Researchers at MIT have developed a heat-rejecting film that can be applied to windows to reflect up to 70% of the sun's incoming heat. This innovative material could significantly reduce air conditioning costs and energy consumption, particularly in hot cities like Hong Kong.
A new study has discovered a mechanism for regulating sleep in fruit flies that involves glial cells and an ingredient commonly found in energy drinks like Red Bull. The researchers found that the gene Eaat2 promotes wakefulness by limiting the length and intensity of sleep periods.
A study analyzing population data over 70 years found that climate change is responsible for a substantial decline in shorebird populations. Rates of daily nest predation have increased threefold in the Arctic and doubled in the North Temperate Zone, leading to devastating effects on population numbers.
During the 2017 total solar eclipse, researchers captured a surprising phenomenon: bees stopped buzzing as Earth fell into complete darkness. The study, led by Candace Galen at the University of Missouri, found that bees did not use the unusual darkness as a cue for night and instead flew during periods of reduced light.
Exposure to whole-body blue light significantly reduces systolic blood pressure by almost 8 mmHg, similar to blood pressure lowering drugs. Blue light also improves other cardiovascular risk markers such as arterial stiffness and increased blood vessel relaxation.
A new study led by James Crall at Harvard University found that exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides has profound effects on a host of social behaviors in bees, including reduced nursing of larvae and decreased social interaction. The study also showed that pesticides impair bees' ability to regulate temperatures inside the nest.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that dopamine neurons are key to inhibiting preplanned actions in monkeys, suggesting a possible mechanism for treating diseases with impaired inhibition. The study used gaze fixation experiments to train monkeys to redirect their attention and measure neuronal activity.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women fed soy-based formula milk as babies are 40% more likely to have used hormonal contraception for menstrual pain relief. The research also showed a 50% increased risk of moderate or severe menstrual discomfort between ages 18-22.
Researchers found that brain cell numbers, not body size or metabolic rate, are the key factors determining maximal longevity in animals. The study suggests that a higher number of cortical neurons leads to longer lifespans and better adaptability.
Research from Children's HealthWatch highlights the importance of access to and effectiveness of programs enabling low-income families to afford basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care. The study found that living in a hardship-free family was associated with good overall health for children and caregivers.
Rutgers is creating a regional Mental Health Technology Transfer Center to train mental health practitioners and support the implementation of evidence-based research. The center will focus on increasing access to treatment, prevention, and recovery services for underserved populations.
A genetic test called ThyroSeq has been shown to reliably distinguish between benign and cancerous thyroid nodules using a small sample of cells. The test correctly identified cancerous nodules as positive 94% of the time and detected benign nodules as negative 82% of the time, preventing unnecessary diagnostic surgeries.
Researchers suggest that humans think using their brain's navigation system, storing information in cognitive spaces. This theory combines evidence from place and grid cells, allowing the formation of mental maps of surroundings and reactivated during later visits.
A recent study published in Nature Immunology found that B cell accumulation triggers nervous system damage in MS patients. The presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) regulates the number of B cells, and their absence leads to inflammation and tissue damage.
A study by Hwan Choi and colleagues found that powered ankle prosthetics can reduce metabolic costs for individuals with transtibial amputations. By adjusting the power setting, users can improve their walking ability and increase activity levels, reducing the risk of health consequences such as diabetes and cardiac disease.
A recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital found no association between urate manipulation and blood pressure, suggesting that treating neurodegenerative disorders with elevated urate levels may not increase the risk of hypertension. The study used phase 2 clinical trial results and animal model studies to support its findings.
The Global Burden of Disease study reveals that global mortality rates for adults stagnated or worsened in some countries in 2017, with fertility rates declining globally. The report also highlights a shortage of healthcare workers, with half of countries facing a shortfall and only 41 having sufficient physicians to serve their popula...
Researchers studied activity sequences in rats' place cells to understand memory consolidation. They found that nested theta sequences during movement are indispensable for sequence reactivations and memory formation during sleep.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new system that captures CO2 from power plants and heavy industry, converting it into industrial fuels with high efficiency. The improved system uses renewable electricity to reduce carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, addressing the two main challenges of cost and scalability.
Researchers used XPCS to study magnetite's electrical conductivity transition from insulator to metallic, finding it occurs in two steps. The technique revealed that the fast phase is one step and the slowing down is the second step, suggesting that metallic and insulating properties coexist during the phase change.
