A new paper by physicist Stephen Jordan explores whether the universe holds solutions to difficult computational problems, such as number partitioning. The universe's background energy density is found to be close to zero, implying a stable material universe and potentially offering insights into these problems.
Researchers have identified specific chemical receptors in cells that could deceive bacteria and improve patient response to drugs. The study's findings suggest that targeting these receptors could help adapt antibiotics to better attack infections.
Researchers have demonstrated the full process of making kerosene, the jet fuel used by commercial airlines, using a high-temperature thermal solar reactor to create syngas. The feedstock is essentially unlimited, providing a potentially game-changing alternative to fossil fuels.
Cognitive psychologists found that people can accurately estimate both mean size and number of objects in separate tasks, suggesting two independent processes. This discovery can inform new approaches to statistical data visualization and education.
Anita Mattson's research focuses on naturally occurring molecules known as dimeric chromanones, which have high biological activity and may become powerful dual-action treatments for drug-resistant cancers. Her goal is to develop a new class of catalysts using silanediols to control the synthesis of these compounds.
Scientists have identified a common plasma wave as the cause of high-energy electron loss into Earth's atmosphere. Whistler mode chorus waves are created by fluctuating electric and magnetic fields, efficiently accelerating electrons. The findings provide an important piece of the puzzle to understand space weather predictions.
A new study of chimpanzee brain scans reveals a unique human brain structure, with the left hemisphere longer than the right. This asymmetry may hold the key to understanding how humans developed language ability.
The United Nations report emphasizes the need for mining companies to prioritize safety over economic considerations in managing mine waste. The report's recommendations include improving tailings dam government regulation and exploring alternative solutions to building massive dams that can cause devastating environmental damage.
A new Northwestern Medicine clinical trial found that stem cell therapy did not improve walking ability in people with peripheral artery disease, despite exercise showing significant improvements. The study led by Dr. Mary McDermott demonstrated that regular exercise can increase six-minute walking distance in patients with PAD.
African-American women with type 2 diabetes are disproportionately affected by ER-negative breast cancers. The study found a statistically significant association between type 2 diabetes and increased risk of ER-negative breast cancer in black women, particularly those with lower BMI.
A Phase I/II clinical trial found that cardiac progenitor cell infusions improved heart function and arm strength in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study showed a 7% reduction in heart scar tissue and improved skeletal muscle function in the hands and forearms of patients who received the treatment.
Researchers are developing abuse-deterrent opioids with special coatings or infusions to make them harder to misuse, but at a higher cost. Novel painkillers and powerful opioid detectors are also being developed to help combat the crisis.
A randomized controlled trial found that text message reminders increased vaccine uptake among eligible patients, with the greatest effect seen in children under five years old. The study suggests cost-efficient strategies to improve vaccine uptake, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Researchers at LMU München precisely tune carbon dot's properties by introducing nitrogen atoms, enabling diverse applications. The study reveals that the physicochemical characteristics can be simply and precisely controlled, opening up new possibilities for energy conversion and bio-imaging.
A new data mining approach has identified the key publications that drove the development of five major anti-cancer drugs, revealing the importance of research collaboration, grants, and publications in breakthroughs. The study's findings have implications for research institutions planning collaborative efforts.
The UC Davis Department of Pediatrics has received a $2 million grant to fund a new telemedicine program for children in remote communities. The program will provide physiatry care for kids with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other disabilities, improving quality of life and preventing complications.
The Swedish government is investing SEK 1 billion in a research program to develop a superconducting quantum computer with greater computing power than current supercomputers. The goal is to create a functioning quantum computer with at least 100 qubits, enabling it to solve complex problems in fields like optimization, machine learnin...
Researchers found that FAIMS technology can effectively differentiate between pancreatic cancer patients and healthy individuals, with a sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 75%, respectively. The test is non-invasive, affordable, and can analyze up to 20 urine samples per hour.
A new study suggests that parents who smoke mistakenly rely on their own physical senses to gauge the presence of tobacco smoke in the air, leading to misconceptions about when and where children are exposed. This lack of awareness can result in inadequate measures being taken to protect children from secondhand smoke.
Research from MD Anderson Cancer Center finds improved adherence to surgical treatment guidelines, but chemotherapy guideline adherence remains largely unchanged. Informed patient-physician discussions are crucial for better survival outcomes and quality care.
