A new study reviews current knowledge on flow processes during shale gas extraction, outlining how pore distribution and geometry affect gas transport. The authors present a model that matches experimental evidence, revealing the impact of rock bottlenecks on gas production.
Vicki P. Losick has been awarded the first-ever William Procter Scientific Innovation Fund to study age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using a fruit fly model. The goal is to identify genetic strategies to treat AMD by understanding the role of polyploidy in human retinal diseases.
A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers reveals that the primary driver of solutal convection in porous media is not density, but mechanical dispersion. The findings contradict decades of scientific consensus and have significant implications for CO2 sequestration and other applications.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a CO2 reduction method based on commonly occurring elements, yielding 57% overall quantum yield. The system uses a copper complex and manganese-based catalyst, offering a cost-effective solution for carbon capture.
A new smartphone and tablet application called HIVSmart! has been evaluated among an at-risk population in Montreal, showing that it is feasible and accepted by the community. The study found that 99.3% of participants who self-tested negative received counselling, while 98.8% found the app useful.
A large-scale study found a positive correlation between brain volume and cognitive test performance, with larger brains performing slightly better. However, the effect is relatively small, explaining only 2% of variability in test results.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to control the output of gold nanoparticles using circularly polarized light. By changing the handedness of the light input, they found they could change the intensity of the scattered light by up to 50%, opening up new possibilities for ultrasmall optical components and antennas.
A recent study has discovered over 6,000 antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria that inhabit the human gut, revealing a vast and previously unknown diversity of resistant genes. The researchers used a novel method to identify these genes by comparing their three-dimensional structures to proteins produced by gut bacteria.
A novel scale-free mechanism guides the search of an artificial bee colony algorithm, improving its exploitation ability and maintaining population diversity. This enables a better balance between exploration and exploitation, leading to enhanced search ability in real-world optimization problems.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that just one bad night's sleep can lead to a reduced ability to control posture and balance. This could be particularly concerning for older adults, who are already at increased risk of falls. The research used wearable sensors to monitor sleep and balance, and showed that fragmente...
A new study from the University at Buffalo found that U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers who experience greater feelings of guilt and other negative emotions about never having been deployed are more likely to misuse alcohol. The study, which examined data from Operation: SAFETY, a longitudinal study of the health and well-b...
Three JAMA Pediatrics articles focus on acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a poorly understood condition causing muscle weakness and spinal cord lesions in children. The studies aim to better understand the cause, progression, biomarkers, prognosis, and treatment of AFM.
A Dartmouth study finds that US policy messages have a greater impact on foreign public opinion than the person delivering the message. The research, published in Political Behavior, reveals that Japanese public opinion of the US depends largely on whether a policy message is cooperative or uncooperative.
A recent study of IAU members found that professional astronomers engage with the public more than scientists in any other field, with an average of 18 outreach activities per year. The majority prefer traditional methods like lectures and school talks, while fewer use social media and digital platforms.
A team of astronomers used ALMA to observe a supermassive black hole in the Circinus Galaxy, finding that gas expelled from the center interacts with infalling gas to create a turbulent three-dimensional structure. This 'donut' structure is not rigid, but rather a complex collection of highly dynamic gaseous components.
A population-based study found significant association between nighttime artificial, outdoor light exposure and increased prevalence of hypnotic prescriptions among older adults. The study suggests that higher levels of artificial light at night may lead to longer periods of hypnotic drug use in this demographic.
A NASA study reveals that the hydroxyl radical, a molecule that breaks down methane and other greenhouse gases, recycles itself in the atmosphere through reactions with nitrogen oxides and water vapor. This recycling process maintains a steady global presence of OH radicals, potentially extending methane's lifetime.
Patients with a current diagnosis of lung cancer were three times more likely to die in hospital following a PCI procedure. Colon cancer had the greatest association with major bleeding complications post-PCI, with a threefold increase compared to patients with no cancer.
A study of 17 healthy adults found that smoked and vaporized marijuana produced different cognitive and psychomotor effects. Vaporized cannabis resulted in stronger psychoactive effects and higher blood concentrations of THC compared to equal doses of smoked cannabis.