A Phase II study found a combination of azacitidine and nivolumab therapy resulted in a 33% overall response rate and 22% complete remission rate for patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. The drug combination was particularly effective in patients who had not previously received hypomethylating agents, with an overa...
Scientists at IOCB Prague have discovered a previously unknown passive mechanism by which positively charged short peptides can penetrate cells. This process is based on membrane fusion induced by the transported peptides and shares the same mechanistic basis as known processes in neurons during nerve impulses.
The SWOG Cancer Research Network and The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research provide grant support to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to enroll veterans in cancer clinical trials. This program aims to create a sustainable national network of sites offering new treatment options through clinical trials.
The report analyzes 15 countries with the greatest number of deaths from these illnesses, finding that progress is being hampered by persistent inequities. Eight out of 15 countries failed to meet targets for key interventions, highlighting the need for improved access to prevention and treatment.
A team of Université de Montreal researchers has visualized RNA molecule organization in cells using super-resolution microscopy. They found that messenger RNAs exist in multiple configurations, contradicting the long-standing model of a stable closed-loop conformation.
A new research from the University of Vermont provides insight to help predict which plants are likely to become invasive in a particular community. Plant height can be a competitive advantage for non-native plants, enabling them to outcompete native plants and spread more aggressively.
Researchers have developed a new method to rank hotels more accurately, providing insights on areas that matter most to customers. The study found that facilities and staff are key factors in maximizing revenue for hotels.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that late-stage cancers trigger AMPK's cellular recycling signal to cannibalize cell pieces, supplying large lung tumors with nutrients. Blocking AMPK in some conditions may stop advanced tumor growth.
Ancient Andean populations adapted to high-altitude environment with distinct genetic changes, including a co-evolution between the potato and humans. The study suggests that these adaptations allowed them to thrive in extreme conditions.
Scientists identify nine new potential vaccine candidates and six new proteins that could be effective targets for new antimicrobials to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea. The study represents a key step toward developing new weapons against the ever-evolving pathogen.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that traditional glaucoma tests often underestimate the severity of central vision loss. Researchers developed a finer visual field test to assess macular damage and found it can improve diagnosis at no extra cost.
Dr. Alex Huang is awarded a three-year, $1.35 million grant to develop new ways to treat osteosarcoma, a rare cancer that begins in the bone. His research team aims to create immune-based clinical trials to improve treatment outcomes for pediatric and young adult patients.
Princeton researchers have created a way to construct tiny structures, such as soft lenses for smartphones, using a simple method that doesn't require special equipment. The technique uses a liquid film and lasers to create precise patterns of droplets, resulting in uniform hexagonal structures.
A review explores the complexity of evolution's predictability, revealing a mix of contingency and determinism in evolutionary change. The study analyzed various empirical studies to characterize repeatability and contingency in evolution, finding that there is no easy answer to whether history affects the repeatability of evolution.
Researchers have discovered a gene signature biomarker that can predict which patients will respond to immune therapy based on the extracellular matrix's stiffness around cancer cells. The study suggests that stiffening of the ECM barrier may physically block the immune system.
A recent study predicts ragweed will expand its range northward due to climate change, reaching areas including New York and Vermont. The plant's distribution is expected to surge in the eastern US by the 2050s before declining slightly in the following decades.
A study of ancient DNA from Central and South America has revealed two previously unknown genetic exchanges between North and South America, including a continent-wide population turnover. The findings suggest that the Clovis culture had a major demographic impact further south than previously thought.
Climate change has led to a significant increase in nest predation rates among shorebirds worldwide, with Arctic regions experiencing higher rates than the tropics. This shift reverses the historical latitudinal gradient of predation, posing a critical threat to global shorebird populations.
Researchers have developed a faster and simpler technique to analyze the structures of small molecules, reducing the time needed for X-ray crystallography. This new method, microcrystal-electron diffraction (MicroED), allows scientists to study small-molecule structures at high resolution in under 30 minutes.
Research led by INSEAD marketing professors found that people prefer small incremental goals over maintenance goals, even when there is no gap between the starting point and desired state. The brain's negativity bias plays a significant role in this preference, making modest attainment goals more appealing.
Researchers have identified nearly 35,000 hectares of prime viticultural land in the UK, particularly in Kent, Sussex, and East Anglia, suitable for new and expanding vineyards. The areas found to be ideal for vineyard investment are drier, warmer, and more stable than established locations.