A study published in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases found that minimizing rehabilitation time, treating diseases early, and controlling mosquitos can significantly improve African penguin survival rates. The researchers also identified body mass and hematologic parameters as important criteria for initial assessment and treatment.
A new study has identified six attributes associated with high-value primary care practices, including decision support for evidence-based medicine and careful selection of specialists. These attributes are linked to three themes: care traffic control, cognitive burden reduction, and value-based reimbursement.
A new approach, pharmacoscopy, has shown promising results in treating relapsed blood cancer. In the first clinical trial, 88.2% of patients achieved partial or complete remission with personalized therapies guided by pharmacoscopy.
Researchers at UC Davis have created a method to produce all 34 proteins required for mRNA translation in the correct proportions within a single mixed culture. This breakthrough enables rapid and high-purity reconstitution of cellular reactions, making it useful for various applications such as disease diagnosis and drug development.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that more than 80% of sudden cardiac arrests in competitive sports couldn't be predicted by screening programs. Only three out of 16 cases were caused by identifiable conditions, and these were not common enough to warrant widespread screening.
A new model proposes returning control over human life data to patients, accelerating biomedical research through a secure and transparent distributed personal data marketplace utilizing blockchain and deep learning technologies. This approach can resolve challenges faced by regulators and improve patient satisfaction.
Research at Weizmann Institute of Science uncovers mechanisms driving storms toward the poles. Mid-latitude storms steer further poleward in a warmer climate due to vertical structure and circulation near the tops of these weather systems.
A new alternative to sedation for children undergoing radiation therapy has been developed using behavior analysis training, allowing them to stay mostly motionless during treatment. The 'PROMISE' project is testing this method on healthy children under age 10 in a child-friendly laboratory.
A study by BMJ Group reveals nearly 120,000 excess deaths in England due to spending cuts on health and social care. The majority of these deaths occurred among the over-60s and care home residents.
Researchers at KIT have developed innovative fluorescent 3D structures to improve counterfeit protection in products like bank notes, pharmaceuticals, and car spare parts. These new security features can be easily integrated into various applications to prevent product piracy and counterfeiting.
A study found that a high-salt diet shrinks beneficial gut bacteria, leading to pro-inflammatory immune cells and high blood pressure. Probiotics can reverse these effects in mice and humans, suggesting potential therapeutic target for treating high blood pressure.
The 2017 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored distinguished reporting on topics such as antibiotic-resistant infections, superbugs, and climate change. The winners included a Reuters team for their investigation into uncounted deaths from superbug infections.
A new transcatheter implant has been shown to be safe and effective in treating diastolic heart failure by reducing blood backup in the lungs. The device, a dime-size interatrial shunt, diverted blood flow from high-pressure chambers to low-pressure ones, improving pulmonary capillary wedge pressure readings.
A University of Stirling study found that single men are significantly less likely to take part in bowel screening tests compared to those living with a partner. The participation rate for men living alone was 57.6%, lower than the 77.8% of women living alone who took the test.
Researchers have developed an 'ionic analog to the electronic pn-junction solar cell' that harnesses light to generate ionic electricity, with potential applications in desalination and brain-machine interfaces. The technology shows promise for producing electricity to turn brackish water drinkable upon exposure to sunlight.
A team of researchers has created a process to transform residual toner powder from discarded printer cartridges into iron, offering an environmentally friendly way to reuse electronic waste. The method involves heating the toner powder to 1550 °C, resulting in a product with 98% pure iron.
The American Thoracic Society editorial emphasizes the need for effective tobacco control measures, citing the court-ordered publication of corrective statements by major US tobacco companies. The statements acknowledge the addictive nature of nicotine and the lethal effects of smoking on human health.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that heavy drinking and smoking are associated with visible signs of physical ageing. Light to moderate drinking was not linked to biological ageing or slowing down the visible ageing process.
A new study from University College London suggests that machine learning can improve clinical trials by analyzing complex brain anatomy and detecting subtle changes in drug effects. The research used large-scale data from patients with stroke to test the concept of machine learning capable of modeling the human brain in its full compl...
Researchers found that porous types of wood can greatly increase the efficiency of water-to-steam conversion under sunlight. The findings could be used in a simple and inexpensive biodegradable device for water purification.
