Researchers have created a see-through microfluidic device that minimizes biological sample destruction and allows for clear observation of inner workings. Thin hafnium oxide layers enable biocompatibility and transparency, reducing unwanted side effects like cell lysis.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities rose to 31.4% in September 2018, up from 30.4% the previous year. Labor force participation rates also increased, suggesting continued improvement in economic indicators for Americans with disabilities.
Biofilms are a huge medical problem due to their difficulty in treating bacterial infections. Researchers at Yale University have found a key mechanism for biofilm formation, enabling the study of this process in a controlled way.
A new study led by Hyuncheol Bryant Kim found that education can enhance an individual's economic decision-making quality. The randomized controlled trial of education support in Malawi showed that those who participated had higher scores of economic rationality, suggesting improved decision-making abilities.
Researchers at UCalgary's Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute discovered the nervous system plays a critical role in asthma attacks. By targeting treatment at the carotid bodies, they found that blocking receptors during an asthma attack can eliminate symptoms.
A team of scientists discovered a gene signature linked to spinal cord injury severity, which can predict functional recovery. The study identified key genes that are switched on or off in response to injury, potentially informing the development of biomarkers for treatment.
A team of Penn State researchers analyzed the water footprint of 65 mid- to large-sized U.S. cities and found that larger cities consume less water per capita. This shift is attributed to changing economic activities, with larger cities becoming more service-oriented and shifting water-intensive industries to less populated regions.
A study of 500,000-plus outpatient antibiotic prescriptions found that nearly half were given without an infection-related diagnosis. The research suggests a huge problem with antibiotic misuse, regardless of symptom, and highlights concerns about 80% of antibiotics prescribed on an outpatient basis.
Researchers identified seven specific HPV types linked to increased risk of HIV infection in a study published in PLOS ONE. The study found that individuals with any HPV type, multiple HPV types, or high-risk HPV were more likely to test positive for HIV.
Researchers applied job search theoretical models to study hunters' decision-making, identifying optimal stopping points and dietary trait thresholds to manage hunting pressure. The model could be used to infer changes in harvested prey communities and evaluate the efficacy of hunting regulations.
Researchers developed a hybrid nanoplatform that locates tumors using three different types of contrast simultaneously, facilitating multimodal molecular medical imaging. The platform overcomes the limitations of single image modality while maximizing their advantages.
A Malawian study shows that education can enhance an individual's ability to make smart economic decisions. The research found that educational interventions improved not only school attendance and test scores but also economic rationality in students who received enhanced education.
Artificial enzymes convert solar energy into hydrogen gas using a new method developed by researchers at Uppsala University. The technique utilizes photosynthetic microorganisms with genetically inserted enzymes combined with synthetic compounds, enabling efficient production of renewable hydrogen gas from solar energy.
A Japanese study found that increased fasting glucose, higher BMI, and impaired insulin sensitivity were detectable up to 10 years before the diagnosis of diabetes as well as prediabetes. The study suggests that elevated metabolic markers for diabetes may be detectable more than 20 years before its diagnosis.
Researchers used a novel method to analyze individual brain cells in mice, revealing specific genes that may play roles in traumatic brain injury. Treatments targeting these genes, such as thyroid hormone therapy, showed promise in improving learning and memory tasks.
A team developed a new method for measuring magnetic field lines inside massive samples, enabling three-dimensional images of complex magnetic fields. This non-destructive technique has diverse applications in basic research and industry, including material analysis and visualization of electric motors and propulsion systems.
Researchers tracked adders translocated from a development site in Essex and found that male snakes dispersed significantly more than resident ones. One male even returned to his original home after being released, highlighting the need for new conservation strategies.
A new study published in The Lancet found that lorcaserin, an appetite-suppressant drug, decreases the risk of developing diabetes and increases the rates of remission of high blood sugar in obese and overweight patients. Lorcaserin also reduces the risk of kidney complications due to diabetes.
Astronomers have discovered the afterglow of a powerful gamma ray burst that produced no detectable gamma rays, offering clues to understanding these highly energetic events. The 'orphan' GRB was found in data from the VLA Sky Survey and is believed to be the result of an explosion that occurred over 280 million light-years away.
Researchers have detected extremely high-energy gamma rays from the microquasar SS 433, which is located 18,000 light years from Earth. This discovery sheds light on astrophysical processes and may offer insights into star systems in distant galaxies.
