By leveraging Wikipedia's vast language database, researchers created a method to equip artificial intelligence agents with common-sense knowledge about object interactions. The team achieved promising results in text-based adventure games, improving the agent's performance on 12 out of 16 games.
Researchers at EPFL and University of Cambridge create device harnessing microscopic drum motion to convert signals between two circuits. The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of the isolator's direction, promising a new platform for building microwave devices without magnetic fields.
Scientists at the University of Basel created bio-catalytic capsules capable of producing glucose-6-phosphate, a key metabolite involved in carbohydrate degradation and energy storage. The nanocapsules, measuring less than 200 nanometers, can be taken up by cells and may pave the way for new disease treatments.
Scientists have developed a 3D all-human reproducible and reliable model of the blood brain barrier, which could pave the way for better, more efficient and reliable tests of drugs to treat brain diseases. The model was created using human cells to simulate the human blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at Wits University discover that complex life emerged through the random joining of simple RNA molecules, enabling self-replication and kickstarting life. The process, which occurred billions of years ago, involved the ligation of small molecules to form larger, more complex ones.
Researchers have developed a measurement-device-independent QKD system using readily available hardware, enabling provably secure communication. The system can generate secret keys at high rates and spans distances of over 100km.
A new statistical model confirms a decline in North Atlantic right whale population since 2010, with adult females experiencing a significant drop. The study's findings highlight the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology developed a metal-free method to control cationic polymerization using halogen bonding and ammonium salt additives. The new process produces long, homogeneous polymers suitable for industrial applications.
The Method for Introducing a New Competency in Genomics (MINC) website offers more than 100 resources to support nursing professionals in integrating genomics into patient care. The toolkit addresses the need for healthcare professionals to stay updated with changing healthcare environments.
Researchers have uncovered a new mechanism by which cancer cells evade the immune system, recruiting group 2 innate lymphoid cells to suppress an essential anticancer immune response. Depleting these cells or blocking key molecules restored anti-cancer immunity and extended survival in mouse models.
A groundbreaking collaboration has been awarded $2.5 million to explore an innovative new treatment path for breast and prostate cancer. The project aims to 'reprogram' hormone receptors, potentially transforming the lives of those affected by these cancers.
Researchers found a significant association between foot pain and knee or hip pain, suggesting a need for comprehensive orthopedic evaluation. The study highlights the importance of considering the kinetic chain in pain diagnosis and treatment.
A new study from the European Commission Joint Research Centre found no significant long-term trend in the Black Sea's average surface water temperature. However, there was a positive trend at 50 meters below the surface, suggesting warming of deeper waters.
Researchers identified two cytokines and genetic markers associated with progressive MS, which may enable the development of a treatment to prevent disease progression. A simple genetic test could identify patients at risk, and a medication is already in development.
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections provide effective short-term pain relief and improved function for patients with low-grade knee OA. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in physical activity can also help manage symptoms, potentially delaying the need for surgery.
The UCLA-led study highlights the success of the kidney voucher program, which enables individuals to donate a kidney now and prioritize family members for future transplants. The program has led to 25 lifesaving transplants across the US, thanks to the altruistic donations of living donors.
Protein add-ons play a crucial role in customizing protein interfaces, allowing proteins to interact specifically with their dedicated partners. The discovery sheds light on how proteins perform specialized functions and enables new avenues for understanding fundamental principles in nature.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing a system that relays information from smartphones to smart traffic signals, allowing for real-time adjustments to accommodate users with visual or other disabilities. The system aims to provide extra time for pedestrians to cross streets and potentially help users catch buses.
Scientists have found that queen conch populations in the Caribbean are fragmented into multiple distinct subpopulations, each with limited genetic exchange. This suggests that local management of fisheries is crucial to conserve these treasured marine snails.
A team at Tohoku University has developed a novel approach to control the chirality of single-walled carbon nanotubes. By tuning the oxidation degree of Co catalysts, they achieved predominant synthesis of (6,4) SWNTs. This breakthrough could enable on-demand synthesis of specific-chirality SWNTs for various applications.