Researchers have developed an innovative 'elastic' contrast media that enhances MRI diagnostics without increasing contrast medium use. The new method utilizes a self-regulating protein structure that absorbs xenon to improve image quality, allowing for better detection of disease markers in low concentrations.
Scientists have developed a new system to rapidly and accurately detect tumor margins during breast cancer surgery, using a 'click-to-sense' acrolein probe that conjugates with live breast cancer cells. The method has been shown to be highly sensitive and selective, with a 97% accuracy rate.
A study focusing on iron in the North Pacific reveals its role in controlling primary productivity, carbon cycle, and marine ecosystem. The distribution of biologically available iron is influenced by factors like mixing, upwelling, and ocean acidification.
A UCalgary research team analyzed publicly accessible health and genomics data to identify a gene signature that can help determine which cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy. This discovery has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for these patients.
A Finnish study of 68,800 patients found that hip fracture surgery is associated with a significant risk of surgical complications. Patients with osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatic diseases are particularly at risk, with 4.6% experiencing complications within three months of surgery.
Researchers found that virtual reality experiences increased scores on questions about ocean acidification causes and mechanisms by almost 150 percent. Immersive simulations also sparked a lasting sense of connectedness, as users felt a connection with their bodies during the experience.
Virginia Tech professors Shane Ross and Traian Iliescu receive NSF grant to create a computational model-based simulation that quickly predicts contaminant spread. The research aims to improve forecasts of disaster response operations, minimizing environmental damage and costs.
Researchers have discovered significant abnormalities in nerve connections and myelin production in cells from patients with schizophrenia. These findings suggest a potential new model for studying psychotic disorders, which could lead to better treatment approaches.
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes weakening of skeletal muscles. Researchers at Kanazawa University found that the immune system regulatory molecule programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1) is abundant in muscle tissue of patients, which may help reduce disease symptoms.
Researchers found that African-American mothers rated boys as displaying more frequent ADHD symptoms than Caucasian mothers did, regardless of child race. This suggests that racial differences in ADHD diagnosis may be more due to maternal race than child race.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin aim to develop new treatment strategies for chronic and acute kidney diseases through a €10.5 million funded Collaborative Research Center. The project focuses on identifying common pathways of kidney injury and developing tailored treatments.
Researchers from the University of Sydney develop a new X-ray method called X-ray rheography, which allows scientists to see flowing grains within opaque materials. The technique uses Sudoku-style puzzle-solving to gather information and has helped uncover unique patterns and waves in granular flows.
Researchers have created an iron molecule that can function as a photocatalyst to produce fuel and in solar cells to produce electricity. The iron molecule has properties largely as good as those of the best noble metals, making it a potential cheaper alternative for solar energy production.
Researchers developed a new length-based risk assessment method to evaluate the sustainability status of popular reef fish species. The study found that only one species had a sustainable risk score, while others had estimated risks of over 95 percent.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are leading a national concussion study to examine the impact of gender on injury response, exploring how men's and women's rugby and lacrosse athletes respond differently to head injuries. The $1M grant will support data collection using advanced sensors and imaging techniques.
Researchers have developed two new mouse models to study schizophrenia and found that restoring ErbB4 receptors alleviates symptoms regardless of brain development. The study suggests a therapeutic approach focused on improving brain cell signaling associated with the ErbB4 receptor.
A study found that hospitalizations among homeless adults have risen sharply, with 52% hospitalized for mental illness or substance use disorder. The authors suggest that limited access to behavioral health services and aging of the homeless population may contribute to this trend.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a virtual reality technique called Force Push, enabling users to manipulate objects with subtle hand gestures. The interface responds to the speed and magnitude of hand movements, providing a more physical and intuitive experience than traditional hand controllers.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland highlights the need to revise fish stocking obligations in hydropower operations. The research emphasizes that compensating harm to fisheries with fish farming is unsustainable, and natural reproductive cycles must be prioritized.
A new study suggests that womb kicks may play a role in helping babies develop a sense of their own body. The research, published in Scientific Reports, found that brainwaves produced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep fire in the corresponding hemisphere when a baby kicks its limbs.
A new study reveals a widespread decline in water storage in global endorheic basins, resulting in increased local water stress and potential sea level rise. The researchers found a net water loss of approximately 100 billion tons per year, equivalent to five Great Salt Lakes or three Lake Meads.
