A KSU engineer has patented a waterlike polymer that transforms into a ceramic at high temperatures, offering valuable thermal, optical and electronic properties. The liquid polymer can be mass-produced and used to create lightweight ceramics, jet engine blades and battery electrodes.
A study found that previous exposure to dengue, West Nile virus, or Zika can enhance the effects of Zika infection through antibody-dependent enhancement. The researchers used human antibodies from infected individuals in mice and observed reduced survival rates with low doses of these antibodies.
Scientists have discovered a synergistic effect between an anticancer and an antirheumatic drug, improving the former's ability to kill off cancer cells. The combination works by interacting with the cell's DNA, disrupting normal function and causing cell death.
A study in Limnology & Oceanography Letters reveals that biological organisms achieve high population extremes in Midwestern lakes, defying expectations. Researchers found frequent records being set across variables like fish populations, plant growth, and plankton numbers, indicating a need to reassess ecological limits.
A new RIT study confirms the coexistence of satellite galaxies and dark matter, shedding light on a long-standing debate. The research supports the current cosmological paradigm by showing that the vast polar structure of dwarf galaxies is an unstable feature that formed later in the galaxy's evolution.
Researchers have designed a molecular 'paintbrush' technique to trigger, control, and monitor cellular processes. The technology, called Molecular Activity Painting, uses light-activated molecular building blocks to induce patterned contractions in living cells.
Applied mathematicians at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a framework to better understand and control the fabrication of optical microstructures. The researchers used this framework to grow sophisticated optical microcomponents, including resonators, waveguides, and beam splitters.
A team of scientists has unlocked the secret of a gold-based catalyst that converts coal-derived acetylene to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a precursor to polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The catalyst, which employs atomically dispersed gold on a solid support, reduces toxic mercury pollution and enables environmentally friendly PVC production.
A study found that the carbon footprint of acquisitive and violent crime dropped from 7 million tonnes CO2e in 1995 to below 3 million tonnes CO2e by 2015. This represents a cumulative reduction of 54 million tonnes CO2e over this period, alongside a 30% decrease in crime.
The new composite fibers, developed in collaboration with NASA, have strong interlocking connections that make them less prone to cracking and seal the material to prevent oxygen from changing its chemical composition. The fibers are also resistant to high temperatures and can make entire turbo engines significantly lighter.
A new study analyzed 41 genomes to determine how Cyanobacteria evolved oxygenic photosynthesis, finding that it likely occurred through lateral gene transfer in Oxyphotobacteria after divergence from the Melainabacteria group around 2.5-2.6 billion years ago
A team of experts presents exceptional photographs documenting the loss of ice across Earth's surface. The images showcase the devastating effects of climate change on glaciers, a consequence of anthropogenic carbon emissions. GSA Today article highlights the urgent need for action to address this issue.
Researchers create new material that can treat pollutants in water using sunlight, addressing a majority of contaminants. The material's reusability is now a challenge, as it deactivates after use.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and beyond develop a new type of material that uses rotatable molecules to emit light faster than ever before. This breakthrough could lead to more power-efficient, brighter, and longer-lasting TVs, smartphones, and room lights.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology reveals that people's attitudes towards effort, delay, and risk drift towards those of others due to a phenomenon known as false-consensus bias. This bias increases with small differences in attitude alignment but decreases with larger ones.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have developed a novel approach to generate airway cells from stem cells using the Wnt signaling pathway. These cells can be grown into three-dimensional spheres and used to study lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
A new method to identify baby sea turtles' sex has been developed using an immunohistochemical approach, increasing the accuracy of sex determination for leatherback turtles. The technique, which uses a RNA-binding protein, achieved 100% success agreement with established methods in leatherbacks and 93% in loggerheads.
A new tyrannosaur species, Daspletosaurus horneri, has been discovered with an unusual mode of evolution called anagenesis. The research reveals a complex sensory web derived from the trigeminal nerve, similar to humans, and a lipless mask of large scales covering its face.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a new process to improve the detection of cancer stem cells in brain tumors. The approach uses iron chelation to increase fluorescence levels, allowing for more accurate identification and removal of these cells. This breakthrough has potential to translate to clinical practice.