A recent study has overturned a common belief about how bone morphogenetic proteins regulate the formation of nervous system cells during embryonic development. The findings could inform the creation of stem cell-based therapies that restore sensation, particularly for paralyzed patients.
Researchers used PET imaging to study brain inflammation following Zika virus infection in mice, finding a 2- to 6-fold increase in global brain neuroinflammation over time. The technology allows for longitudinal studies of the same animal during the course of the infection, providing enhanced information about disease progression.
A recent study by University of Illinois economist Hope Michelson found that wait-and-see strategies among farmers in Nicaragua can lead to increased participation in supply chains. The study suggests that incentives may be necessary to encourage risk-takers to join the market, as early adopters bear initial costs and benefits.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have created a novel method for cooling ions using electrostatic fields, allowing them to reach temperatures near absolute zero. This breakthrough enables the study of large biological molecules and nanoparticles, with potential applications in medicine and materials science.
Researchers developed a multivariate method for predicting behavioral response to a stimulus using information about the phase of preceding neuronal oscillations. The study found that reaction speed depends on the phase of low-frequency neuronal oscillations preceding the stimulus.
An international team of scientists found that ions defy nature's norms by breaking Coulombic ordering when confined in small spaces. This discovery could lead to improved energy storage and water treatment technologies.
The team demonstrates that titanium dioxide can be modified to be used as an electrode in multivalent batteries, providing a valuable proof of concept. This breakthrough could lead to higher charge densities and better performance for new battery technologies, essential for transitioning to low-emission energy sources.
A large Ontario study found people with schizophrenia died 8 years earlier than the general population, with a 35% decrease in death rates. The high mortality risk is attributed to factors such as limited access to healthcare and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Researchers have solved the mystery of the geographic origins of American oaks by finding that red and white oaks diverged simultaneously from a single species 45 million years ago. This common ancestor gave rise to two distinct lineages, which then radiated into different ecological spaces across North America.
A study published in 'Nature Astronomy' confirms that supermassive black holes can form gravitationally bound pairs when galaxies merge. The binary system has a mass of approximately 40 million times the Sun's, and its orbital period is about 100,000 years.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science find that oxygen-starved killer T cells are more effective at destroying cancerous tumors and outperform regular T cells in a mouse model. The study suggests an easy improvement to existing immunotherapy protocols.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a stable tri-anion particle, made of boron and beryllium and cyanogen, which could be used in aluminum ion batteries. The discovery was recognized as a VIP paper by Angewandte Chemie and has potential applications in various industries.
Researchers analyzed color-naming data from 110 languages and found that warm colors like red, yellow, and orange are generally easier to communicate than cool colors like blue and green. The study suggests that differences in color categorization may reflect cultural differences in color usefulness.
The QIs-scope can capture 200 images a second and mark cells with different colors, allowing for the creation of 3D images of organs and tissues. This technology represents the next step in confocal microscopy and has applications in biomedical imaging research and development.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a new coating technology using thin-film materials from the electronics industry to improve telescope mirrors. The technology uses atomic layer deposition to create a protective silver coating on large silver-based mirror surfaces, potentially increasing their efficiency and extending their l...
Exposure to seismic signals from air gun surveys increased scallop mortality rates and altered physiological characteristics, including reflex responses and hemolymph biochemistry. These findings suggest potential effects of anthropogenic aquatic noise on marine life.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a new lung cell type implicated in innate immune defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae, one of the leading causes of pneumonia worldwide. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies for combating this pathogen.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that higher cigarette prices were associated with reduced infant mortality rates in the European Union. The research also showed that increased price differences between premium and budget cigarettes led to higher infant mortality rates.
Researchers have developed a new welfare assessment grid to help zookeepers monitor the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals in their care. The grid provides daily monitoring of factors such as environment quality and daily procedures, enabling zookeepers to identify potential problems and improve animal welfare.
Researchers from RIKEN and University of Tokyo created ultra-thin photovoltaic devices coated with stretchable and waterproof films. The new device has shown strong energy efficiency, resistance to water, and durability under compression, opening the way for wearable solar cells.
