A new algorithm developed by ETH Zurich and Stanford University aims to increase employment opportunities for refugees in Switzerland by up to 73%. By analyzing data on refugees' characteristics and labor market conditions, the algorithm provides a tailored recommendation for which canton each refugee is most likely to find work.
Researchers from Innsbruck and Vienna teams used artificial intelligence to design new quantum experiments, leveraging a projective simulation model and reinforcement learning. The AI-agent performed tens of thousands of experiments, discovering novel structures that could be tested in the lab.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a cost-effective treatment option for adolescents with depression who decline or stop using antidepressants. The CBT program was shown to reduce depression-related health care costs by $5,000 on average over a two-year period.
The Biophysical Society has announced its new and notable symposium speakers for the 62nd Annual Meeting. The session will feature cutting-edge research on ultrafast glutamate sensors, dynamic chromatin fibers, and more. The meeting will take place from February 17-21, 2018.
Women with MSH6 and PMS2 gene variants have a 2-fold or 3-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. The study suggests more intensive screening for these women may be beneficial.
Researchers discovered that nuclei play a crucial role in cell movement, particularly in 3D environments. Cells lacking nuclei or disconnected from the cytoskeleton exhibit reduced mobility on soft surfaces and fail to move in three-dimensional matrices.
A team of scientists reports a Verwey-type charge ordering transition in Cs4O6, where molecular O2- entities form well-defined singly charged superoxide and doubly charged peroxide anions. The study sheds light on the mechanism of Verwey-type charge ordering phenomena in mixed-valence compounds.
Researchers found seven percent of Austrian hunting dogs tested positive for the disease, highlighting a potential new vector for tularaemia transmission. The study suggests that asymptomatic dogs may pose an additional risk of infection for people.
Researchers created a robot to aid in treating babies with oesophageal atresia, a rare genetic disease that affects the infant's oesophagus. The robot stimulates cells by gently pulling on tissue using sensors.
A comprehensive study has identified just a handful of bacterial taxa that dominate the Earth's soil globally. These abundant bacteria can be grouped based on five key environmental preferences, providing new insights into their roles in regulating nutrient cycles, plant productivity, and terrestrial carbon dynamics.
The KAUST team has developed a methodology for acquiring atomic-resolution images of beam-sensitive materials, such as metal organic frameworks, using transmission electron microscopy. This enables the precise alignment and determination of defocus values, reducing the procedure to a near-routine process.
Hawkeye's advanced eyesight can be used to explain the physiology of the human eye and its limitations. This can lead to discussions on genetic engineering, wearable technologies, and responsible innovation in genetics. The article suggests using Hawkeye as a tool for engaging students in scientific communication and outreach.
A new study published in PNAS shows that ocean currents can concentrate marine debris, known as flotsam, into small areas. This phenomenon has implications for ocean cleanup projects and could help predict where concentrations will occur.
Researchers identified two related genes, Nr2f2 and Nr2f5, that pattern the jaw by regulating stem cell generation of skeletal cells. This study offers clues for understanding craniofacial anomalies in humans, where equivalent gene mutations are present.
Native carnivores like leopards, bats, and vultures provide critical services such as disease regulation, agricultural productivity, and waste-disposal.
US Army Research Laboratory scientists improved chemical yield of diaminoglyoxime (DAG) synthesis by 80%, increasing material production per reaction. The new method reduces heat release, minimizing explosion and combustion hazards.
Archaeologists at Rice University have discovered glass production in sub-Saharan Africa, challenging previous theories about the origins of glass technology. The findings suggest that glass was widely traded across West Africa and had a significant impact on regional dynamics.
Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have successfully created induced pluripotent stem cells using CRISPR technology, simplifying a key step in the process. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for treating currently incurable conditions and studying diseases.
Researchers developed CancerSEEK, a noninvasive blood test detecting cancer mutations and protein biomarkers in the blood. The test detected cancer with a sensitivity of 69-98% and was 99% specific.
