Researchers have successfully implanted protons into iron-based superconductors, inducing bulk superconductivity with Tc at 20 K. Protonation also enhances Tc in FeS, overcoming the difficulty of lacking sensitive NMR isotopes.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology found that elderly people walk at a slower speed and tire more quickly due to muscle loss. Building up leg muscles may be the only way to improve elderly walking, according to the study's findings.
The California sea lion population has fully rebounded under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), reaching carrying capacity in 2008. The species' recovery reflects an important success for the MMPA, which recognized marine mammals as a central element of their ocean ecosystems.
After the Affordable Care Act eliminated cost sharing for screening mammograms, mammogram rates increased six percentage points among older women, according to a Brown University study. The study found that eliminating copayments led to an increase in their use and was concentrated among women with more education.
Scientists have shown that alternation of wet and dry conditions can drive the prebiotic synthesis of RNA nucleosides. The new experiments demonstrate a plausible route for the formation of these building blocks, which constitute the informational components of RNA.
The MDI Biological Laboratory has developed a new mobile phone app to help community organizations track and analyze crowd-sourced environmental data. The app, based on the Anecdata.org portal, allows citizen scientists to log data in the field and make it quick and easy to receive notifications and share observations.
A Stanford-led study found that even modest weight gain causes significant changes in the human microbiome, cardiovascular system, immune system, and gene expression. When participants lost the weight, most systems recalibrated back to normal states.
Chemically toughened glass is being explored for use in car windshields, providing strength and durability while reducing weight and cost. This new material has potential applications in wearable electronic devices, hurricane-resistant windows, and pharmaceutical vials.
A team of researchers has estimated the number of protein molecules in a simple cell for the first time, revealing around 42 million molecules. The study's findings provide insights into how cells control protein abundance and may help reveal molecular roots of disease.
A study led by Lounès Chikhi found that Bornean elephants are likely a natural colonization of the island, dating back around 11,400 to 18,300 years. The research team used genetic data analysis and computational modeling to shed light on the animals' past demographic history.
Researchers studying nervous system adaptation to ischemic damage hope to develop effective therapeutic strategies by understanding how neural networks function under stress. They have developed methods for modeling different phases of ischemia and studied the features of neural network operation under such effects.
KAIST researchers have developed a new technique to improve the chemical stability of electrode materials in solid oxide fuel cells. By employing a small amount of metals, they can extend the lifespan of these energy technology devices. This innovation has the potential to improve the long-term performance and durability of fuel cells.
A new report by Dr. Nav Persaud at St. Michael's Hospital suggests that the widely prescribed nausea medication Diclectin may not be effective in reducing symptoms for pregnant women. The report reanalyzes previously unpublished clinical trial data, which found a small symptom reduction of 0.7 points on a 13-point scale.
Researchers identified midbrain 'start neurons' that control locomotion speed and context-dependent behaviors. The study uses optogenetics to activate specific neuronal groups, revealing the complex role of the Cuneiform Nucleus and pedunculopontine nucleus in controlling locomotor movements.
A Lehigh team, backed by the Canadian government and philanthropic foundations, is developing test strips for women's health issues in rural Africa. The project aims to quickly diagnose urinary tract infections and prevent premature labor, low birth weight, or spontaneous abortion.
Researchers have identified a new precision medicine approach for metastatic pancreatic cancer, analyzing tumor RNA to match patients with targeted drugs. The approach has shown clinical responses in three of four patients, targeting 'master regulator proteins' responsible for cancer cell survival.
Scientists from Waseda University and others have successfully visualized the structure of heterochromatin using cryo-electron microscopy. The study sheds light on how heterochromatin regulates genes and its connection to various diseases, including cancer and virus infections.
Researchers created the largest publicly available chemical database of hair dye substances to develop new, safer hair colors. The database reveals promising approaches for reducing allergic reactions and cancer risk associated with permanent hair dyes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that oxysterols stimulate specific immune cells to form lymphoid tissue in both health and disease. Oxysterols also contribute to chronic inflammation in ulcerative colitis, leading to tissue damage.
A new study found that most NIH grants awarded to pediatric researchers in the past five years have been limited to senior physicians at a few institutions. This downward trend in funding affects early-career physician-scientists, potentially hindering research discoveries and patient treatments.
