The University of Southern California has been selected to lead a consortium to build 100-qubit quantum machines that can solve complex optimization problems. The $45 million contract aims to develop computational frameworks and design quantum annealers for enhanced quantum optimization.
Researchers at Empa investigate microfiber release from polyester textiles during washing, finding constant fiber quantity regardless of temperature or wash cycle duration. The study reveals a lack of effect from washing agents and detergents on microfiber release.
Researchers have discovered a new 2D material with unique spin properties, making it a promising candidate for spintronics applications. The material's electronic structure was characterized using X-ray and scanning tunneling microscopy techniques, revealing its potential to carry data more efficiently and with lesser power demands.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a new tool to efficiently slice cells in half, enabling faster and more standardized study of single-cell wound repair. The 'cellular guillotine' cuts Stentor cells up to 200 times faster than previous methods with similar survival rates.
Researchers found that African Americans who had at least two modifiable healthy behaviors were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure. The study also found that those who followed six or more of the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 guidelines had a 90% lower risk of high blood pressure.
A new study found that patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who received early cardiology care had a 9% lower risk of stroke and an 11% lower risk of death. Early prescription of anticoagulants also appeared to lower the risk of stroke.
Researchers find that including an indirect land use change factor in biofuel policies leads to a relatively small reduction in emissions at a high economic cost. The inclusion of this factor imposes a hidden tax on all fuels, increasing their carbon emissions per gallon and fuel prices for consumers.
The ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellowship has chosen three winners to receive $50,000 awards each for research in green energy technology. The selected fellows will also receive a one-year complimentary ECS membership and the opportunity to present and/or publish their research with ECS.
Researchers found that zolpidem can have significant effects on patients with disorders of consciousness or movement disorders, including those in comas and vegetative states. The medication's effects were often transient but repeatable, and some patients showed improvement to a minimally conscious state.
A recent study found nearly 10% of patients with definite, highly likely, or probable drug-induced liver injury to have a fatal outcome within 2 years. The majority of fatalities were directly attributed to the liver injury, highlighting the severity of this condition.
Researchers found that avoiding social threats leads to decreased mentalizing network activity and increased amygdala activity, indicating heightened threat detection. The study used a Lord of the Rings-themed experiment to investigate neural correlates of social threat perception.
New research finds that taking photos of experiences enhances visual memory, but hinders auditory memory. Participants who took photos recalled more visual details than those who didn't have a camera, while their auditory recall suffered compared to their non-photographing peers.
Women living in lower-income areas were more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer after a substantial rollback of Medicaid coverage, according to a new analysis. The study found a significant shift towards later stage diagnosis in low-income areas compared to higher-income areas.
Researchers found that people who took a picture of a sentimental item before donating it donated between 15-35% more than those who did not receive a prompt. This is because possessions, memories, and identity are psychologically tied together.
Researchers at Rutgers University have invented a technology to clone thousands of genes simultaneously, creating massive libraries of proteins from DNA samples. This innovation could lead to rapid discovery of new medicines and biomarkers, revolutionizing the field of functional genomics.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have discovered that cancer cells manipulate a natural cell process called nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) to promote their survival. By understanding how NMD affects different types of cancer, scientists may be able to develop new treatments and therapies to control tumour growth.
Researchers at Caltech have developed two new viral vectors that can deliver genetic cargo to neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The vectors, AAV-PHP.eB and AAV-PHP.S, can reach their targets via the bloodstream and are customizable for gene therapy applications. They offer a significant improvement over existing me...
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology create liposomes with a DNA-based skeletal support, allowing them to withstand osmotic pressure and maintain their structure. This innovation enables controlled release of entrapped compounds and opens up new possibilities for drug delivery and cosmetics.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way that legumes, including peanuts, produce an essential amino acid called tyrosine. The team found that a single mutation in a plant enzyme is responsible for this unique pathway, which could lead to increased production of morphine and other valuable chemicals.
Researchers found that high suPAR protein levels combine with common genetic mutation to trigger disease onset and define rate of progression. The study used large cohorts of black patients with genetic risk factors for chronic kidney disease and found that plasma suPAR levels predict renal function decline.