A new study suggests that people who perceive their willpower as limited are more likely to feel exhausted and need breaks between mentally taxing activities. In contrast, those who view their willpower as limitless tend to feel energized and ready to tackle the next challenge.
Researchers have solved a biological mystery by detailing the step-by-step process of genome folding, which involves coiling up long chromosome tangles and twisting them into spiral staircase structures. The study provides an efficient packing strategy that explains how cells can reliably bundle their chromosomes during cell division.
Researchers used carbon isotopes to track shark feeding habits, finding that coastal sharks forage in a range of coastal food webs, while deeper ocean sharks rely on specific areas of colder water. The findings may help conservationists design more effective protection strategies for declining shark populations.
Research reveals that past work commitments can still affect employees negatively, hindering their ability to fully commit to new projects and supervisors. The study identifies common reasons for the end of these commitments, including changes in work circumstances and over-commitment.
A new mathematical tool, based on Bayes' Theorem, was developed to validate and improve methods for interpreting clinical genetic test results. The tool assessed the rigor of widely-used approaches and found that a system of 18 rules is statistically sound and objectively strong.
The Harrington Discovery Institute awards support groundbreaking research in cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and addiction. Physician-scientists receive financial backing and critical resources to advance their work from the clinical realm.
Researchers have found that post-fire logging operations are responsible for declines in spotted owl territory occupancy, contradicting previous reports of large forest fires. The study suggests that preserving natural processes and reducing human disturbance can help protect this imperiled species.
A study found that screening the general population for cancer genes is cost-effective, preventing more breast and ovarian cancers. This approach could lead to thousands fewer cases of these cancers, particularly among women over 30.
A comprehensive review of literature on coral resilience highlights the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study also identifies novel management techniques and overlooked reef areas to protect against climate change impacts.
A new mouse study suggests that a high-salt diet can impair blood flow in the brain, leading to cognitive dysfunction. The researchers found that changes in the gut caused by a high-salt diet led to reduced blood flow and dementia-like symptoms in mice.
The new instrument uses OCT-based technology with an electrically tunable lens to produce higher quality images of the entire eye. This enables whole-eye imaging, improving patient experience and potentially reducing instrument costs.
A recent Portland State University study shows that the term middle class is too simplistic to describe economic status across different countries and cultures. The study found that increases in income did not necessarily translate to reduced structural inequality in Brazil.
Researchers have discovered that mesoporous perovskite solar cells exhibit better output stability than their planar counterparts due to the large surface area of the interface. The mesoporous structure dilutes defects, leading to a more stable power output and increased resilience to defect accumulation.
Researchers design a mathematical model that predicts how mobility affects disease spread, finding that daily mobility reduces epidemics in large cities. The model suggests that recurring mobility helps even out population density, reducing the occurrence of epidemics.
A new study found that taking a specially prepared blend of minerals and nutrients can significantly improve women's running performance. Women who took the supplement saw their 3-mile run times drop from 26.5 to 25.6 minutes, with improvements also seen in stationary bike distance covered and steps taken.
Scientists have created new tiny tubes that can help with water filtration and tissue engineering studies. The tubes are inspired by protein structures called microtubules found in cells and are thousands of times smaller than a human hair.
Researchers have developed a new method to power nanoscale DNA robots using electric fields, enabling fast and precise movement. This breakthrough enables the creation of digital memory, cargo transfer, and 3D printing of molecules.
New research published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that certain flu virus mutations can restore fitness by adding a new sugar molecule to the hemagglutinin, enabling Goldilocks binding to the host cell. This understanding improves efforts to design more effective flu vaccines.
Scientists have successfully controlled magnetic oscillations of certain ferrous materials using electrical fields, enabling faster and more precise data storage. This breakthrough has huge implications for future electronics applications, where magnetic effects are currently difficult to write and store.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that a small adaptation in the protein p62 helps cells respond to stress and activate autophagy, a process that removes damaged components from cells. This discovery could help explain why humans have increased natural defenses and longer lifespans compared to other organisms.