Researchers have developed personalized and low-cost wearable ultraviolet sensors that warn users of dangerous UV exposure. The paper-based sensor features color-changing emoticon faces, indicating the user's daily recommended UV exposure percentage.
Scientists from Shinshu University have analyzed the genetic DNA of Stenopsyche caddisflies, a common Japanese insect delicacy. The study reveals that these insects originated in southern Asia and dispersed globally over millions of years.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers at Arizona State University discovered that living organisms exist in a middle ground of criticality, balancing between robustness and adaptability. The study found that all 67 biological networks shared a special property: they existed in between two extremes, neither too stable nor unstable.
The W. M. Keck Observatory has received a NSF grant to develop the Keck All-Sky Precision Adaptive Optics (KAPA) system, which will deliver sharper images of the universe over nearly 100% of the night sky. KAPA aims to investigate modern astronomy's greatest mysteries, including dark matter and cosmology.
The ESMO 2018 Congress will feature a wide range of topics including immunotherapy, biomarkers, and prevention. The event will also host the annual congress of the European Oncology Nursing Society and a patient advocacy track emphasizing the central role of patients in securing access to optimal cancer care.
A new study published in Springer's journal Social Psychology of Education reveals that American teachers have become more acceptant of homosexuality in recent years. However, many still hold negative attitudes towards LGBQ students, with a significant portion of educators viewing them unfavorably.
Researchers sequenced RNA in 20,000 cardiac cells, uncovering a broad variety of cell types in healthy and diseased hearts. The study found great diversity among each cell type, as well as indications of functional changes during normal and diseased conditions.
UMass Amherst researchers are developing a synthetic compound to power skeletal and cardiac muscle contractions during stress. This alternative energy source aims to improve heart function during a heart attack and maintain skeletal muscle function during fatigue, which is a debilitating symptom of many common diseases.
Homemade steroids have become a widespread issue, with online tools and cryptocurrency facilitating their rapid spread. Clemson researcher Bryan Denham's study examines the impact of these substances on public health, noting that purchasing black-market steroids is similar to buying other illicit substances.
A new study found that primary tropical forests contain more biodiversity and carbon than even mature regenerating forests. Secondary forests, on the other hand, can still play a vital role in biodiversity conservation and carbon storage, with some areas recovering to over 80% of levels found in undisturbed primary forests.
Research suggests that efavirenz may increase the risk of a neurological condition, such as microcephaly or seizures, in children born to HIV-positive mothers on this ART regimen. The SMARTT study found that 60% more babies exposed to efavirenz developed a neurological condition compared to those not exposed.
Researchers analyzed children's asthma management and found that environmental exposures like secondhand smoke and pet ownership were not significant factors in improving asthma control. Once asthma guidelines are followed, these exposures do not impact overall asthma improvement.
A novel motion-planning model combines a planning algorithm with a neural network to help robots determine how to reach a goal by exploring the environment and exploiting learned experiences. This allows robots to learn from past experiences and adapt to new situations, enabling them to navigate complex environments more efficiently.
Researchers from the University of Utah discovered that homeowners change their behavior when they can visualize air quality in their homes. By using portable air quality monitors and a smartphone app, participants were able to see real-time data on PM2.5 levels and adjust their daily habits accordingly. This study has the potential to...
Research suggests that short naps can aid in processing unconscious information, improving cognitive function and reaction time. The study found that even brief periods of sleep can enhance brain processing, particularly for implicit information.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission analyzed rain rates in Hurricane Leslie, revealing light to moderate convective rainfall in the eye wall and over 1.8 inches of precipitation per hour on the northwestern side.
A study by Japanese researchers found that males who harass females during mating can cause a drop in reproductive ability and a decrease in population size. Females with long reproductive pockets are more resistant to male harassment, but populations tend to be smaller when males have longer genitalia.
A new preclinical study shows that PET imaging with the 18F-FAC radiotracer can image T cells in the liver, potentially reducing biopsies and improving treatment. The approach could lead to personalized treatment of patients with immune-related liver disease.
A study found that teaching Latin roots to English Learners improves word analysis skills and enhances academic vocabulary. By leveraging their native language, students can build a stronger connection between Latin and English, ultimately improving literacy and academic achievement.
A new DNA tool created by Michigan State University can accurately predict people's height and potentially assess their risk for serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer. The tool uses machine learning and analyzes the complete genetic makeup of nearly 500,000 adults in the UK to build predictors for complex traits.