A genome-wide association study reveals three novel genomic loci linked to Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a condition affecting the cornea and causing progressive vision loss. The findings provide new insights into the disease's pathology and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory detected a brief, intense X-ray flare from a small galaxy 10.7 billion light years away. The source is thought to be either a gamma-ray burst not directed towards Earth or the destruction of a white dwarf star, but its exact nature remains unknown.
Researchers found that introducing dynamic tax/sanctions and work subsidies can help people commit to long-run goals, leading to increased employment and welfare participation rates. In contrast, focusing on short-term payoffs results in reduced earnings and government expenditure.
A study from Penn State College of Medicine found that a patient's confidence in scheduling and conducting their part in colorectal screening methods is crucial in determining their intention to get screened. Self-efficacy emerged as the most important factor, reflecting knowledge, experience, or understanding of the testing options.
The US burden of neurological disease is estimated to be nearly $800 billion/year, with costs projected to grow as the elderly population doubles between 2011 and 2050. The American Neurological Association commissioned a study detailing the annual cost of nine key neurological diseases and disorders.
A balance test that stimulates part of the brain with cold water has shown promising results in improving insight into illness in people with schizophrenia. The study found that cold water in one ear increased patients' awareness and insight into their condition, while cold water in the other ear worsened it.
Researchers grew stem cells from children with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease to understand the genetic causes of common symptoms. The study identified defects in brain cell function linked to patient genetics, suggesting distinct subgroups requiring different clinical approaches.
A clinical study published in New England Journal of Medicine shows that a single dose of siRNA can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels by up to 52.6% after two doses, offering long-lasting protection for high-risk patients.
Researchers discovered Rossby waves on the sun, similar to jet streams on Earth, which may allow for long-term space weather forecasting. The waves drive solar flares and coronal mass ejections, enabling predictions of flare occurrences.
Researchers have discovered a key protein involved in photorespiration, a process that wastes energy and fixed carbon in plants. The Bile Acid Sodium Symporter 6 (BASS6) protein could be manipulated to increase plant productivity by reducing losses from this process.
A clinical trial found that brain and lung cancer patients can safely receive high doses of vitamin C, which increases sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. The study also showed that altered iron metabolism in cancer cells leads to increased death caused by vitamin C.
CARB-X is investing $24 million to support 11 biotech companies in developing new life-saving antibacterials and diagnostics. The pipeline includes three potential new classes of small molecule antibiotics, four non-traditional products, and seven new molecular targets against Gram-negative bacteria.
Astronomers identify sun-like star associated with a Type Ia supernova, sparking investigation into its potential role in the white dwarf's demise. Further studies are needed to confirm if this star is indeed the culprit behind a white dwarf's fiery explosion.
Researchers at Tufts University successfully treated blind tadpoles with a serotonin receptor drug to induce nerve growth and promote visual learning, enabling the animals to process visual information from their grafted eyes. The study provides a potential road map for promoting innervation in regenerative medicine.
Researchers at NUS identified weak spots on the surface of the dengue virus that can be targeted with therapies and vaccines, providing a promising avenue for treating the disease.
Aging impairs immune performance by breaking down cell coordination and increasing gene expression variability. Single-cell sequencing reveals the impact on CD4+ T cells, with older tissues showing less coordinated responses.
A study found that triethylene glycol (TEG), an active component of Ashwagandha, induces non-rapid eye movement sleep significantly and changes rapid eye movement sleep slightly. TEG's physiologically sound sleep is comparable to normal sleep, offering a potential natural solution for insomnia and related disorders.
A new Oxford University collaboration analyzed mosquito wing movements to understand flight dynamics. The study revealed two novel aerodynamic mechanisms, including trailing-edge vortices and rotational drag, that enable high-frequency flight.
A team of scientists from Lund University has successfully created an iron-based molecule capable of emitting light. The breakthrough could lead to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for solar cells, lighting, and displays.
A new study reveals that tropical forest fragmentation leads to increased carbon emissions by a third, with edges releasing more CO2 due to unfavourable micro-climates. Researchers used satellite images and developed software to map forest fragments worldwide.