Researchers tracked North Atlantic right whales using passive acoustic monitoring, finding they use nearly the entire eastern seaboard during winter and move around more than thought. The study revealed changes in their time spent in some areas and confirmed their presence along the East Coast year-round.
A Polish Academy of Sciences team has developed a polymer 'love hormone' sensor that can detect micromolar concentrations of oxytocin, a biomarker associated with autism. The sensor's sensitivity is expected to increase to nanomolar levels, allowing for early diagnosis and potentially dramatic treatment efficacy improvements.
Applying traffic rule exemptions enables rapid response vehicles to reach patients faster, with average response times reduced by 14 minutes. This could be critical for patients who are critically injured or sick, suggesting that the increased risk of road collisions may be justified.
Researchers at Kent State University will investigate the use of probiotics during exercise in a hot environment. The study aims to understand how probiotic supplementation affects physical performance, psychological status, and cognitive function under heat stress.
A new tool to support organisations and practitioners achieve person-centred care has been developed. The Person Centred Coordinated Care Organisational Tool (P3C-OCT) helps guide implementation and assess effectiveness of the approach.
A new study found that a single strain of bacteria can cause imbalance in the gut microbiota of individuals with Crohn's disease. The findings suggest that preventing this imbalance could lead to promising treatment options for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Researchers found glacial polish is a thin, deposited layer that helps explain its resistance to weathering. It can influence glacier speed and provide an archive for dating the material.
A null mutation in SERPINE1 is associated with a longer life span and improved metabolism among the Amish population. The study found that carriers of this mutation lived 10 years longer than non-carriers, with lower rates of diabetes.
Researchers discovered a diverse microbial ecosystem at Laguna La Brava, with Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota groups dominating the environment. The absence of cyanobacteria led the authors to suggest alternative microorganisms precipitating minerals in these extreme conditions.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that high-quality photographs taken by parents with their smartphones can accurately diagnose pediatric skin conditions without an office visit. The results showed a 83% agreement between photograph-based and in-person diagnoses, paving the way for improved access to care through telemedicine.
A new review of energy drinks highlights their advertised benefits can be outweighed by serious health risks. The study recommends restricted sales to children and adolescents and setting evidence-based caffeine limits.
A recent study by Nicole Johnson found that 50% of bisexual women have experienced rape at some point in their lifetime, with approximately 75% reporting sexual violence. The study identifies three factors contributing to higher rates of sexual violence among bi women: substance use, hypersexualization, and biphobic harassment.
MIT scientists have explained why a droplet of liquid can 'levitate' on a bath's surface under certain conditions. By maintaining a temperature difference, the air cushion between the droplet and the bath is strengthened, preventing it from sinking and allowing it to levitate.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully reversed type 1 diabetes in a mouse model by infusing pre-treated blood stem cells. The treated cells curbed the autoimmune reaction and reversed hyperglycemia in diabetic mice, with almost all mice cured of diabetes in the short term and one third maintaining normal blood sug...
The genome of a wild ancestor of bread wheat, Aegilops tauschii, has been sequenced by an international team of scientists. The findings will enable researchers to discover new genes improving wheat quality and resistance to diseases. This breakthrough technology can be applied to other plant genomes.
A UTEP team has made significant progress in developing a human vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a tropical disease affecting thousands worldwide. Their research results in a 96% decrease in lesions and an 86% protection rate from the disease in mice.
African American women with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing estrogen receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease. Chronic inflammation from diabetes may contribute to this increased risk, which could help explain the higher incidence of ER- breast cancer in African American women.
A Worcester Polytechnic Institute researcher has developed algorithms to identify fake likes, followers, and posts on various platforms with high accuracy. The goal is to prevent crowdturfing, which can spread misinformation and undermine online credibility.
The study reveals that the carbon-hydrogen bonds in the molecule play a key role in its volatile behavior. The optimal conditions for removal of excess hydrogen are below 175 degrees Fahrenheit, done in a good vacuum. This discovery can help chemists identify ideal operating temperatures and environments.
A scientific team, led by geologist Rebecca Dorsey of the University of Oregon, theorizes that the river's route off the Colorado Plateau was influenced by a combination of tectonic deformation and changing sea levels. The research challenges long-held conventional thinking on river connection to ocean.