Karin Heineman, a seasoned science communicator, emphasizes the importance of capturing underlying stories and emotions in scientific discoveries. She shares her expertise on how to effectively convey complex ideas through video, highlighting its potential to impact audiences beyond the lab.
A novel compound, FA-M-β-CyD, induces mitophagy-mediated antitumor activity by targeting FR-α-expressing tumor cells. It increases mitochondrial transmembrane potential and ROS production, leading to cancer cell death. The compound shows promise as an anticancer drug with minimal side effects.
A research team measured chimpanzee muscles and found a modest performance advantage, contrary to popular accounts of chimp 'super strength'. Chimpanzees have twice as many fast-twitch fibers, but this translates to only about 1.35 times more dynamic force and power output than humans.
Researchers at University College London and Oxford have developed magnetic implants to control eye movement, improving symptoms of nystagmus for the first time. The study, published in Ophthalmology, shows that the implants can correct oscillopsia and improve visual acuity.
A new microscope can rapidly image tumor margins during surgery, reducing the need for second surgeries. It also enables pathologists to view tissue in 3D, potentially leading to improved diagnosis and treatment decisions.
A pilot randomized trial found that about 22% of generally healthy adult patients with whole genome sequencing results had a previously unrecognized variant with potential risk for a rare Mendelian disease. However, only about 4% had a clinically relevant abnormality related to a variant.
Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system of quadcopter drones that can both fly and drive through urban environments with ease. The drones, equipped with wheels on the bottom, can navigate around obstacles in both air and ground modes, making them ideal for transporting objects or rescuing people in disaster zones.
A study reveals the importance of formal education, screening, and treatment protocols for emergency department personnel in identifying and rescuing human trafficking victims. The project increased the identification of other forms of abuse, such as domestic violence and sexual assault.
Scientists develop a simple method to make graphene oxide smart, allowing it to bend in response to changing humidity without external power. They created spider-like crawlers and claw robots that move in response to environmental changes.
Researchers found that taking a photo of sentimental items before donating them increases the likelihood of getting rid of clutter. The study suggests this strategy helps people keep memories alive while parting with possessions, benefiting nonprofits and recipients. Participants were more willing to donate items that still held sentim...
Researchers identified a network of genes expressed in myeloid cells that contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. A protein called PU.1 regulates this gene network, which may hold promise for therapeutic targets.
A new study from Bentley University and Tufts University tracks the progress of developing new therapies for cardiovascular disease, finding that median time to first approval is greater than 40 years. The authors propose accelerating drug development by optimizing basic research and synchronizing it with growth.
Researchers discovered a biological pathway that allows plants to produce acetate when water is scarce, increasing drought tolerance. Vinegar treatment increased plant survival rates by over 70% in various crops, offering a promising, non-genetically modified solution.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a new therapy target for gonorrhea, an enzyme crucial for bacterial respiration in biofilms. A peptide that inhibits this enzyme's activity shows promise in killing the bacteria without promoting resistance.
Researchers found that all colors of light triggered unpleasant physiological sensations in patients with migraines, while green light had a neutral effect. Migraine sufferers reported intense emotional responses to light exposure, including anger and sadness.
Research found that sleep-deprived couples experience increased inflammatory markers when arguing, with a 10% rise for every hour of lost sleep. Getting enough sleep can help mitigate this effect and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
A computer model developed by neuroscientists at the University of Chicago can simulate the entire nerve response of the hand to any pattern of touch stimulation, providing insights into how the nervous system perceives touch. This tool will enable scientists to create realistic touch sensations in bionic hands for amputees.
A new study by UBC sleep expert Wendy Hall found a correlation between thoughts about infant sleep and parental depression. After a sleep intervention, parental depression lifted significantly, with a notable reduction in mothers' (30%) and fathers' (20%) high depression scores.
Researchers developed a sound-insulating curtain system that can reduce outside noise levels by up to 26 decibels. The system uses multiple layers of fabrics with different acoustical impedances attached to aluminum tracks, creating variable zones for private conversations or meetings.
A new Finnish study found that greater muscle strength is associated with better cognitive function in ageing men and women. The association was observed when including upper or lower body muscle strength in the model, but not when using handgrip strength alone.
The US FCC's first direct-to-mobile radio spectrum auction successfully raised $19 billion, utilizing a complex AI-powered reverse auction system. This innovative approach allowed broadcasters to sell their unused airwaves, generating significant revenue while also addressing the growing demand for mobile data.
