy efficiency of the process. The study used computational quantum chemistry modeling to predict which dopant additives can enhance the conversion rate.
Effective SEL programs focus on improving emotional environments, values, and mindsets rather than just teaching skills, according to UT Austin psychology assistant professor David Yeager. These approaches help teens find purpose in learning and communities, leading to improved academic performance and social-emotional well-being.
Researchers have developed a new surface molecule that makes immune cells more aggressive against cancer cells. The approach could enhance adoptive T-cell therapy, allowing for more effective treatments and personalized medicine.
The IASLC published a comprehensive summary of the year's key developments in thoracic oncology, covering prevention, early detection, pathology, staging, surgery, adjuvant therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. The publication highlights significant progress in small cell lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.
A statistical analysis of HIV/AIDS interventions in South Africa reveals significant disparities between rural and urban areas. The study found that earlier access to interventions is crucial in rural areas due to cultural factors such as stigmatization.
Researchers from KIT and EPFL demonstrated a novel method for generating frequency combs in optical microresonators, enabling data transmission rates of over 50 terabits per second. This breakthrough uses soliton frequency combs to increase the performance of wavelength division multiplexing techniques in optical communications.
The Famula project has created a system that learns to recognize everyday objects through trial and error, mimicking human learning. The robot's language capabilities are also being developed to improve its interactions with humans.
Researchers found that extinct early whales had hearing similar to terrestrial animals, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery suggests a more complex evolutionary history for whales, with hearing specialization emerging later.
A global standard method for whole genome sequencing will facilitate real-time data sharing among public health laboratory networks, increasing efficiency in detecting and responding to foodborne illnesses. The adoption of this method is expected to save lives and reduce economic burdens.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that capable governments are crucial in preventing food-related violence induced by climate change. The researchers found that weak political institutions, poverty, and dependence on agriculture make countries more vulnerable to such uprisings.
Dr. Jack Edwards, a leading researcher at LA BioMed, has been recognized with the Rhoda Benham Award for his continuous outstanding contributions to medical mycology. His work focuses on understanding fungal diseases, aiming to develop new anti-fungal agents and immunotherapies to prevent life-threatening infections.
Physicists from Cracow and Zurich searched for traces of light inflatons in meson decay, but found none. The absence of a new particle challenges cosmological models relying on general relativity.
A new study published in Organization Science found that setting stretch goals can lead to lower risk-adjusted performance and higher variation in performance across organizations. The researchers discovered that about 80% of participants failed to reach their assigned stretch goals, often abandoning them for more manageable targets.
Scientists at IBS create nanostructures that function as channels for iodide transport in cell membranes, offering a new approach to diagnose and treat iodide transport disorders. The newly developed synthetic ion channels, called porphyrin boxes 1A (PB-1A), selectively allow the passage of negatively-charged ions, such as iodides.
Researchers found that leaders who change their moral minds are perceived as hypocritical and less effective, but framing the change as a result of a transformative experience can mitigate this perception. The study suggests that taking a moral stance without underlying beliefs can backfire if a leader needs to change their mind later.
A study using brain scans found that feelings of empathy involve distinct brain activity patterns, with empathic care overlapping with value and reward systems and empathic distress linked to mirroring systems. The researchers discovered consistent patterns across individuals, predicting emotions based on brain activity.
Researchers at KIT discovered how fungi grow by extending tubular cells, contrary to conventional cell division. The growth process is controlled by calcium concentration and involves the transport of construction materials on rails.
A Wayne State University research team will conduct a five-year trial to test an intervention on tablet computers that helps parents engage in effective parenting to assist their diabetic adolescents complete daily care. The study aims to improve health outcomes and metabolic control among African American youth with Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers compared visual functions in elite and intermediate footballers to healthy non-athletes, finding that elite players had better visual clarity, contrast sensitivity, and near-far quickness. Defensive players showed faster near-far quickness than offensive players, suggesting this may be an advantage for defenders.
Chinese researchers create microscale optical waveguides using lanthanide metal-organic frameworks, offering potential for low-loss light conduction and polarized emissions. The novel structures emit luminescence in different colors depending on the used lanthanide, making them suitable for color-tunable optical applications.
A Utah State University team constructed a scale model of the Oroville Dam spillway, replicating its current state and terrain conditions. The model will help engineers make better-informed decisions about repair and replacement.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense rainfall in southeastern Florida, with rates exceeding 7.5 inches per hour. The GPM core satellite captured detailed images of the storms' vertical structure, showing thunderstorm tops reaching altitudes of over 9 miles.
Scientists create a 'molecular black hole' by stripping electrons from atoms using the world's most powerful X-ray laser. The experiment uses intense pulses to study molecular behavior and could advance high-resolution imaging of viruses, bacteria, and complex materials.