The $200-million commitment from the Blavatnik Family Foundation will fund fundamental curiosity-driven research, therapeutics initiatives, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. This transformational gift aims to propel Harvard Medical School toward solving pressing health challenges through innovative therapies and treatments.
Researchers at UMass Amherst create a charge-storing system integrated into clothing using micro-supercapacitors and polymer films. The solid-state device stores high amounts of charge in a compact form, enabling powering of wearable biosensors.
Research at Michigan State University found that better biodiversity leads to more tourists visiting protected areas. A 1% increase in biodiversity results in a 0.87% increase in annual visitors. Strategic management and local community participation can enhance economic development and livelihood benefits.
A team of researchers has successfully replicated the internal channel structures of natural enzymes in metallic nanoparticles, resulting in three times greater catalytic activity. The study focused on the oxygen reduction reaction and found that active centers within the channels enhanced reaction efficiency.
Researchers identified a unique frequency of brainwaves associated with communication between the amygdala and hippocampus, which correlates with worsening mood related to depression and anxiety. The study used intracranial EEG to measure brainwave activity in epilepsy patients and found fluctuations in electrical activity at a specifi...
Scientists discover enzyme arginase 1 plays protective role in retinal health by suppressing inflammation and promoting recovery. Administering pegylated arginase 1 reduces inflammation and subsequent damage following reperfusion injury, offering potential new treatment for neurovascular injury.
Researchers successfully targeted and enhanced alpha oscillations in the somatosensory cortex, resulting in significant decreases in symptoms associated with chronic lower back pain. The study suggests that non-invasive treatment strategies like transcranial alternating current stimulation may one day be used to treat chronic pain.
Researchers found that increases in diarrheal disease cases were closely tied to periods of rainfall, flood recession, and changes in surface water quality. The study suggests that adapting water treatment facilities to handle rapid shifts in surface water quality is crucial to mitigate the risk of waterborne disease.
A new study reveals that patients with untreated hearing loss incur significantly higher total health care costs over time, totaling $22,434 per person over a decade. The study found that older adults with untreated hearing loss generated nearly 46% more in total health care costs compared to those without hearing loss.
Researchers discover that embryonic cells retain a memory of chemical signals they encounter during development. Exposure to WNT and Activin signaling is necessary for differentiation, and cells can remember previous exposure to these signals, even if the signal is absent at the time of treatment.
A study of ancient DNA from 49 individuals in Belize, Brazil, and the Central Andes reveals that most Central and South American ancestry originated from at least three different streams of people entering from North America. The research also detected two previously undocumented genetic exchanges between North and South America.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that grieving spouses with sleep problems have a two-to-three times higher risk of chronic immune activation and increased inflammation, making them more susceptible to heart disease or cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective in treating sleep disturbances, and physicians ...
The EPSRC has announced a £8 million capital investment in research equipment for 36 UK universities, supporting Early Career Researchers and enhancing their career development prospects. The institutions will use the funds to acquire specific equipment, host internal competitions, or invest in targeted groups or individuals.
A geologist has discovered a set of ancient reptile footprints, 28 in number, left behind by a creature 310 million years ago. The discovery is significant as it is the oldest trackway found in Grand Canyon National Park.
Researchers have created phthalocyanines with a ring structure resembling that of hemoglobin or chlorophyll, which can be switched into different states with green light, affecting their chemical behavior. This discovery opens up new avenues for biomimetics and the development of novel molecules optimized for nature-specific applications.
Researchers investigate turbulence scaling in fluids at critical points, finding anisotropy and compressibility impact scaling behavior. Four types of scaling regimes identified, with anisotropy key to determining emerging behavior.
A predictive model suggests common ragweed will expand its range into major northeast metro areas due to climate change, affecting millions with hay fever and asthma. The study found potential expansion at the northern margins of its current distribution, particularly in the northeast U.S.
Researchers created a new drainage device that combats biofouling by using microtechnology, allowing for a more reliable and effective implant for treating glaucoma. The device varies flow resistance to customize treatment for each patient, helping to save eyesight.
A study from the University of Tampere found that direct eye contact with someone can reduce subsequent lying. In an interactive experiment, participants played a lying game on a computer against another person, with the opponent's gaze being either direct or downward towards their screen.