A Boston University study identified evidence of early Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) brain pathology after head impact, even in the absence of signs of concussion. The researchers found that head impact caused persistent changes in brain electrical functions and damaged blood vessels, leading to CTE.
The CancerSEEK test is a noninvasive, multianalyte test that evaluates levels of eight cancer proteins and the presence of cancer gene mutations in the blood. The test has greater than 99% specificity for cancer and can identify the location of tumors with high accuracy.
A new vaccine approach developed at UCLA may help lower hospitalizations due to the flu. The researchers used genomics to identify and eliminate the virus' defense mechanisms, enabling a safe and highly effective vaccine candidate that can be taken as a nasal spray.
Northwestern University researchers have created a new battery using crumpled graphene balls, which can accommodate fluctuation of lithium as it cycles between the anode and cathode. This approach avoids lithium dendrite growth, increasing battery performance and capacity.
A new study finds that neurons in mice with Fragile X syndrome appear normal but fail to interact properly, leading to cognitive impairments. The discovery suggests targeting neuronal interactions may be a promising approach to addressing the genetic defect.
A Russian scientist improved nanofluids for solar power plants by adding titanium dioxide nanoparticles to increase heat transfer efficiency. The researchers found that the properties of the nanofluid radically changed with temperature, improving its ability to generate electrical energy.
Researchers used high-tech tools to analyze Amazonian Dark Earths and found lower biomass, tree height, and tree cover at sites with past human settlement. These areas are more susceptible to drought, indicating the forests still show impacts from pre-Columbian occupation.
A recent study suggests that increasing urban forest coverage by 20% could significantly reduce pollution, energy consumption, and carbon emissions in megacities. The researchers used a tool to estimate the potential benefits of additional tree cover and found that each city has the potential to host an additional 20% of forest canopy.
A long-term health study found a 24% increase in cancer risk among participants with severe periodontitis compared to those with mild to no periodontitis. The highest risk was observed in cases of lung cancer, followed by colorectal cancer.
Researchers have identified 52 microRNAs that are decreased in expression as thyroid cancer becomes more aggressive. Restoring these molecules' levels in tumors may be a novel treatment strategy.
A team of researchers has discovered that chromosomal instability can cause cancer cells to leak DNA, leading to a chronic inflammatory response that enables their spread. This finding opens up new possibilities for targeting metastasis in cancer treatment.
A new algorithm developed by Stanford University's Immigration Policy Lab can optimize refugee resettlement, leading to improved employment and integration rates. The algorithm takes into account individual characteristics and local conditions to match refugees with the most suitable locations.
Researchers found that even small temperature increases can lead to near-total crop failure due to invasive pests. Farmers lack resources to adapt to climate change, putting millions of people at risk of food insecurity.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection in pregnant rhesus monkeys caused placental tissues to become thickened and inflamed, leading to decreased oxygen levels and impaired fetal development. The study's findings may provide important insights into preventing Zika virus infection and disease during pregnancy.
A diet high in inflammatory foods like meats, refined grains, and sugary drinks is associated with a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Higher scores on the inflammatory potential index were linked to an increased risk in both men and women.
Jefferson Lab's Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) successfully delivered beams to all four experimental halls for the first time. This milestone enables researchers to conduct more complex studies and maximize research output, potentially leading to breakthroughs in nuclear physics.
Researchers discovered a complex system regulating the same genes in humans and mice, yet evolved independently. Noncoding RNAs with origins in DNA segments inserted by retrotransposons played a key role in this convergent evolution.
Researchers suggest a biological innovation fueled animal diversification during the Cambrian explosion, rather than atmospheric oxygen changes. Tumor biology insights reveal how stem cells maintain properties in high-oxygen environments, sparking new perspective on tissue renewal.
A new study has identified protein biomarkers that can help monitor the progression and treatment of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) in children. The research found levels of more than 40% of proteins to be significantly different in HGPS samples compared to non-HGPS control samples.
New research by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that exposure to natural environments improves body appreciation and promotes respect for the body, reducing rigid ideals around appearance.