Researchers use machine learning algorithms with brain imaging technology to identify complex thoughts, such as 'The witness shouted during the trial.' The study found that the mind's building blocks for constructing complex thoughts are formed by the brain's various sub-systems and are not word-based. With an accuracy rate of 87%, the...
A new study found that nearly 25% of socioeconomically marginalized women stopped breastfeeding after one month compared to about 7% of those in the privileged group. The reasons for early cessation differed between the two groups, with skin-to-skin contact and other factors identified as targets for interventions.
Studies found significant differences in microRNA cargo carried by exosomes in males and females with osteoarthritis, with females showing more altered biological processes. The findings suggest a link between estrogen levels and the development of osteoarthritis, potentially leading to new diagnostic and treatment options.
A study from Cardiff University found that Twitter monitoring systems can detect serious incidents during riots, such as shop break-ins and car fires, several minutes before official reports. The system can also identify potential hotspots and gathering areas for youths.
A new study found that the differences between male and female mice impact on biomedical research, with sex having an effect in over half of studies. The results highlight the need to consider sex in future animal studies and clinical trials, as ignoring this difference can lead to missed scientific information.
Researchers discover evidence of three past earthquakes in the area, one potentially magnitude 6 or greater, indicating active faulting and strong seismic activity. The study suggests that large earthquakes may have occurred in the late Pleistocene era during the last North American ice age.
Researchers found a way to improve the anti-cancer effect of Smac mimetics by inhibiting MK2 protein, leading to a potent new combination therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The discovery provides hope for developing safer and more powerful treatments for cancers with few treatment options.
Researchers introduce a new pedestrian-friendly car-horn sound that immediately alerts pedestrians of danger while reducing unpleasantness. The study, led by Myungjin Bae, uses the Mean Option Score (MOS) to evaluate candidate horn sounds, ranking them on a scale from bad to excellent.
Researchers developed a novel acoustics project that combines computer models and live concert recordings to produce immersive spatial audio and virtual reality experiences. The project aims to improve virtual reality and explore the effects of ear shape on 3D sound perception.
Researchers have developed a new approach to remedy the problem of hard-to-reach organs, such as the liver, by analyzing the natural shear waves produced biologically. Passive elastography uses this technology to measure tissue elasticity and diagnose cancer at an early stage.
Researchers have identified that visually impaired people use the timbre, in addition to pitch and loudness, of echoes to navigate their surroundings. This skill is similar to animal echolocation but differs in how humans use sound to locate objects.
A laboratory study reveals that e-cigarette vapour has no effect on wound healing, whereas cigarette smoke completely prevents it at concentrations over 20%. The test used the scratch test to compare the effects of smoke extract and vapour extract from two commercial e-cigarettes.
Researchers use tiny bubbles and ultrasound to safely open the blood-brain barrier, a heavily guarded system that prevents drug delivery. This breakthrough approach aims to advance next-generation brain therapies without surgery.
A new study shows that immunotherapy nivolumab improves quality of life for patients with advanced head and neck cancer, while traditional chemotherapies cause decline in quality of life from the start of treatment. The drug sparks the immune system into action against cancers, greatly increasing survival rates.
A new computer model predicts optimal planting designs for specific environments, reducing yield losses up to 10% with double-row spacing. The model incorporates biochemical and biophysical processes to simulate 3D plant growth, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions.
Researchers found that flowering crops produce the greatest volume of sweetest nectar surrounding flowers to attract ants. This strategy allows plants to balance defense and reproduction while avoiding conflicts with pollinators.
A study found that Swedish optometrists recommend nutritional supplements, dietary changes, and smoking cessation to patients at risk of or with early symptoms of AMD. Optometrists were more likely to provide advice on diet compared to ophthalmologists.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Education found that using fingers to count and play number games improved math test scores significantly. This challenges traditional teaching methods that discouraged finger use, instead suggesting that finger training could be a valuable tool for teachers.
New research reveals that commercial seismic surveys cause a two to three-fold increase in mortality of adult and larval zooplankton. The study found significant negative impacts on zooplankton populations up to 1.2 kilometers away from the air gun signals.