A collaborative project led by Clemson University aims to improve and simplify large-scale data analysis using the Scientific Data Analysis at Scale (SciDAS) system. The goal is to provide a more fluid and flexible system for researchers to analyze vast datasets, enabling faster discovery and complex computations.
Researchers have identified a novel pathway that allows green algae to reset its circadian clock when exposed to red or violet light. The study reveals the existence of at least two different pathways in algae that sense and respond to different colors of light.
Research by Fordham University found that gender-neutral restrooms in schools have a significant impact on the overall school security, self-esteem, and grades of trans students. The study also highlighted demographic disparities by gender, race, and sexual orientation in school facilities.
Researchers found that fang blenny venom contains a neuropeptide, lipase, and opioid peptide, which cause a sudden drop in blood pressure in predators. This leads to disorientation and can help the fish escape. The venom's unique components have also inspired mimicry among other fish.
A new method developed by Deva Ramanan and Peiyun Hu reduces error rates for detecting tiny faces in images by a factor of two, resulting in 81% accuracy. The approach leverages context, including body shapes and crowd compositions, to improve object detection.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that two major types of brain tumors, astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, may originate from the same type of neural progenitor cells. The analysis revealed differences in gene mutation patterns and tumor microenvironments between the two subtypes.
A study of 365,380 NIH grants found that nearly 10% directly generate patents and over 30% cited by patents, emphasizing the critical role of publicly funded R&D in technological benefits.
A study by Rice University psychologists found that people who feel lonely report more severe cold symptoms than those with stronger social networks. The research suggests that loneliness can increase the severity of acute illnesses like the common cold.
A new study using a digital library and machine reading system has unraveled the mystery of ancient stromatolite formation. Stromatolites, contorted layers formed by microbes, are rare in modern oceans due to changes in seawater chemistry.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have proven the existence of Mermin-Wagner fluctuations, which grow logarithmically with system size and prevent crystal formation over long ranges. In contrast, small systems can exhibit crystal formation.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to create nanoparticles with dysprosium atoms that can be magnetised and maintain their magnetic information. The scientists are now looking to stabilise the magnetisation at higher temperatures and longer periods of time.
Researchers created a genome-wide map of genes switched on and off in aggressive uterine cancer tumors, revealing a 'signature' of these switches throughout the genome. This discovery supports the idea that cancer cells suffer from an 'identity crisis', switching off specific genes to spread quickly.
Researchers have discovered the evolutionary history of cyanobacteria, the microorganisms responsible for 'inventing' oxygen-producing photosynthesis. The study found that Oxyphobacteria were the only group to evolve this process, with oxygenic photosynthesis arising around 2.3 billion years ago.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that learning a new task involving the hands can also improve performance with the foot, as measured by changes in brain activity between the motor cortex and cerebellum. This study demonstrates the brain's ability to adapt and transfer motor knowledge across body parts.
Researchers found that a transient increase in intracellular calcium ions causes cell deformation and contributes to neural tube formation in African clawed frogs. The pattern of fluctuation in calcium ions is complex, with local and transient rises causing morphological changes.
Researchers found that melt ponds in Arctic waters provide a nutrient-rich environment for algae and bacteria to grow, supporting marine life. This increase in productivity could lead to more food available for creatures such as seals, sea cucumbers, and fish in the polar seas.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel lonely experience worse cold symptoms than those who don't, regardless of their social network size. The researchers studied 159 participants and discovered that feeling lonely had a greater impact on symptoms than actual loneliness.
The PREDIMED study reveals a protective association between legume consumption, especially lentils, and the risk of developing subsequent type 2 diabetes. Legumes rich in B vitamins and fibre help improve human health and lower blood glucose levels slowly after consumption.
A new study analyzing over 50,000 patients with prostate cancer reveals a significant link between androgen deprivation therapy and dementia risk, suggesting that long-term use of this therapy may impact brain function. The findings also hint at a possible association between the treatment and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining five simple tests provides a broader and more accurate assessment of heart-disease risk. The tests, including an EKG, blood tests, and imaging, better predict who will develop heart disease compared to standard strategies.
A study analyzing data from three national databases found significant racial gaps in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy, with white patients having the highest rate of IBR. The disparities were similar among women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and were up to 50% in California.