A study found that specific bacteria from the mother's gut stimulate the baby's immune responses during vaginal birth, but this transmission is impacted in children born by caesarean section. This may explain why caesarean-born children are more prone to chronic diseases.
Researchers analyzed data from 63,600 patients who had cardiac arrest and found that poorer neighborhoods had longer total ambulance times. The study highlights disparities in patient outcomes due to differences in emergency medical services response times.
A new immunotherapy called pembrolizumab has shown significant benefits in extending the lives of people with advanced head and neck cancer, with a median survival time of 8.4 months compared to 6.9 months on standard treatment. The drug also caused fewer serious side effects than traditional treatments.
A new understanding of a phase-change material has been discovered, allowing for one thousand times faster data access and durability. The material can change state on a nanoscale, enabling high-speed non-volatile storage.
The burden of chronic kidney disease is increasing substantially over the past 15 years in all 50 US states, with rates accelerating faster than other noninfectious diseases. The condition is particularly concerning for younger adults, who are experiencing a significant increase in deaths due to kidney disease.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanism regulating the regeneration of neural pathway insulation. The discovery highlights the significance of the Vav3 exchange factor in controlling molecular switches that activate and deactivate signaling processes.
Researchers in the University of Helsinki have confirmed a fossilized seal hybrid between grey and ringed seals, with genetic analysis suggesting possible interbreeding in the wild. The discovery provides insights into hybridization between mammalian species, including early humans.
The new guidelines from the European Hematology Association and European LeukemiaNet provide standardized approaches to clinical management of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). The recommendations are based on expert consensus and include steps to improve evidence supporting clinical guidelines.
Researchers at Lund University studied how 18 years of drought affect soil bacteria, finding that drought-tolerant microbes can slow carbon loss from soils. This adaptation could mitigate the impact of climate change on global carbon balance.
Researchers present findings on acute erythroid leukemia, identifying five subtypes with distinct genomic features and survival rates. St. Jude also shares updates on gene therapy for hemophilia B and advances in sickle cell disease treatment.
Holistic thinkers exhibited similar brain activity when watching a dramatic film, whereas analytical thinkers showed distinct responses. The study suggests that holistic thinkers perceive the world in a more integrated way, processing moral issues and factual connections similarly with each other.
A recent study from the University of Turku investigated brain structure in newborns, revealing asymmetry in lobar volumes between hemispheres. The findings suggest that environmental factors during pregnancy may have a lasting impact on infant brain development.
A nationwide study of cardiac arrests found ambulances took nearly four minutes longer to handle calls from low-income areas than high-income communities. The study highlights the importance of ensuring access to care for vulnerable populations.
Research reveals an increased risk of ill health in people with evening preference, including erratic eating patterns and consumption of unhealthy foods. The study also found that glucose levels increase when night owls eat shortly before bed, negatively affecting metabolism.
Researchers at Montana State University are studying Familial dysautonomia, a rare genetic neurological disease, to understand its connection with the human gut microbiome and metabolism. The study aims to develop new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The project aims to drastically reduce costs and time for the pilot production of new photonic products, enabling a thousand new companies and thousands of jobs. The new facility will utilize a shared use model to combine PICs from different companies on one wafer, reducing costs.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that circulating white blood cells from donors contain matured cells that educate recipients' immune system to be tolerant of donated tissues. The study suggests new strategies for managing organ transplantation and reducing immunosuppression.
NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data revealed that Tropical Storm Usagi dropped moderate to heavy rain along its path in Southeast Asia. The analysis showed the storm produced over 350 mm of rainfall in Vietnam, causing widespread flooding around Ho Chi Minh City.
Researchers have discovered a way to create artificial magnetic fields using graphene sheets with a twist, enabling the control of electronic properties through electrical fields. This breakthrough has clear technological potential and could lead to new materials with unique properties.
A team of scientists has uncovered a new compound produced by the bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum, which is found in volcanic hot springs. The discovery reveals that the microbe modifies a previously unknown thiol to produce a compound called N-methyl-bacillithiol, which plays a crucial role in the sulfur cycle. This finding has signif...