Researchers discovered that brain-enriched miRNA (miR-124) plays a crucial role in neuronal survival, contrary to previous assumptions. The study identified 98 miR-124 targeted genes that have direct physiological functions, protecting neurons from death.
Researchers have developed a new approach to see-through displays for augmented reality smart glasses. The design projects images onto the eye using photons and holographic optical elements to form letters and words.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute developed synthetic DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies targeting CTLA-4, achieving antitumor activity comparable to traditional monoclonals. The approach stimulates robust CD8+ T-cell infiltration and tumor clearance in mouse models.
Researchers found a tilt of less than 0.01 degrees in Saturn's magnetic field, contradicting the theory that it requires a significant tilt to form. The team also spotted interesting structures near the planet, including a secondary source of magnetism and electric currents flowing between the rings and the planet.
Researchers have identified estradiol as a potential new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer with estrogen receptor beta expression, effectively inhibiting tumor growth in studies. Estradiol stimulates the expression of cystatins, which exhibit tumor-suppressing effects on neighboring and distant cancer cells.
A new study has found evidence that links dynamin-binding protein (DNMBP) to congenital bilateral cataracts and severe vision loss in infants and children. The researchers discovered mutations in the DNMBP gene on chromosome 10, indicating a recessive disorder common in inbred populations.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered the role of USP18 in the immune system. Deleting this protein enhances the body's ability to control infections with Gram-positive bacteria, while its normal induction impairs antibacterial responses. Researchers hope to develop therapies targeting USP18 to treat bacterial infections.
A team of scientists has detected highly energetic radiation from a microquasar, shedding light on extreme particle acceleration and jet physics. The findings improve our understanding of particle acceleration in jets of microquasars, offering insights into more extreme events at the centers of distant galaxies.
Lawrence Paul Lewis received the Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award for his work on Puerto Rico's long-term recovery planning after hurricanes. Linda Hansen was also awarded for her leadership in advancing international adherence to the International Atomic Energy Agency Additional Protocol. Both researchers were recognized by the...
In a groundbreaking operation, doctors at the University of Witwatersrand performed the world's first intentional liver transplant from an HIV-positive mother to her HIV-negative child. The successful transplant has raised hopes for using this method to save additional lives. However, the team is now unsure of the child's HIV status.
A study found that viruses influenced the evolution of humans, particularly in adapting to pathogens. Neanderthal DNA was shared with modern humans, providing resistance to viruses, and its presence suggests selective benefits.
Researchers have discovered a sonic boom from an immense, unseen gamma-ray burst explosion. The blast generated two jets of gamma rays that crashed into surrounding gas, producing a shock wave akin to a sonic boom. This finding provides crucial new insight into the nature of gamma-ray bursts and their jets.
NASA's Aqua satellite gathered infrared light data showing Category 4 hurricane Sergio's intense cloud tops, which are colder than -87°F (-66.1°C), indicating a stronger storm. The National Hurricane Center forecasts little change in strength, but gradual weakening starting Friday.
Researchers found that low colonic miR-31 expression is associated with worse disease outcomes in adults and future development of strictures in children. This discovery has the potential to improve clinical trial designs and develop more personalized therapeutic strategies for Crohn's disease patients.
A study on scarab beetles found that horns developed from the same head regions, with common genes controlling their formation. The research suggests deep parallels in horn evolution between distant species.
The CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial found that lorcaserin reduced the risk of diabetes by 19% in patients with pre-diabetes, induced remission in patients with diabetes, and reduced diabetic microvascular complications. Lorcaserin also significantly increased rates of diabetes remission and reduced the risk of severe hypoglycemia.
Researchers found that many genes inherited from Neanderthals interact with modern-day viruses like HIV and influenza A, suggesting they provided protection against ancient RNA viruses. The study suggests a 'poison-antidote' model of gene swapping between species, where Neanderthals bequeathed genetic tools to combat invaders.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded over $13.8 million in Young Investigator Grants to 200 promising young scientists studying various psychiatric disorders, including addiction and depression. The grants support innovative ideas for groundbreaking neurobiological research.
Researchers identified over 500 DNA sites requiring ATR enzyme to prevent breakage during replication. The findings suggest ATR inhibitors may enhance treatment efficacy for various cancers by targeting repetitive DNA sequences.
The American Geriatrics Society strongly opposes a proposed change to Medicare payment rates for Evaluation and Management services, which could negatively impact patient care for people with complex needs. The AGS urges CMS to withdraw the proposals and work with stakeholders on more effective solutions.