The study tested a new combination of gemcitabine and sirolimus in patients with sarcomas, showing a 44% rate of patients free of progression at 3 months. Researchers believe the treatment's positive results warrant further evaluation in subsequent studies.
Researchers link oral health to cancer prevention via bacteria associated with periodontitis. Periodontitis may facilitate the spread of oral bacteria and their virulence factors to other parts of the body, contributing to cancer development.
Researchers at UNIST created a new type of underwater adhesive that is stronger than natural biological glues used by mussels. The hydrogel-based adhesive exhibits strong adhesion under wet conditions due to reversible interlocking between reconfigurable microhook arrays.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a unique structure in the mantis shrimp's club that protects it from self-inflicted damage, enabling the development of ultra-strong materials. The club's striated region wraps around the club to prevent catastrophic cracking, similar to hand wraps used by boxers.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that people born during previous pandemics were at higher risk of dying during subsequent outbreaks. The analysis suggests exposure to pandemic influenza early in life may be a risk factor for mortality.
Researchers at Osaka University and The University of Tokyo describe the unique binding of RNF168 to lysine 63 chains, which is stabilized by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. This study provides insights into the molecular interactions that assure the recruitment of DNA repair proteins.
Research suggests that cervical dilatation during labor for vaginal births can progress more slowly than the widely accepted benchmark of 1 cm/hour in many women. Women giving birth to their first child and progressing at the slowest rates may take up to 7 hours to reach full dilation.
Researchers developed a therapeutic complex based on multi-layer polymer nano-structures of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to effectively rehabilitate patients after acute spinal injuries, strokes, and heart attacks. The substance can neutralize free radicals and reduce swelling, promoting faster recovery.
Despite previous mixed conclusions, a large-scale study by University of York researchers found no evidence to support the theory that violent video games make players more violent. The team tested over 3,000 participants with varying levels of gaming realism, including 'ragdoll physics', and discovered no priming effect on aggression.
LJI researchers reveal LIGHT, a tumor necrosis factor super family member, drives skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis. The discovery provides a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of severe eczema. Therapies blocking LIGHT signaling may halt disease symptoms and reverse symptoms.
A new study from WCS, Duke University, and the Centre for Wildlife Studies in India found that communities near Rajasthan wildlife reserves show a high tolerance for wildlife. Despite experiencing losses, 85% of respondents believed protecting wildlife was important.
Research by Anglia Ruskin University reveals female fiddler crabs prioritize accelerating courtship displays over constant or slowing ones. The findings suggest that females value males' quality based on their ability to perform demanding activities, conserving energy until necessary.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel catalytic system to split water and make hydrogen using normal sunlight. The new catalyst combines nanostructured black phosphorus for water reduction and bismuth vanadate for water oxidation, achieving an ideal 2:1 ratio of hydrogen and oxygen production.
Researchers discovered significantly smaller eyes and tails in fish from coral reefs subjected to intense commercial shark fishing, highlighting the impact of human-driven shark declines on marine ecosystems. This finding underscores the urgent need to understand the consequences of shark removals on ecosystem dynamics.
A national survey found that healthy and wealthy Americans dominate the market for mobile phone apps tracking sleep habits, with 28% of users reporting regular usage. The study suggests that these apps may offer a way to diagnose and treat sleep problems more effectively, but their value remains unclear.
Researchers used brain imaging techniques to study how infants process touch, finding that 7-month-old babies have a basic connection between 'self' and 'other.' This connection allows them to imitate and learn from others, and eventually develop empathy.
A study of 54,446 people found that obesity significantly increases the risk of suffering from both cancer and heart disease. Women are particularly vulnerable, with a 12 times greater risk of cancer and 5 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with a normal weight.
A study published in JAMA found that bariatric surgery prolongs lifespan in obese individuals, with a 50% lower death rate compared to traditional medical treatment. The study tracked 33,540 obese individuals for up to 10 years and revealed that women have the majority of bariatric surgery.
A recent study has identified over 2,000 regulatory regions involved in learning that are strongly associated with autism. The research team found a genetic mutation linked to increased risk of developing autism in one of these regions, offering a promising new approach to diagnosis and treatment.
