A comprehensive study of China's STEM research environment has found that the country's educational system stifles creativity and critical thinking, and rewards quantity over quality. The study, published in PLOS ONE, gathered data from 731 surveys completed by STEM faculty at top Chinese universities.
A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has discovered a new type of superconductivity in the material YPtBi, which relies on highly unusual electron interactions. The discovery challenges conventional theory and opens up new possibilities for exotic materials.
A new PET tracer has shown potential in predicting treatment effectiveness for depression by measuring the level of serotonin transporter protein in the brain. The study found that patients who responded to treatment had lower levels of this protein before treatment began, suggesting a biomarker for remission.
A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that telemedicine can accurately diagnose a rare cause of blindness in premature babies. The study found no significant difference between in-person and remote exams for diagnosing retinopathy of prematurity, which affects up to 16,000 US babies each year.
Researchers found a small but measurable difference in oxygen isotopes between lunar and terrestrial rocks, proposing that most of Earth's water was acquired during the main stage of its growth. This challenges the widely accepted theory that the Moon formed from debris left over after a giant impact.
Researchers have confirmed the existence of the charge Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition, a mirror-like phenomenon to vortex BKT transitions. The discovery builds on earlier work and could lead to breakthroughs in sensors, communication, memory storage, and other technologies.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission observed heavy convective rainfall southeast of Tropical Cyclone Iris' surface center. Heavy precipitation rates were recorded at over 59 mm per hour in that area.
Researchers developed a smartphone app to generate an objective score that reflects symptom severity in patients with Parkinson's disease. The app uses machine learning and existing smartphone components to collect data on movement, speech, and daily tasks.
Pathogenic bacteria use a unique secretion system to export adhesins, which enable them to adhere to host cells. The study found that the adhesin protein needs to be modified with specific sugars by three enzymes acting in a specific sequence.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a transparent test patch that can signal contamination as it happens, using harmless molecules. The patch can be incorporated into food packaging and monitor contents for harmful pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, providing a definitive indication of safety before consumption.
A Northwestern University study links infant skin exposure and genetics to food allergy development, providing potential ways to intervene early. Limiting use of infant wipes with soap and washing hands before handling babies may help avoid developing food allergy.
A new study highlights the benefits of weekly nutrition classes for improving weight, blood sugars, and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Two diets, low-fat vegan and portion-controlled eating, proved effective in reducing meat consumption and fat intake.
Researchers at UChicago developed a new mathematical method to accurately predict the shape and melting effects of ponds on Arctic sea ice. This technique, known as the 'void' model, could help improve climate forecasts and understanding by addressing discrepancies in previous models.
Herbert Edelsbrunner, a mathematician and computer scientist at IST Austria, has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant for his work on topological data analysis. He will develop a unified theory of alpha shapes, wrap complexes, and persistent homology to broaden and deepen the existing field.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has released new guidelines for the use of endoscopic eradication therapy in patients with Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The guidelines support evidence-based recommendations and clinical guidelines addressing key issues related to Endoscopic Eradicati...
Devin W. Laurence, a University of Oklahoma Mechanical Engineering Senior, won the Grand Prize at the 2018 Research Day at the Capitol with his research on atrioventricular heart valves. The $500 award includes a $4,000 summer research internship and recognizes cutting-edge research in cardiovascular heart valve biomechanics.
The National Science Foundation's GRFP program has announced the offer of 2,000 fellowship awards to high-potential scientists and engineers. The awardees come from diverse backgrounds, including women, underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
Researchers at Lund University discovered that Cry4 protein in birds' eyes is a key magnetoreceptor, providing constant levels throughout the day. This finding supports the idea that other animals have magnetic receptors and may aid in developing new navigation systems.
Seven OU graduate students earned one-year fellowships to conduct research in aeroecology and environmental sustainability. The program aims to train interdisciplinary STEM leaders with effective research skills.
Researchers found that influenza vaccines rarely induce antibodies against the neuraminidase protein, while natural infection does. This suggests that vaccines should be optimized to target NA for broad protection against diverse strains.
A team of researchers at MIT has shown that an FDA-approved dye can be used for short-wave infrared imaging, producing clearer images of blood vessels and other body tissues. This breakthrough could enable doctors to visualize these structures with greater accuracy, leading to improved diagnosis and research.
Researchers have proposed a theoretical device that leverages Majorana fermions to act as a thermoelectric tuner, allowing for the filtering of thermal energy. The device consists of a quantum dot connected to a Kitaev wire with ring-shaped majoranas at its edges.
A multinational team led by Universidad de San Martin de Porres analyzed DNA of modern Inka descendants to reconstruct their ancestry. The study found two patrilineal clusters linked to the Lake Titicaca and Southern Cusco region, supporting long-held myths about the Incas' origins.
A Baylor University study found that securely attached individuals are more likely to engage in social projection when making gift choices, prioritizing their own preferences. In contrast, anxious individuals are better at considering the recipient's tastes and making thoughtful gift selections.
A new blood test has been developed to predict tuberculosis (TB) development in high-risk individuals, such as those living with active TB, up to two years before its onset. The 'RISK4' signature measures the expression levels of four genes associated with inflammatory responses and shows improved accuracy compared to existing tests.