Researchers sequenced Pearl millet genome, revealing molecular properties hinting at drought resistance mechanisms. The findings provide a resource for marker-selected breeding studies to improve agronomic traits in arid environments.
A Lehigh University optimization model has transformed Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections, enabling cost savings and improvements in four areas: shorter waiting lists for treatment programs, fewer prison assaults, staffing reductions, and more efficient transportation. The system is expected to save approximately $19.2 million ov...
Three people were treated for serious eye injuries after being shot with Nerf guns, including a child who developed swelling in the cornea and retina. Doctors urge parents to consider protective eyewear when allowing children to play with these guns.
Researchers created mice lacking ankyrin-G protein, displaying hyperactivity and reduced anxiety. Lithium treatment reversed these behaviors, mirroring human bipolar disorder symptoms.
Hurricane Jose is producing dangerous surf and rip currents along the US east coast, with Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches in effect for several states. Satellite imagery shows the storm's asymmetric cloud pattern, indicating it is losing some tropical characteristics.
A new study compares PhD programs in different countries, highlighting both similarities and differences. The analysis found considerable overlap in aims and content, but notable variations in program structure, mentoring, and thesis assessment.
Research found owners of chronically ill pets experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as poorer quality of life. The study's findings may also inform veterinarian wellbeing and highlight the need for improved training on long-term care.
Scientists have identified a class of mammalian lncRNAs that evolved from ancestral genes, gaining regulatory powers and serving as master switches in various biological processes. These 'recycled' genes may hold the key to understanding human diseases and developing new treatments.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory and Colorado State University are integrating electrical grids globally to address disruptions. The Real-Time Super Lab concept shows how electricity can be rerouted across vast distances to prevent large-scale blackouts.
Researchers found that changes in the Earth's crust led to the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere around 2.4 billion years ago. This period, known as the Great Oxidation Event, paved the way for the evolution of complex life on Earth.
A North Carolina State University team has developed a system that simultaneously delivers watts of power and transmits high-speed data, achieving true single-wire connections. The researchers found that their system is comparable in power transfer efficiency to similar wireless power transfer devices.
Researchers used CRISPR to study the WntA gene's role in butterfly wing patterns. The results showed how this gene has orchestrated the evolution of diverse wing patterns across multiple species. This discovery sheds light on biodiversity and could have implications for understanding human anatomy.
A new study found that states with laws requiring people at high risk of committing intimate partner abuse to relinquish firearms have significantly lower rates of intimate partner homicide and firearm-specific IPH. The study suggests that effective enforcement procedures are key to the law's impact.
Lancaster University engineers create smart road surfaces that harness and convert vehicle vibration into electrical energy, generating up to two Megawatts per kilometre. This technology could save taxpayers around £1,800 to £3,600 per day in street lighting costs.
A study by Kent State University researcher Mary Beth Spitznagel found that pet owners experiencing chronic or terminal illness in their pets suffer from caregiver burden, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life. The study aimed to fill a gap in research on this topic and provide insights for pet caregivers.
A new four-year project will collect data on three methods of delivering a self-management course to reduce MS-related fatigue and improve quality of life. The study aims to test online and teleconference-based adaptations of the course, which has shown effective results in reducing fatigue when delivered in-person.
A new study from Linköping University finds that dogs' willingness to collaborate with humans is linked to genetic variations in the oxytocin receptor gene. The researchers discovered a possible explanation for why dogs differ in their ability to work together, which may have contributed to human selection during domestication.
Citizen scientists will help VIMS researchers map the reach of this year's King Tide using a smartphone app, providing critical data for improving coastal flooding models. The project aims to better understand the risk of recurrent flooding in Hampton Roads and lay the groundwork for a volunteer data-collection network.
EPFL scientists have discovered metabolic differences between hepatoblastoma subtypes and identified biomarkers to aid in more accurate subtyping. The study reveals that embryonal hepatoblastoma cells use glucose and are sensitive to its metabolism, offering a new approach for personalized treatment.
The VLA Sky Survey (VLASS) will produce the sharpest radio view of a large portion of the sky, detecting powerful cosmic explosions and superfast particles. The survey will reveal new information on galaxy growth, magnetic fields, and interactions between galaxies.