A team of researchers has devised a decoy molecule to disrupt the inception and persistence of pain memories. The RNA-based medicine reduces pain-associated behaviors by blocking the creation of pain-signaling proteins.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that cognitive training improved memory scores by 35-40% in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, with benefits lasting six months. The training program, MEMO, also showed promise against dementia and depression.
Researchers identified G-CSF as a key player in the development of cocaine addiction, altering mice's desire for the drug but not other rewards. Manipulating G-CSF in the brain's reward center could reduce addiction-like behaviors, paving the way for new treatments.
The largest X-ray galaxy cluster ever discovered contains the mass of three million billion suns and is composed of two colliding clusters, with most mass hidden in dark matter. Hubble's observations also show that the hot gas is being torn from the dark matter during the collision.
Researchers have discovered a new material that slows down the decay of hot electrons in solar cells, allowing for more energy to be harvested. This could lead to a significant increase in solar cell efficiency, from 33% to 66%, and make a major contribution to providing clean and sustainable energy.
A retrospective cohort study found that women diagnosed with GDM have a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. The study highlights the importance of targeted risk factor management to improve long-term metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes.
A retrospective cohort study found that bariatric surgery is associated with a lower risk of death from any cause compared to nonsurgical obesity management. The study analyzed data from over 8,000 patients who underwent weight-loss surgery and 25,000 who received nonsurgical care.
ViLim Ball technology created by Lithuanian startup company Fidens helps reduce uncontrollable shaking hands and morning stiffness associated with essential tremor and rheumatoid arthritis. The device is effective in 7 out of 10 cases and has been tested with human subjects.
In southeastern Alaska, brown and black bears are the primary seed dispersers of berry-producing shrubs. Bears disperse approximately 200,000 devil's club seeds per square kilometer per hour through their scat. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about bird involvement in seed dispersal.
Researchers confirmed a mechanistic link between HSD17B4 and treatment-resistant prostate cancer. The study found that men lacking a specific isoform of the gene are more susceptible to aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers found that fish living downstream from sewage treatment plants must work at least 30% harder just to survive due to the presence of pharmaceuticals and other contaminants. This increased metabolic rate reduces their energy for vital functions such as movement, evading predators, and reproduction.
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center are studying the mechanisms behind cell-size control in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a unicellular green alga. The study aims to gain insights into how cell division is controlled in more complex organisms where it's harder to study the impacts of noise on cellular decision making.
A new study published in Child Development suggests that bilingualism may increase cognitive flexibility in kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Bilingual children with ASD outperformed their monolingual peers in shifting tasks, indicating a potential benefit of language exposure on executive functions.
A national survey of over 700 adults who helped manage common chronic illnesses found that many wish they could understand their loved one's condition better or get more involved in their care. However, health providers often fail to inform them or involve them in decisions, despite the potential benefits for patient success.
A study of 8947 African American and White students found that a non-discriminatory school climate and increased teacher diversity are associated with lower delinquent behavior scores. Perceived peer inclusion surprisingly increases delinquent behavior, highlighting the need for programs to incentivize teachers of color.
UConn researchers have created a biodegradable pressure sensor that can be implanted in the body to monitor conditions like chronic lung disease and swelling of the brain. The sensor emits a small electrical charge when pressure is applied, allowing for non-invasive monitoring and potential treatment via electrical stimulation.
A new carbon-based nanocomposite with embedded metal ions has shown impressive performance as a catalyst for electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen. The material's high catalytic activity and stability could lead to low-cost and efficient hydrogen production, a key step towards clean fuel.
Researchers found a link between PD-L1 expression in antigen presenting cells and clinical response to treatment in melanoma and ovarian cancer patients. This suggests that current biomarkers, such as tumor PD-L1 expression, may not be reliable indicators of immunotherapy efficacy.
A randomized controlled trial found that systematic bright light exposure improved sleep efficiency and self-reported sleep quality in fatigued cancer survivors. The intervention showed significant effects compared to dim light exposure.
A recent study at Tampere University found that an eNose can identify the most common bacteria causing soft tissue infections without prior sample preparation. The device differentiates between MRSA and MSSA with high accuracy, reducing treatment times and costs.
A study published in Seismological Research Letters found no correlation between great earthquake rates and lunar phases or day of the year. Large earthquakes were matched with lunar phase and day data to rule out random patterns, and no significant effects were detected.