A study published in Cell reveals that tumor cells can be tracked using stemness indices, which help understand cancer progression. The researchers used machine learning algorithms on genomic data from 12,000 samples to identify molecular characteristics of healthy stem cells and differentiated cells.
The study found that rorquals have been hybridizing during their evolutionary history, with genetic barriers between species seemingly non-existent. This rare phenomenon, called sympatric speciation, has significant implications for our understanding of biodiversity.
The US Navy is looking to accelerate innovation and deliver new capabilities quickly to warfighters. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) and leadership from the Naval Research Enterprise will discuss this at Sea-Air-Space.
A new study reveals that HIV-infected patients experience dysfunction in follicular helper T cells, which typically help fight off infection. The researchers found that these cells are not playing their usual role to defend against viral infections.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that children are often the primary decision maker for school lunches and packed lunches, prioritizing their own enjoyment and food preferences. The study's findings suggest that parents' anxieties and reassurances play a significant role in accommodating ch...
A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis studied the formation of new bone and teeth, discovering that miniscule gaps in collagen's fiber structure facilitate the nucleation of calcium phosphate. The findings provide a new view into the current theory of calcium phosphate nucleation in confined spaces.
Researchers found that chickens raised in diverse and stimulating environments retained optimism after being exposed to stress, whereas those in simpler environments lost their optimistic attitude. The study suggests that repeated stress can reduce optimism in animals.
A one-degree temperature increase led to drastic changes in Lake Hazen's ecology, including increased glacial meltwater and fine sediment, affecting light penetration and biological productivity. The findings document an unprecedented shift in the lake's ecosystem, challenging scientists' expectations of its response to climate warming.
Researchers used thousands of observations to find that sagebrush grows at cold sites after warm years but dies at hot sites. The study predicts that populations may decline in warmer areas but increase in colder areas.
Researchers have induced magnetism in platinum with an electric field created by a paramagnetic ionic liquid, creating a switchable 2D ferromagnet. This breakthrough could lead to the development of devices that can simultaneously control charge and spin.
Seven new grants will support studies on personalized treatments, non-invasive cancer cell killing, and early tumor detection using advanced imaging techniques. These projects aim to improve survival statistics for pancreatic cancer patients and accelerate research progress.
A study found that one in ten low-income families with health insurance experience catastrophic medical expenses for chronic heart disease care. Low-income families are three times more likely to experience a significant financial burden compared to middle- to high-income families.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania identified three novel cell populations and understood how kidney disease develops at a single-cell level. They found that specific cell types convert to each other, leading to conditions like chronic kidney disease, which affects about 14 percent of Americans.
A Michigan State University study found unusual lipids in the retina's blood vessels, which may prevent diabetic retinopathy by strengthening the blood-retinal barrier. The discovery could lead to new treatments involving injections or eye drops.
Research reveals that green roof species arrive by hitching lifts on birds or riding air currents, underscoring the importance of adapting soil biology to these environments. The study recommends improving soil engineering to ensure long-term sustainability and encourages further research to connect green roofs to ground-level soils.
A KAIST team created a technology to print heat patterns on a micron scale for controlling biological activities remotely. They achieved this by integrating precision inkjet printing with bio-functional thermo-plasmonic nanoparticles.
A two-year scientific study by the University of Exeter and Cefas is tracking Atlantic bluefin tuna movements in UK waters to aid conservation efforts. The study aims to improve knowledge on the species' migration patterns, habitat use, and interactions with fisheries.
A research team at Lund University has discovered a crucial mechanism regulating protein production in hematopoietic stem cells. The enzyme PUS7 and pseudouridine modification play a vital role in controlling protein synthesis machinery. This control ensures the correct amount of proteins is made, preventing unbalanced stem cell growth.
The University of Minnesota's Clinical and Translational Science Institute has received $42.6 million in renewed NIH funding to accelerate discoveries that lead to treatments and cures for Minnesotans. The five-year award enables clinical and translational researchers across the UMN System and state to make important health discoveries.
Researchers develop a model that explains how microtubule lengths are regulated by motor proteins and resources. The study found that when resources are limited, microtubules can exhibit bistability, resulting in two distinct lengths, which is relevant to cell migration and division.
The European Research Council has invested €650 million in advanced frontier research, with 269 senior researchers across Europe receiving funding for groundbreaking projects. The grants are expected to lead to major scientific advances and potentially create jobs.
Researchers discovered that when live bacteria are spun at high speeds, they aggregate and form a dense disk, but when the spinning stops, the disk collapses due to imperfections on its surface. The resulting rapid movement of bacteria away from their origin of rotation creates an explosion-like effect.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased to 31.7% in March 2018, up from 28.6% in March 2017. This represents a 10.8% increase and the longest duration of job gains in five years.
Researchers have identified a new class of antibiotics, odilorhabdins, which target bacterial ribosomes and disrupt protein synthesis. The unique compounds have shown potential in treating drug-resistant infections.
Researchers from the University of Surrey have developed a new method to measure dark matter at the centre of tiny galaxies. The study used dense star clusters orbiting close to the centre of dwarf galaxies to calculate the inner dark matter density, finding less dark matter in some cases than predicted by models.
A new blood test has been developed to detect early indicators of Alzheimer's disease, measuring the relative amounts of pathological and healthy amyloid-beta forms in the blood. The test was found to reliably detect signs of the disease on average eight years before diagnosis, with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 86%.